April 3, 2025
Blondes aren’t the only ones having fun
Theatre Department staging of ‘Legally Blonde The Musical’ is a treat for all
Wrapped up like a pretty pink package, Elle Woods proves that blondes have more than fun on their minds in Saginaw Valley State University’s staging of “Legally Blonde The Musical.” Performances will be held Wednesday, April 9-Saturday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 13, at 3 p.m. in the Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing Arts.
The play, based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the 2001 movie starring Reese Witherspoon, follows sorority girl Elle Woods as she follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School, overcoming stereotypes and realizing her true potential on her way to becoming a successful lawyer without losing her natural effervescence.
Zoe Gilbert, a theatre major from Hemlock, fills the role of Elle Woods in her first leading role in a musical. While no stranger to the stage, she usually spends her time behind the curtain. Fortunately, her range of experience has prepared her for this part.
“I have been involved in every theatre production at SVSU since 2021 but have only acted twice here,” she said. “My professional interests lean more toward directing and choreography.”
“I was a competitive dancer and choreographer for years before coming to SVSU, and I was involved in choir when I was young, so I attribute those years of experience to making this jump into the role of Elle Woods so smooth.”
Gilbert is just one of the 31 cast members — plus two dogs — being directed by Tommy Wedge, SVSU associate professor of theatre, making it the largest cast he has directed at SVSU, although he has directed two larger community productions. For this production, he has assistance from Norm Wika, associate professor of music, and Erin Whitfield, applied music faculty.
“I love directing musical theatre because of the many artists that are welcomed into the creative process,” Wedge said. “Music director, vocal coach, choreographer, orchestra . . . so many additional artists with specific skills to help tell the story. For a musical like ‘Legally Blonde,’ the scale just increases: bigger cast, bigger set, bigger scale. It’s an exciting challenge to take on!”
The show can be challenging from an acting standpoint, as well. For Gilbert, singing while doing cardio and being on stage for most of the show are two new experiences.
“I have added an hour on the Stairmaster to my gym routine to prep for our performances and have been singing on the treadmill at home, specifically keeping our four-level set in mind.”
The set is a departure from the usual. Wedge explained: “‘Legally Blonde’ is typically staged on a more open stage with large set pieces brought in for each location. My concept is an ‘ELLE’ magazine photo spread, so we’re using a large unit set with overlapping, internally illuminated platforms with three large projection surfaces above the set. So even if you’ve seen ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’ before, I’m hoping it’s a fresh and exciting take on the musical. The Malcolm Field Theatre also got an impressive LED lighting upgrade in January, and this is the first musical where we can showcase those new tools. That said, the story is quite approachable, so no need to see the 2001 movie in advance — just relax and look forward to being entertained by this heartwarming and energetic musical!”
Performances of “Legally Blonde the Musical” will take place in the Malcolm Field Theatre for the Performing Arts in SVSU’s Curtiss Hall. The show schedule is Wednesday, April 9, through Saturday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 13, at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased online or at the SVSU box office (one hour prior to an event). When tickets are purchased online, a link will be sent to your email to either print or present as a mobile ticket(s).