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By Trent Levakis
EDITION
Academy Youth Productions heats up IN THIS tlevakis@thereminder.com
EASTHAMPTON
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“There’s something to be said for the show itself; it’s a very optimistic, joyful message of people’s expectations of you based on image or just your place in the world, defying expectations and having power in yourself,” Lawrence said. “There’s a lot of crap going on in the world that we can’t really control or have any say in a lot of ways, but at least
for these four hours every week in rehearsal, we’re able to come together and work on something that’s joyful, work on something that’s fun [and] rewarding.” The show is part of the theater’s Academy Youth Production series, which started in 2011 in an effort to invite young actors
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International, and all authorized performance materials are also supplied by the group. Lawrence said working with such passionate youth makes the Academy Youth Productions so successful and a worthwhile program for the community to come out and support, especially with such a beloved classic like “Legally Blonde.”
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The Academy of Music Theatre.
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NORTHAMPTON — An instant classic is making its way to Northampton during the last weekend of May. As part of the Academy of Music’s Youth Production series, community youth actors will grace the stage for “Legally Blonde, Jr.” on Friday and Saturday, May 29 and 30, at 7 p.m. The production, which features actors between the ages of 12 and 17, is based on the hit film and 2007 Broadway musical by the same name. The musical follows the adventures of sorority girl Elle Woods, who tries to win her ex-boyfriend back by earning a Harvard law degree. Once at school, she is challenged by her peers, professors and her ex, but with the help of some new friends, Elle realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world. The Academy rendition is co-directed by Academy Education Director Kyle Lawrence and Academy Associate Education Director Zazie Tobey, with music direction provided by Lauren Fleit and stage management from Madison VanDeurzen. According to the theater, “Legally Blonde, Jr.” music and lyrics come from the work of Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and the book is by Heather Hach. The musical is based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture. The production is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theater
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