From the second the hot pink, glittery curtain rose for Heritage High School’s production of Legally Blonde, you knew you were in for a good, albeit pink time. With this being the first high school production of Legally Blonde in Virginia, Heritage had much to prove but most definitely did not disappoint.

The musical centers on UCLA sorority girl Elle Woods and her quest to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner. Part of that quest though, means being accepted into Harvard Law School and proving that she’s smarter than her blonde hair and pretty face would lead people to believe. Faster than you can say, “Oh my God you guys!” Elle is chosen for Professor Callahan’s prestigious internship and is part of the legal team for the murder trial of the decade. Through her unwavering integrity and own brand of legal defense she finally does prove to everyone and herself that she can be both serious and legally blonde. The musical is based on the 2001 hit movie of the same name that starred Reese Witherspoon as Elle. The original Broadway stage production was both a critical and commercial success garnering seven Tony nominations and ten Drama Desk Award nominations. Filled with highly choreographed numbers and complicated staging, this production could be a daunting challenge, but Heritage definitely rose to that challenge.

The energy seemed to flow endlessly from the cast throughout the entire play and every single member committed completely to his or her character. Whether they were in the background or center stage everyone interacted with their surroundings in character and never made you think that they were all high school students.

As Elle, sophomore Katie Blackburn proved to have a voice and acting chops way beyond her years. There was never a missed note or punch line she did not land. She made Elle the perfect amount of girly and peppy without coming off as annoying or trying too hard. Hard-working Emmett (David Foulke) was equal amounts encouraging and adorable which made the eventual relationship between him and Elle all that much sweeter.

Michelle Radcliffe particularly shined as hair dresser Paulette, nailing both the Italian accent and the vocally difficult song “Ireland.” It seemed every line that came out of her mouth left the audience out of breath with laughter. She was not the only one though, from the stereotypical nerdy Harvard law student to the very literal court stenographer, every person hit the comic cues perfectly and left the audience in stitches scene after scene.

The set was extremely versatile and made the complicated staging look seamless. Although there were some microphone troubles, the cast persevered and the near-professional pit covered up a lot of the problems. On-stage costume changes and perfect lighting also genuinely brought the production to another level.

Heritage High School tackled this extremely difficult musical with humor and poise. It was thoroughly entertaining. Although this may be the first time a high school has performed Legally Blonde in Virginia, the bar has been set extremely high by Heritage.

by Ellen Dando of Lake Braddock

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Glittering pink curtains flutter away to reveal the cast of Heritage High School’s Legally Blonde, whose energy and spirits were just as high as their jumps and kicks. This peppy production showcased the talents of the crew and cast, especially those able to dance in six-inch heels!

Legally Blonde, based on the popular movie and book of the same name, opened on Broadway in 2007, and soon gained a gross of nearly $1,000,000 per week. Licensing rights have only recently been released, and Heritage put on the first high school performance in Virginia. The musical follows Elle Woods, the smart and peppy president of the Delta Nu sorority, whose heart is broken when her boyfriend Warner dumps her before setting off to Harvard Law, hoping to find someone more “serious.” Determined to prove she has brains under her perfectly styled blonde hair, Elle studies up and heads to Harvard, intending to win back her man but learning more about herself in the process.

Heritage’s production was carried by a delightful set of actors who each had a distinct character that was never dropped. In scenes and parts both small and large, every actor inhabits the stage fully immersed in their role, and acts in the moment both with reactions to the main storyline and with their own stage business. Although the ensemble’s singing at times fell behind the fast pace of the music, they would quickly recover to deliver the energy of each song.

Katie Blackburn as Elle had infectious energy in her songs and dances, and her cheery singing voice moved fluidly with the story arc, transitioning easily to a more resonant and doleful tone. Blackburn portrayed distinct relationships with the two male leads, Warner (JJ Engelbrecht) and Emmett (David Foulke). Engelbrecht creates a sympathetic version of Warner, a character choice that delineates him from the play’s portrayal of him as a “black hat.” He is complimented by Foulke, whose delightful awkwardness as Emmett makes him a lovable character.

Distinct among the supporting cast is Michelle Radcliffe, whose comic timing as Paulette the hairdresser was matched by her vocal finesse. In the song “Ireland,” she effortlessly bounces between the comic and the tragic, accenting her character’s boldness with a forlorn song that leaves the audience with chills.

The actors were supported (both literally and figuratively) by a pink-and-cream set that added a visual flair to the stage. Angular stairs created levels for actors, and as the scenes changed, tall columns rotated to reveal alternate sides and platforms rolled on, containing colorful renderings of rooms and locations. Costuming showed a particular attention to detail, as Elle’s imagines her sorority, clothed in exact versions of their previous costumes, but all in white. Microphone feedback was problematic in some dialogue scenes, but the sound quality was solid during musical numbers.

This sharp, funny musical demands quite a lot from cast and crew. But Heritage High School’s Legally Blonde lit up the stage with energy and polish that brought the show to life.

by Anna Coughlan of Lake Braddock

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First, take some pink. Add a completely hyper college sorority girl, and some more pink. Throw in some music, pink, singing, dancing, pink, Harvard Law School, and oh yeah, more pink. Mix it all together, slap a punny title on it, and you've got yourself Heritage High School's recent production of Legally Blonde, The Musical.

Based upon the novel and 2001 film Legally Blonde, with music and lyrics by Nell Benjamin and Laurence O'Keefe and book by Heather Hach, the show opened on Broadway in April 2007. It closed on October 19th, 2008 after 595 performances, and was nominated for 7 Tony Awards. The show also toured North America for 3 years and ran on London's West End for 4 years, for which it received the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical. An important note about Heritage's production is that it is one of only a few high school productions of this show in the country, and the first in Virginia.

The show revolves around Malibu-born sorority girl Elle Woods (Katie Blackburn), who believes she is about to be proposed to by her boyfriend Warner (JJ Engelbrecht). After Warner breaks up with her instead, Elle is determined to follow him to Harvard Law School to prove she's “serious”. After being admitted, she fails to impress her Criminal Law professor Callahan (Garrett Hill) and finds out Warner is going out with another student. Fellow classmate Emmett (David Foulke) and hairdresser Paulette (Michelle Radcliffe) convince Elle to work hard to pass the class and win a prestigious internship with the professor's law firm. Elle gets the scholarship, but after finding out that she only got it because the professor wants to hit on her, Elle is determined to prove that she can be both pink and a lawyer, and manages to win the case they were working.

Katie Blackburn does a very good job as Elle. Her voice was amazing, and she was able to maintain the same level of extremely high vocal energy throughout the entire show. She also managed to portray all of Elle's idiosyncrasies without detracting from the other actors. Foulke played Emmett quite well, showing the progression of the character over time very clearly. A definite favorite of the audience was Kyle the UPS Guy (Zach Benson), as his sensuous manner attracted both Paulette and exuberant laughter from the audience. Most of the actors did a good job with stage presence and singing, but there were both standouts and some exceptions.

Almost all of the technical aspects were right on point. The orchestra, while very small, was able to perform the music well and true to the original production, although at some points the singing and accompaniment did not match. The lighting was generally well-executed, but there were a few spots on the stage that were in shadow for most of the show. The costumes are also worth mentioning, especially with the Delta Nu ensemble. The costume team managed to find outfits both in color and all white that matched almost exactly, something that is hard to do for a high school production.

Overall, Heritage High School did a very good job with the show. They took a show which has not been done many times by high schools, with high standards set by a movie, and delivered a high quality, interesting show. So whether there for the laughs or the music, the love or the pink, this show delivered.

by Jonathan Halverson of The New School of Northern Virginia

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What does it take to get into Harvard Law School, steal your boyfriend back, and successfully defend an innocent woman? To be blonde. Legally Blonde. The Heritage High School Theater Department in Leesburg, Virginia knows all about how to do so, especially after their laudable performance of Legally Blonde the Musical over the last weekend.

The musical has been in the public eye since its first performance in 2007, when it was aired live on MTV and was praised for being upbeat and fun. It was nominated for 23 different awards in its original Broadway run, including 7 Tony Award Nominations. The original West End production which is still running has been nominated for 15 awards and has won 7 of those nominations. The show follows Elle Woods (Katie Blackburn) as she follows her ex-boyfriend Warner (JJ Engelbrecht) to law school to prove that she is serious. She meets many new people, such as her new friends Paulette (Michelle Radcliffe) and Emmett (David Foulke) and her callous Professor Callahan (Garrett Hill).

Blackburn had strong, clear, consistent vocals through-out the entire performance. Her over-following energy was enjoyable to watch and fit the show’s personality very well. During some of her songs, she was joined by a Greek Chorus of Sorority Girls, headed by Margot (Katherine Kettler), Serena (Macy Magee), and Pilar (Christi Querry). The Sorority Girls were great, the group’s energy and characterization was spot-on. Similarly, Radcliffe’s character was solid, carrying herself on stage with poise and humor. Along with that, Foulke portrayed the change of the character’s temperament well, believably playing both ends of the spectrum of his character. There were minimal moments when the energy overwhelmed the music, but the orchestra was able to pull through with strength. The small orchestra deserves praise for their ability.

The technical aspects of the show deserve mention as well. The lighting was able to create the mood on stage well, using gels and timing appropriately with few dark spots. Similarly, the sound worked well with what they had with few moments where the microphones overwhelmed the music. The set was impressive; the large set of stairs that integrated with the platforms was not only functional but also aesthetic and the swiveling columns were a nice addition to the set. The costumes were impressive as well, changing as the scenes changed. The other technical aspects, such as props and make up, added more dimensions to the show that were rarely distracting.

Overall, the show was strong and exciting, enjoyable and pink. The cast and crew of this production ought to be proud of the work that they put forth because “Omigod You Guys”, “ Serious”, this is “What You Want”.

by Dan Barr of Robinson Secondary School

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A Greek chorus. A love triangle. A titanic struggle for justice. Malibu Barbie in a navy blue pantsuit. If this plot doesn’t yet sound familiar, that’s because it’s new to the stage: Heritage High School’s recent production Legally Blonde the Musical was the first in Virginia, and one of the first in the nation, to be performed by a high school. In addition to making local theatre history, Heritage followed through with a professional-quality production that shone with smiles, energy, and precision.

Legally Blonde the Musical, based on the 2001 film in addition to the original novel, was first performed on Broadway in 2007. In the show, sorority sister Elle Woods works her way into and through Harvard Law School to win back an ex-boyfriend, but winds up involved in defending a murder trial and instead discovers her passion for helping others.

In Heritage’s production, Katie Blackburn excelled as peppy, brilliant protagonist Elle Woods. Her endearing trill harmonized sweetly with the solid voice of her male counterpart, David Foulke as charmingly dorky Emmett. Blackburn’s energy, professionalism, and flair helped her carry the show, while Foulke complemented her more driven sass with subtle, down-to-earth comedy. Completing the love triangle was JJ Engelbrecht, as Warner Huntington III, a role that Engelbrecht imagined complexly with layers ranging from outright jerk to pathetically broken reject with sugar-pop vocals in between.

Michelle Radcliffe gave an outstanding comedic and vocal performance as stylist Paulette Bonafonté. Her consistent accent, punchy attitude, and strong stage presence combined to reach their peak in her beautifully sung solo number “Ireland,” one of the show’s most heartrending highlights. Alongside her, Zach Benson earned eruptions of laughter as Paulette’s love interest Kyle, the UPS Guy.

Featured dancer, Donald Tran, lit up the stage with his breakdancing solo as Video Bill Cosby, while Macy Magee brought a cheerleader’s sensuality and spirit to her own dancing as sorority sister Serena. Overall, Allison Perhach’s sassy choreography was challenging while showcasing the various talents of the ensemble, from jumproping gymnastics to hip-hop seduction.

Between the actors’ engagement in the scene, seemingly improvised mannerisms, and theatrical voices, the ensemble created stellar showstoppers several times throughout the show, particularly crowd favorite “Gay or European?”

Many technical elements took advantage of the new show’s opportunities for creativity, particularly the set designers, who used innovative elements like triangular columns and versatile steps to create settings from department store to law school classroom. Props were just as well executed, with sparkling details like Elle’s Harvard headshot and the dog birthday cake. The most outstanding technical element was the costuming, which featured incredible attention to detail as showcased in the Delta Nu sorority sisters’ all-white replicated costumes as the Greek chorus.

“Omigod You Guys” doesn’t do Heritage justice, but a show this exciting shouldn’t be seen as too “Serious.” Instead, the production was a perfect balance, much like its protagonist: an enchanting, delightful evening halfway between solemn stereotype-breaking and sunny celebration.

by Catherine Lucia Addington of Bishop Ireton High School

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“Omigod, omigod you guys! Looks like Heritage High’s gonna win the prize, if there ever was a perfect cappies show, this would qualify, omigod you guys!”

“Legally Blonde the Musical” with music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, is based on the popular novel Legally Blonde by Amanda Brown and the 2001 film of the same name. Although it may be somewhat undervalued on Broadway, “Legally Blonde the Musical” has been nominated, and won numerous critics awards like Best New Musical, and Best New Touring Musical. The story follows

the recently heartbroken Elle Woods, a sorority president from California, as she embarks on a crazy quest to Harvard Law School to try and win back her ex-boyfriend Warner. Along the way, law students and professors alike doubt her abilities but with the help of Emmett she is able to learn more about herself, succeed in law school and win her first major (and highly publicized ) court case ever!

Despite the fact that Heritage High School had some very large shoes to fill, being the first high school in Virginia to do the show, the actors and production staff alike did an absolutely fantastic job and left nothing to be desired. It’s a rare occasion that you stumble upon a show of such professional quality and energy; sometimes I actually forgot I was in a high school theatre rather than the Kennedy Center. Elle Woods (Katie Blackburn) had a beautiful voice and automatically became an audience favorite with her little quirks and ditzy moments. Her co-star and Harvard mentor, Emmett (David Foulke), also dazzled on stage in musical numbers like “Legally Blonde” and “Chip on My Shoulder” with his genuine emotions that made you want to get out of your seat and go hug him, and impressive falsetto.

The supporting cast was equally as strong and carried the show from start to finish with their high energy and dance, as well as character interactions, never allowing for a dull moment. Paulette (Michelle Radcliffe), Elle’s hairdresser and best friend in Boston, was absolutely hilarious and maintained a very impressive and consistent Boston accent. Her solo in the song “Ireland” not only showcased her vocal aptitude but also her ability to make the audience laugh—two things she did very well! JJ Engelbrecht who was cast as Warner also did a terrific job vocally, and really embodied his character’s undesirable features and qualities, making him the definite “bad guy” in the show. Vivienne also did a terrific job portraying the snobby, self-absorbed law student who always tried to compete with Elle. However her change from “mean girl” to new best friend seemed a little rushed and sudden, but perhaps this could be attributed to the writing. Another favorite (and rightly so) was Kyle, the macho UPS man and love interest of Paulette who strutted about the stage saying, “I have a package”.

The set in this show was very interesting and versatile. The same angled stairs could be used throughout the entire show making scene changes both easy and quick, and the columns could be changed into different things just by spinning them. Sound was sometimes and issue but the actors never let it affect them. The costumes were impeccably detailed, and everything matched making it very uniform and professional. Hair and makeup were also equally as professional and among the best I’ve ever seen.

Heritage High School’s performance of “Legally Blonde the Musical” was a sheer delight to watch and take part of and I can’t wait to see what they decide to do next year!

by Halie Beard of Bishop Ireton High School

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“Omigod You Guys!” Heritage High School is like totally on a winning streak with Legally Blonde the Musical! Heritage High School is the first high school in Virginia to perform the coveted Broadway musical. Legally Blonde the Musical is the story of Elle Woods, a Malibu blonde Barbie, who is dumped by her UCLA stud senior year because she’s more of a Marilyn than a Jackie (Kennedy) and he needs somebody serious if he’s going to be a Senator by the time he’s 30. Elle comes up with “a completely brilliant plan” and follows him to Harvard Law School. Elle may be a Delta Nu party girl, but she is no dumb blonde. At Harvard, she finds out that Warner has a new girlfriend, Vivian Kensington, who will stop at nothing to embarrass Elle anywhere she can. Elle meets Emmett who guides her through her studies and helps her to become a first-rate, independent lawyer. She ends up representing Workout queen, Brooke Wyndham and “finds her way” while staying “legally blonde.”

Katie Blackburn played Elle Woods and was simply stunning. The audience could not get enough of her voice, which was good because she was belting it out in almost every song. With fabulous character analysis, we watched Katie transform Elle from a UCLA Fashion Merchandising major to a Harvard Law graduate. We were all blown away by her stellar performance and I am excited to see where her acting career takes her since she is only a sophomore this year. Another honorable mention was Katie’s talented costar David Foulke who played Emmett. Portraying the awkward graduate with no taste in clothes, David had a fabulous voice, which broke our hearts in the title song. Paulette, played by Michelle Radcliffe, was the kooky hairdresser that convinces Elle not to go to the dark side and become and brunette. Serenading us with her Irish fantasies, Michelle illustrated the dog-loving, bend and snapping ball of hair extensions with swagger and grace.

Another highlight of the show was a fantastic ensemble. Rarely do you see a high school ensemble with such energy and character work. From the perfume salesman in “Take It Like A Man” to the group of hairdressers in Paulette’s hair salon, the Heritage High School ensemble never missed a beat. The most fabulous ensemble of all, of course, was the Delta Nu’s! The catty, witty sorority sisters doubled as the Greek Chorus in Elle’s head when she went to Harvard. The three main sisters were Margot (Katherine Kettler), Serena (Macy Magee), and Pilar (Christi Querry) who were always just around to corner to bless Elle with some advice or make her sound crazy. Macy Magee as Serena especially had great character work, danced fantastically, and made each Delta Nu drip with venomous sparkle.

The set, lead by Garrett Hill, was fully functional and spectacular. The pink steps cascading down the stage served as a sorority house, law classroom, department store, and courtroom. It was versatile and, most importantly, believable. Sometimes, the microphones would drown out the ensemble and become irritatingly loud but it these occasions were few and far apart.

Overall, Heritage High School rocked this hot pink production and I was thoroughly honored to see such talent onstage.

by Jack Ladd of Bishop Ireton High School

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Oh my God! Oh my God you guys! Looks like Heritage High School’s production of Legally Blonde the Musical has won the prize. The students at Heritage High School had the audience on their feet all throughout their top-notch performance.

Legally Blonde the Musical, written by Heather Hatch, with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, tells the hilarious story of a sorority girl’s quest to win back her true love at Harvard University. Elle Woods is that sorority girl. Based on the movie Legally Blonde, written by Amanda Brown, this musical received seven Tony nominations and ten Drama Desk nominations after starting on Broadway in 2007.

Heritage High School’s production of Legally Blonde the Musical was terrific. From the cast to the people behind the scenes, the people involved in this show worked extremely hard to make it so great. Every single member of this cast was extremely talented and looked like they were truly enjoying themselves while entertaining the audience, which is very important to a successful show.

Elle Woods, played by Katie Blackburn, is the pink loving sorority girl who decides to take on Harvard Law School to get her man back. Blackburn was spectacular. She was confident in her decisions, always had wonderful stage presence, and her voice was truly fantastic. Blackburn obviously spent time developing her character and this was shown in the great character dynamics she portrayed throughout the show. Emmett, played by David Foulke, is the humble, fun loving lawyer who helps Elle get through law school. Foulke had an amazing voice. Whenever he went into his falsetto he could melt the audience’s hearts with his sincerity. Foulke’s portrayal of the nerdy, but lovable character was very well done.

As previously stated, there were no weak links in this cast and in fact some of the strongest characters had supporting or ensemble roles. Paulette, played by Michelle Radcliffe, is the sincere and lovely hairdresser who became one of Elle’s best friends. Radcliffe shined in her performance of “Ireland” because of her gorgeous voice and how confidently she carried herself. Another character that was always full of energy and very fun to watch was Margot, played by Katherine Kettler. Kettler embraced the Delta Nu attitude and was a pleasure to watch on stage. Really the entire Delta Nu ensemble did a stand up job of always staying in character and coming on stage with a lot of enthusiasm and smiles.

The costumes were completely appropriate and the costumers paid great attention to detail when creating them. The stage crew was almost invisible because of how quickly and quietly they changed the set around. The set was fantastic and one character or another was always using every piece of it. The lights on the Legally Blonde sign were extremely impressive and helped to bring life to the show. All in all everything on the technical side worked well with only a few microphone and lighting issues, which were understandable due to the number of microphones on use and the number of light cues necessary to make this show a success.

Heritage High School’s performance of Legally Blonde the Musical was really too great to even put in to words. The audience enjoyed every minute of the show and even gave a roaring standing ovation at the end.

by Kaitlin Hamer of Bishop Ireton High School

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If salons, sororities and a serious overdose on pink seem fun at first, then “Legally Blonde The Musical” on the stage of Heritage High School is an absolute joy-ride. Elle Woods, a blonde babe from Malibu, finds herself at Harvard Law School after chasing an ex... and the consequences are definitely surprising.

Legally Blonde The Musical, with music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, is based off of the Legally Blonde movie starring Reese Witherspoon. It debuted on Broadway in 2007, and earned 7 Tony nominations. Elle Woods, a member of the Delta Nu sorority, follows her ex-boyfriend all the way

to Harvard Law School to win him back, and in the process, finds her own story with law and a friend named Emmett along the way.

Heritage is the very first high school in Virginia to perform Legally Blonde The Musical and couldn’t have done a better job of it. Overall, the energy of the show was astounding, captivating the audience and making the entire show simply… fun! Each person could sing, and sing well; there was rarely a sour note in either act.

Katie Blackburn did a phenomenal job at portraying Elle; her voice and demeanor perfectly reflected Elle’s personality and allowed the character to shine through. Elle’s vocals, which were even a challenge for Laura Bell Bundy on Broadway, impressed throughout the entire production – and stayed strong even after an hour and a half of almost constant singing. Emmett (David Foulke), who helped Elle Woods through Harvard Law (in more ways than one), had fantastic chemistry with Elle, as the emotional scenes tore the hearts of the audience apart.

The Delta Nu ensemble had several charismatic standouts itself -- Pilar, Serena, and Pilar (Macy Magee, Christi Querry, and Madeline Harthun, respectively) each had their own developed personality and spot-on comedic timing. Kyle, the UPS guy, had some serious swagger, making all the ladies in the room swoon. However, one character that stood out significantly was Paulette, played by Michelle Radcliffe. Her singing was gorgeous and the accent she had was spot on; she captured the very essence of Paulette perfectly.

The smaller-than-average pit did an impressive job of handling so many different kinds of instruments, almost replicating the soundtrack and only slipping away from the cast a few times. However, as is often the problem with musicals, the microphones volume needed some adjustment – sometimes, Paulette’s beautiful voice was drowned out by the chorus.

The audience gave a standing ovation and left the auditorium with a smile that would just not quit. A happy buzz lingered in everyones’ heads, humming the finale number, “Legally Blonde,” reminding them that if you want to do something, then you can do it! All you need is a dose of Legally Blonde The Musical, and you will for sure feel “so much better than before!”

by Crystal Gong of Dominion High School

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Telling the story of Elle Woods, a vibrant and unique Southern California girl, Legally Blonde the Musical leads the audience through Elle’s strive to transform herself into an intelligent Harvard Law student, all in the name of love. Elle, played by Katie Blackburn shines on stage with unmatchable commitment to her character. With beautiful vocals and consistent chorographic energy, Blackburn was the perfect fit for this productions protagonist. Backed by the sorority sisters of Delta Nu, Elle makes her way to Harvard to pursue Warner, played by JJ Englebrecht, the man she thinks she loves until she meets Emmett, played by David Foulke, who teaches her the importance of chasing a dream. Despite the contrast in these male roles, both Englebrecht and Foulke share consistency within their characters as seen in a mutual use of comic relief as well as strong dance and vocals. The story continues as Elle leaves her mark on Harvard Law trying to dodge Vivienne, the wretched antagonist and Elle’s polar opposite, played by Maria Regina. Regina showed no signs of difficulty taking on the harsh Harvard student and even displayed a believable change of heart within Vivienne’s unforgiving character. However, Elle takes on the challenge of an enemy and even finds a confidant in the vivacious and colorful Paulette, played by Michelle Radcliffe. Pink hair and bold prints present, Radcliffe embodies the true unique comedy of Paulette’s character and takes her role to new heights as she leaves audiences laughing within every scene. Continuing to make her way through law school, Elle becomes a lawyer in the case of Brooke Windham, a fitness mogul accused of killing her elderly husband, played by Becky Schneider. Not unlike her counterparts, Schneider takes charge of her character’s musical role and conflicts, portraying Windham’s pain without falter. The characters of Legally Blonde the Musical impress audiences with the help of a beautiful backdrop, innovative set pieces, and consistent sound, all moving along to the wonderful orchestra pit within each scene. Overall, the cast and crew of Legally Blonde brought the show to new heights, making it shine as bright as a California sunshine.

by Lauren O'Donnell of Dominion High School

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Like, ‘Omigod You Guys’ – Legally Blonde premiered on a high school stage for the first time in Virginia at Heritage High School that added a dash a pink to the audience’s lives.

Opening on Broadway on April 29th, 2007 and grossing about $1 million a week – Legally Blonde received rave reviews with the original cast (Laura Bell Bundy, Christian Borle) and received nominations for seven Tony Awards, among them being for Best Original Score and Best Leading Actress in a Musical. Preceding the performances on Broadway, Legally Blonde continued with multiple North American Tours that lasted from 2008-2011.

Fully captivating the audience, Legally Blonde appealed to an array of audiences, from senior citizens to little children, and offered something to everybody that had you rooting for Elle Woods’ pursuit for love and her un-anticipated quest of finding herself.

With high energy and strong voices, the Heritage High School’s production of Legally Blonde created a splash and entranced the audience with the pink, pink world of Elle Woods (played by Katie Blackburn). Blackburn’s vocals shone bright throughout the show and never faltered as she belted through some active numbers. Alongside Blackburn’s character was David Foulke (Emmett) who perfectly matched the pitch and tone of Blackburn.

From the Delta Nu sisters and the law students at Harvard, the ensemble managed to stay engaged and filled with energy throughout the play. Particularly, Margot (played by Katherine Kettler) played the quirky Delta Nu sister that added a little extra humor to the show.

Whether it was singing about love or even buying a new dress that’s “proposal perfect”, the cast of Legally Blonde never failed to bring the energy needed for such an upbeat musical.

by Stephanie Runner of Dominion High School

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Oh my God, oh my God you guys! You need to see this show with your own eyes! Heritage High School's performance of Legally Blonde the Musical was like totally awesome!

Legally Blonde the Musical is about Elle Woods (Katie Blackburn), a more-than-meets-the-eye, blonde fashion major, and her journey to win back the love of her life, Warner (JJ Engelbrecht). Elle gets into Harvard Law in search of her love, only to find that he is now dating Vivienne (Maria Regina). During Elle's quest to get her man, she meets Emmett (David Foulke), a new love interest, and Paulette (Michelle Radcliffe), a sassy nail salon owner.

When the pink sparkly curtain opened to reveal a multilevel set with rotating columns and the words "Legally Blonde" in large letters in the background, the audience could sense the excitement of the show. The high energy squeals of excitement coupled with the fantastically animated movements intrigued the audience at all times. Everything happened at a good pace, in keeping with the style of the show. Even the transitions were speedy and quiet.

Katie Blackburn as Elle Woods created a lovable, excited character with a great voice. Though the sound was sometimes too loud for the audience, Katie Blackburn, David Foulke (Emmett), JJ Engelbrecht (Warner) and Michelle Radcliffe (Paulette) exhibited their powerful and well-tuned singing voices beautifully. The dancing styles of Macy Magee (Serena), Donald Tran (Video Bill Cosby) and the rest of the cast created a very thrilling and entertaining atmosphere, though sometimes it was hard to see the choreography because of small lighting problems. The ensemble was always enthusiastic and added greatly to the excitement of the play.

Overall, the cast and crew brought about a hilarious, silly, and occasionally serious performance. All I have to say is Great Job, and I wish I had more room to praise this show!

by Rebecca Thackrey of George Mason

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“Omigod omigod, you guys!” Heritage High School made history with their production of Legally Blonde the Musical. Heritage High was first to put Legally Blonde on a high school stage in Virginia!

Originally a book written by Amanda Brown, Legally Blonde was later transformed into a film in 2001, staring Reese Witherspoon. Later in 2007, it was turn into a musical. The musical follows the President of the UCLA’s sorority the Delta Nu as she goes to law school hoping to win back her lover by becoming more sophisticated and “serious.”

Katie Blackburn, as Elle Woods, brought her character to life beautifully. She was able to accurately portray an asinine, yet determined young woman. Blackburn’s vocals filled the theatre, and her range was phenomenal. Her chemistry with David Foulke, as Emmet, was depicted nicely. Foulke also gave a convincing portrayal of an underdog lawyer.

Michelle Radcliffe, as Paulette, stole the show every time she was on stage. Her astounding voice and hilarious portrayal of a loveless hairdresser captivated the audience’s attention at every word. Her interactions with Zach Benson, as Kyle the UPS Guy, were drop dead funny. Benson’s saunter and eye brow raises left the theatre echoing with laughter.

The ensemble was the anchor to this production. When on stage, every member of the cast was filled with energy. Their cohesiveness as a unit was clearly seen throughout dance numbers and songs. Each cast member was clearly committed to their role, which was definitely a highlight of the production.

Another remarkable aspect to this production was the orchestra. This eleven member orchestra performed the music of Legally Blonde immaculately. It was easy to forget it was an orchestra playing and think it was a soundtrack.

Technically, the show was satisfactory. The sets, designed by Garrett Hill, were extremely versatile and were designed to make shifting them run smoothly. The Choreography, done by Allison Perhach, was strong and the use of different levels of the stage were evident and well done. The lights and sound, designed by Maddy Dupuis and Dillon Finkenbinder respectively, contributed to the mood of the scenes.

Heritage High School did this modern-day classic justice. They have made their mark on the history of Virginia High School Musicals. Behind all the comical moments, Legally Blonde is an inspiring musical. It teaches us that other people can label you however they like, but you are the only one with the power to write your own destiny. Heritage High School could not have delivered that message any better.

by Darryl Mason of Lake Braddock

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Omigod, Omigod You Guys! Elle Woods is back in Heritage High School’s production of Legally Blonde The Musical. The talented cast performed a spunky, energetic, fun show that had the audience in

laughter and applause. Legally Blonde The Musical ran on Broadway from 2007 to 2008 and was nominated for seven Tony Awards.

Elle Woods (Katie Blackburn), a sorority girl from Malibu, enrolls in Harvard Law School to win back her boyfriend Warner (JJ Engelbrecht) after he dumps her because she’s not “serious”. Upon arriving at Harvard, she finds out just how important the law is by helping her friends Emmett (David Foulke) and Paulette (Michelle Radcliffe), and makes a name for herself defending a high profile murder case.

Heritage’s production brought vibrant energy and great commitment to the stage through clever and humorous ensemble work. The big ensemble numbers carried excitement and fun throughout the entire show, and it was obvious that the cast really enjoyed performing this show. The talent conveyed, even through ensembles, was mesmerizing and a joy to watch.

Katie Blackburn’s performance as Elle Woods was superb. Her popstar voice and graceful manner really brought the show to life. Her talent was mirrored by David Foulke’s Emmett and, together, their chemistry was truly heart-wrenching. Foulke’s casual, sweet personality and Blackburn’s preppy, vibrant stage presence made the show real. The audience could really connect with the couple.

Legally Blonde’s other quirky characters added a comedic side to the musical. Paulette, Elle’s best friend, was hilariously played by Michelle Radcliffe. Her great accent and entertaining line delivery made her every appearance a treat. Warner, the ex-boyfriend, performed by JJ Engelbrecht was portrayed with purpose and sophistication, making his character have more depth than even the movie’s character.

Musicals are always at their highest point of entertainment when a big musical number is being performed. Heritage proved this point, especially in the iconic song, “Gay or European”. From dancing in tight pants and shirts to the characters’ dark European tans, the song had it all. The cast truly delivered one of the most entertaining performances of “Gay or European” that had the entire audience in fits of laughter and in want of more.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of Heritage’s Legally Blonde was the set, constructed by Garrett Hill. The complexity of the set was amazing, and the way it worked in every scene was phenomenal. With the fantastic set, amazing choreography by choreographer Allison Perhach, and the energy from the cast, the show kept the audience hooked from beginning to end.

by Haley Sadler of Lake Braddock

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Omigod, omigod you guys! Heritage High School’s production of Legally Blonde the Musical was totally awesome!

Not only was this production perky, passionate, and pretty pink; it broke Legally Blonde history! Heritage Drama is the the first high school in the state to do this production. As if we all haven’t seen the movie and loved it, Heritage HS really proved itself to anyone who had a doubt and showed us that we all have a little “Miss Woods, Elle” in us. Not only because we can all relate to a ditzy-sorority-girl-hoping-to-become-a-law-student, but also because we still have her songs stuck in our heads.

Legally Blonde is based on the movie by the same name that was released in 2001 starring Reese Witherspoon. "Elle Woods," is the perky blonde with great fashion sense who is president of her sorority and thinks she's going to get engaged to her beau, Warner. But sadly it does not happen. Warner is molded after the Kennedys, wants someone “serious”, and needs a wife that is more Jackie than Marilyn. But Elle gets her revenge by following her man to Harvard Law School (omigod you guys she actually got accepted!) to prove she has the book smarts and the best Versace to parade the campus halls. A belly full of totally hilarious events ensue.

Let’s keep it positive! Heritage HS sure did. Take the opening number alone. It started with a great backdrop of the Delta Nu sorority house, whereupon the girls pop out from the upstairs windows to begin "Omigod You Guys,". Katie Blackburn created her own non-Witherspoon version of “Elle”, and you immediately fell in love with her. The audience was consistently impressed with her sassy performance making it clear that Blackburn could easily be seeing her name in lights soon. Surrounding her was the magnificent Michelle Radcliffe (as hairdresser, "Paulette"); Becky Schneider (as fitness instructor and murder suspect, "Brooke Wyndham"); JJ Engelbrecht (as jerk boyfriend "Warner"); And romantic interest, “Emmett” (David Foulke). In addition to this ensemble, Elle’s Delta Nu sorority girls were a constant part of the show. Not only were all minuscule details of the main characters completely taken advantage of, but the rest of the cast did so as well. The entire cast showed a very noteworthy effort to

show detailed attention to character when pantomiming, creating a great picture, keeping energy up, and never taking the audience out of the show.

It’s time to get serious, and this show’s tech was seriously impressive. Every tech aspect helped the production and the actors hit their marks. An extensive, multipurpose set was never a problem, as the scene changes were swift and clean.

Legally Blonde is a fun show overall. It's funny, peppy, and does get the job done, which is just to entertain and make you laugh. Heritage High School totally proved that blondes really do have more fun! So put on your favorite pink outfit and grab your fellow sorority sisters!

by Roya Sodeifi of Lake Braddock

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Picture the iconic image of a dumb blonde. A beautiful dim-witted girl with a perfect tan and hair glistening with sunlight, who gets attention only for her appearance. But what happens when that stereotype gets admitted to Harvard Law School? The resulting musical phenomenon is Heritage High School’s production of “Legally Blonde”.

“Legally Blonde” is based on the 2001 “Legally Blonde” movie, starring Reese Witherspoon. The musical opened on Broadway in 2007, and won three Laurence Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical. It has continued to have successful runs in West End and Broadway. “Legally Blonde” follows Elle Woods, president of the Delta Nu sorority at UCLA. When her boyfriend Warner dumps her because she isn’t serious enough, she meets him at Harvard Law School and with the help of her new friend Emmett, Elle proves to everyone that there is more to her than just the blonde hair.

Elle Woods (Katie Blackburn) carried the show with her tireless energy and her marvelous voice. Her dumb blonde antics inspired laughter with her terrific facial expressions and undeniable stage presence. Her bright and vivacious voice traveled an impeccable range and showed many styles, like the emotional ballad of ‘Legally Blonde’ to the peppiness and driven attitude of ‘What You Want’. Emmett (David Foulke) was very loveable and sweet, and excelled with his admirable voice, especially in ‘Chip On My Shoulder.’ Warner (JJ Engelbrecht) poignantly rendered the stuck-up ex-boyfriend and charmed the

audience with his melodious voice. Paulette (Michelle Radcliffe) was a phenomenal scene-stealer with her brilliant comedic timing and magnificent accent. Her stunning voice especially shone in the wistful ballad ‘Ireland’.

The Greek Chorus, made up of the Delta Nu sorority girls, were especially peppy and came together as a beautiful wall of sound. The ensemble each made convincing character choices, adding to the hilarity of the scenes.

The set, with subtle Greek theater references, was effective in its simplistic nature of having a stationary set of stairs that could have small set pieces added to create different locations. The use of white and pink throughout the set was visually interesting. The periactois with different locations on each side and the detailed props enhanced each scene. The costumes were tailored to personify each character’s personalities perfectly, from endless pink for Elle to crazy colors and flowing materials for Paulette.

With a ‘Bend and Snap’, the cast of Heritage’s “Legally Blonde” performed with un-ending pep and pop. As they bopped along to the catchy tunes, the audience was reminded not to judge a book by its cover, even if the book is bright pink and blonde.

by Rachel Lawhead of McLean High School

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Beautiful surroundings, incredible academics, and an outstanding reputation draw the most prestigious to Harvard. Only the best of the best are admitted, The best and, apparently, the blonde as the cast of Heritage High School’s “Legally Blonde” took the audience on the entertaining, upbeat, and pink journey of a sorority girl becoming a serious Harvard law student.

In 2001, the movie “Legally Blonde” premiered. Starring Reese Witherspoon, the movie was a sleeper hit, gaining more popularity with audiences than critics. Due to the movie’s success, it was adapted into a Broadway Musical in 2007, and received seven Tony nominations. Set in UCLA, the story center around the peppy, Delta Nu sister, Elle Woods, who, after being dumped for being too silly, follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School. By trying to impress her ex, Elle learns her true potential, becoming a greater lawyer and person than she ever anticipated.

With a melodious voice and powerful stage presence, Katie Blackburn led the show as Elle Woods. Blackburn embraced the role, bringing the appropriate amount of giddiness to the character as Elle progressed from a superficial sorority girl to a respectable lawyer. Yet, it was Elle’s rich vocal quality that was the most outstanding. All night Blackburn sang with a consistent amount of strength and emotion, making it clear how fit she was for Elle. As Elle’s intelligent mentor and eventual love interest, Emmett, was David Foulke, a sweet tenor, who made Emmett into the lovable character. Not only was Foulke’s voice impeccable, his sweet demeanor and loving stage presence made the audience on his team from the moment he entered.

Michelle Radcliffe made her role as Paulette, the hair salon worker, shine through her hysterical line delivery and absolutely brilliant comedic timing. Radcliffe's amazing accent work gave Paulette dimension as she bemoaned her fate in a thick, Jersey dialect. Elle’s ex-boyfriend, Warren, was portrayed by the equally as striking JJ Engelbrecht, whose confident stance and stride made it clear that he was the 'big man on campus.'

However, when the script called for it, Engelbrecht could be vulnerable.

The Delta Nu girls brought the appropriate amount of charm and comedy to the show, enthusiastically popping up to help Elle as a “Greek” chorus. The girls’ commitment to the stereotypical “sorority girl” made them enjoyable to watch, adding to the show’s fantastical fun. Other notable performances included that of Anna Boland, as ultra-feminist Enid, who tactfully and humorously portrayed her character’s potentially offensive quirks. Zach Benson brought down the house as Kyle the UPS guide; the simple nod of the head had the audience in stitches, making his short appearances hilarious.

Tying the already spectacular show together was the technical crew. Not only was the set well built and versatile, it played off of ‘Greek’ life by making multiple allusions to classical Greek theatre, including periaktois adorned with columns, serving to represent different places. The show’s props were both creative and well made. Not only were dorm rooms brought character through fluffy pillows and cans of red bull, but two live dogs were handled beautifully, despite any stage freight from the pooches.

The “Legally Blonde” cast launched everyone into the story with monumental amounts of energy, that didn’t quit, even after final bows. After giving the cast a standing ovation, audience members could be heard humming and singing the catchy tunes of a truly impressive performance by Heritage High School.

by Teddy Dean of McLean High School

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Lights dim as actors leave the stage with smiles spread tight on their faces. The audience still cheers, reflecting only a fraction of the energy exuded by the performance. Bare light bulbs illuminate two words written on an entirely pink set; an old Broadway style tribute to these two words; “Legally Blonde”.

This was the scene at curtain call of Heritage High School’s production of “Legally Blonde The Musical” on Apirl 20th. Based off of the 2001 film of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods, this high-energy show about love in the law world, was brought to Broadway April 2007 and closed in 2008. Played with talent, commitment, and color, not only was Heritage High School the first High School in Virginia to put on the production, it was a joy to watch.

Leading the cast was Katie Blackburn, as Elle Woods, a sorority ditz turned Harvard Law student attempting to win back her ex-boyfriend. And lead she did. With a killer voice and presence, she stole every scene despite bearing the weight of the show. Opposite her was David Foulke as Emmett, the lawyer Elle befriends. He too held himself with grace, a fitting voice and great chemistry with Blackburn. Numbers carried between the two of them, such as “Legally Blonde”, were stirring or fun, playing just as they should have. Michelle Radcliffe’s Paulette won over the audience with her spot-on comedic timing and a voice that soared. JJ Engelbrecht and Maria Regina were other talented favorites, playing Warner and Vivienne respectfully.

The ensemble should not be overlooked either. Every member only added to scenes, never distracting. In numbers like “Bend and Snap” and “There Right, There”, the fun was palpable and catching. Stand outs were Katherine Kettler, Macy Magee, and Christi Querry leading the Greek Chorus of Delta Nus helping Elle on her escapades through law school. The ensemble filled the impressive set effectively due to great use of levels and space that made it clear when the location changed despite simple scene changes. Lighting effects were well done, and cues were tight. Props and costumes were bright, fitting, and well-used.

Over all, Heritage High School’s production of “Legally Blonde The Musical” was charged and enjoyable. The jury’s in and the verdict’s favorable- this show was a blast.

by Anna Barr of Robinson Secondary School

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The show began with a very important announcement asking everyone to not only silence all cellphones but also all pet chihuahuas, which hinted at the hilarity that was about to begin and stay until the very end of Heritage High School’s recent production of Legally BLonde The Musical.

Legally Blonde The Musical, is based off of the well known Legally Blonde movie starring Reese Witherspoon, and has become a very well known musical that has received numerous nominations and awards.

The entire cast of Legally BLonde The Musical never lost their character, energy, nor smile, although sometimes they lost their breath due to all the amazing singing and dancing they were doing. Everyone also worked incredibly well together, not only when keeping tempo in dances, but also when just speaking to each other.

Katie Blackburn who played Elle Woods, fit the role not only because she was blonde, but she also had Elle’s charisma with her, making the audience feel for her when Warren(JJ Engelbrecht) dumped her. Also Blackburn has an incredible singing voice, which she was able to use to further illustrate Elle’s personality and emotion. David Foulke was a wonderful Emmett. He was able to illustrate Emmett’s awkwardness without overdoing it, and his singing was very good too. Together Blackburn and Foulke created two characters who not only existed independently of each other, but also created a couple that clicked.

Paulette played by Michelle Radcliffe, was hilarious and had a very good accent, her singing was brilliant. Kyle the UPS guy (Zach Benson) was awesome, he had the walk and the look down. All of Delta Nus was wonderful too.

The stage was great, because their a few details that would change in order to signify a change in scene making the main part of the set very versatile The costumes as well were impressive, and the costume changes, especially Elle’s onstage change, were extremely well executed. The only disappointment throughout the entire show was that their were times that the mic’s would fail, and the audience was unable to hear what the characters were saying.

Heritage High School’s production of Legally Blonde The Musical was so entertaining, all I can say is “oh my god, oh my god you guys”, it was one heck of a show!

by Alexandra Gallopoulos of The New School of Northern Virginia

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Oh my god you guys! Surprise hits you at the opening of Legally Blonde the Musical, whereupon lights come up on a large, bright, multi-level, set. As Elle Woods (played by Katie Blackburn) makes her opening appearance, silence... and goosebumps. Heritage High School’s cast of Legally Blonde the Musical takes you through the journey of Elle Woods as she makes her way through Harvard Law School in the name of true love! Katie Blackburn, accompanied by the solidly energetic cast, pulls you in further to the world of Elle Woods. Blackburn very enthusiastically displayed her beautiful singing voice and was able to portray all the sides of Elle Woods, through heartbreak, obstacles and eventually new love! David Foulke as Emmett, her colleague and secret admirer accompanies her in multiple beautiful harmonies, and comedic instances that make any hopeless romantic’s heart swoon. She is accompanied also by her newfound friend Paulette (played by Michelle Radcliffe) who never ceased to bring humor to the stage. Radcliffe’s beautiful vocals in her song Ireland were commendable. Garrett Hill as Callahan created a very real villain on stage. His acting was also commendable as he really brought out Callahan’s nature to the audience. And of course Warner (played by JJ Engelbrecht) and Vivienne (played by Maria Regina) whose vocals and acting were just as notable and gave strong performances. The cast of Legally Blonde as a whole was very strong, energy didn’t falter much and despite a few issues in keeping time with the orchestra, they were overall very much on cue. Some of the smaller characters who stood out were, Zach Benson as the very comedic Kyle the UPS Guy, and last but not least the Delta Nu greek chorus girls..

Technically, the show was executed very well. Quick transitions and effective use of stage and props made the scene changes very smooth. Despite some minor difficulties with mics being bumped sound was almost spot on and the orchestra did very well. Lighting did a good job and was executed well. The only minor critique would be that there were a few main parts on stage that were not as well lit which caused cast members faces to be shadowed. Otherwise the tech was very efficient and worked to further set the mood.

Heritage High School did a great job in their exciting production. The cast and crew seemed to also be having a great time getting into character on stage making it more interesting. Congratulations to Heritage and oh my god it was fun!

by Riki Perlik of The New School of Northern Virginia

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Imagine that you’re sitting quietly in a darkened auditorium, filled with several other theatre goers, such as yourself. Suddenly, spotlights turn on. All you see is pink, You hear girls yelling out “OH MY GOD!!” and those words encompass the entire space of the theatre! If this has happened to you, you probably had the great pleasure of going to see Heritage High School’s production of “Legally Blonde The Musical”.

Based off the 2001 movie, “Legally Blonde”, starring Reese Witherspoon, “Legally Blonde The Musical” took on Broadway in 2007 to sing the story of Elle Woods, a pampered sorority girl who studies her way into Harvard Law School to win back the heart of her ex-boyfriend Warner. However, much to Elle’s disgust and surprise, Warner has already found a new girlfriend (a brunette!) named Vivienne, who very much dislikes Elle. But Elle sees Vivienne as nothing more than a roadblock. With the help of her new friends, Emmett and Paulette, and her old, Delta Nu sorority sisters, Elle is determined to get Warner back, and live their fairytale life that parallels that of the Kennedy’s!

Heritage High School’s performance was beyond exceptional—it is amazing how the cast managed to keep their energy level consistently high throughout the entire play, while they were singing their hearts out and dancing until their legs had fallen off. Katie Blackburn, a sophomore at Heritage High and the leading lady who portrayed Elle Woods, sang extremely well and commanded the stage with her voice the moment she stepped on stage. She became a completely convincing Elle Woods, embodying the personality of stereotypical sorority girl who has learned that there possibly could be more to life than

shopping and parties. Opposite Blackburn was David Foulke, who played Emmett, Elle’s eventual love interest. Foulke very accurately portrayed Emmett’s “boy next door” personality in his actions to aid Elle and became a very likeable character.

A notable supporting character was Michelle Radcliffe, who played Paulette in the musical. Radcliffe instantly brought humor to the stage with a pretty convincing Boston accent as well as with her funky hair and style choices. Additionally, Katherine Kettler, Macy Magee and Christi Querry, who played the three main girls of the Delta Nus, Margot, Serena and Pilar (respectively) always brought laughter from the crowd whenever they were on stage. Another noteworthy performer was Zach Benson who portrayed Kyle the UPS Guy, Paulette’s love interest. Benson, unfortunately, did not have much stage time, but in the moments that he did, he made quite sure that eyes were on him and that he was making people laugh. Furthermore, all the actors in the ensemble were very good at staying in character in every scene.

The tech crew made the set very versatile, mostly using tri-sided columns to change the scene and small, moveable set pieces. The set was simple but that aided in the musical’s smooth scene transitions. The musical also featured a very small orchestra, but their playing of the music stayed accurate to the sound track of the Broadway performance.

The play also used real dogs in the performance, which was, at times, distracting, but nevertheless, they were a cute addition to the musical.

Heritage High School’s performance of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” was funny and enjoyable, two aspects which should always surround a musical.

by Shannon Laws of The New School of Northern Virginia

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Omigod you guys! Friday night, Heritage High School presented Legally Blonde The Musical. Full of giggles,tears, and witty jokes, Legally Blonde follows the story of a blonde Elle Woods who after getting

dumped by her boyfriend for not being serious, heads off to Harvard Law determined to regain her man and dignity.

The production started strong besides some difficulties with microphone clarity. The technical team was lacking consistency in microphone balance with projection sometimes being too loud and other times being too soft. However, the lighting was fairly consistent always hitting the right marks but occasionally leaving characters in the dark. The set was extremely well constructed and displayed great versatility. The stairs offered levels and dynamics and the added pieces were moved swiftly and easily off by the tech crew from scene to scene.

In a show with such a wide range of settings, the costumers diligent work was evident. They included specific details and made sure each piece was appropriate to the scene it was worn in. The make-up was good, always matching the specific personality of each character. The props were well-handled, well made, and were authentic within the story including two adorable dogs who behaved well on stage.

Following the singers and keeping up the strong beat of the show, the orchestra did an amiable job. Although at times there were a few fumbles, ultimately they worked hard to stay synced with the singers on stage and correct their mistakes ending up with a very mature professional sound. The choreography was cute and engaging especially in ensemble and greek chorus numbers. With a good balance between simple blocking and choreography it added an energizing fun aspect to the show. The high-energy ensemble was consistent throughout the show clearly not getting lost behind the major actions occurring on stage. Even when they were simply sitting in law class or strolling around a department store, they were clearly focused on portraying their characters with well thought mannerisms and an active attitude. At times the singing was a little off or less energetic, however the choreography was well executed.

Many featured actors and actresses shined throughout the show with their witty remarks and high charisma whether it was the gay couple in "Gay or European" or the smooth and subtle UPS guy Kyle. The supporting characters lacked in really dissecting the characters however they kept up the energy and were actively engaged in what was occurring in the story. The leading characters were strong and strived to commit to their characters. Paulette, played by Michelle Radcliffe, stood out as she embraced the bold, loud, and endearing character. Without overdoing the large personality of Paulette, she engaged the audience, had a consistent accent, and sang her songs beautifully and with ease. Elle Woods, portatrayed by Katie Blackburn, took on the large role with a large amount of charisma and focus. Although sometimes off, her singing of the songs was an enjoyment to hear and left the audience wanting more. Her giddy personality fit the role perfectly, but she was also able to dissect the more

serious disappearing scenes displaying versatility. Overall, The Heritage High School drama department took on the task of this big loud and exciting show amiably.

by Carley Rosefelt of Winston Churchill