An award-winning musical based on the hit movie Legally Blonde comes to Abbotsford starting Friday, April 19.
Fraser Valley Stage presents Legally Blonde the Musical, featuring the mother-daughter team of Helen Embury as director and Mary Boonstra as lead choreographer. They join with music director John Arsenault to bring eight performances to the Abbotsford Arts Centre (2329 Crescent Way).
The production tells the sassy tale of Elle Woods as she tackles sexism, snobbery and scandal and discovers her true self in the process.
Woods, played by Katrina Froese, appears to have it all: money, looks, popularity, and status. But when her Harvard-bound boyfriend Warner dumps her, that rose-tinted view of the world is turned upside down for Woods, until she devises a plan to get into Harvard herself and win him back.
“I love Elle Woods,” said Froese, a former student at Columbia Bible College.
“She represents so much of what the feminist movement is all about – giving women equal opportunity to be exactly who they want to be. I have always loved the character, but never thought I fit the ‘stereotypical pretty girl’ type.”
Life at the prestigious law school was not a bed of roses for Woods, who struggled with her peers, professors and her pompous ex before making some new friends and realizing her true potential.
“Elle has incredible character growth throughout the story,” Froese said. “You see her grow up from this selfish entitled rich girl, to a well-rounded, caring and humble woman, ready to take a stand for what’s right.”
She said the story is enhanced by the music, and “pulls so much depth out of the characters.”
“The songs are catchy, the dancing is high-energy, and there are so many surprises you will be chuckling to yourself for days later,” Froese said.
The musical features a large diverse cast of 36.
“I have witnessed the talent, energy and commitment of the cast and crew during rehearsals,” said co-producer Al Pattison. “This will definitely be an amazing experience for our audiences.”
Showtimes are April 19-21 and 25-27 at 7:30 p.m., with three matinees at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets are $32 for adults and $28 for seniors/students (plus fees) at fraservalleystage.com or call the box office at 778-780-2555.
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