What better way to open our 35th season than with a show that celebrates individuality and the success you can only find by being yourself. I am not sure what our Founder and Producing Artistic Director, Julian Wiles, envisioned for his company 35 years ago, but I doubt it included this much pink! I do know that he laid the foundation and nurtured this unique and wonderful theatre and I am grateful to have a place on the team and to direct Legally Blonde.
Legally Blonde is one of those movies that you can’t help but watch every time it comes on, even if you don’t admit it! How can you help but to root for Elle Woods as she stays true to herself, even when it would be easier to give up and become just another stereotype. This movie has made a wonderful transition to the stage. Its upbeat pop score is more like an operetta than a traditional musical and the singing rarely stops.
And what a cast! They only pause long enough for costume changes amidst the choreography that combines cheerleading, hip-hop and Irish stepdancing. Almost half the members of the cast are performing with us for the first time. We are also happy to welcome back Vanessa Moyen (Resident Actor from last season) as Elle Woods and our six new Professional Resident Actors (Arielle, Lauren, Scott, Devon, Harrison and Josh). These fine actors as well as a talented ensemble of Charleston performers make up a very exceptional and energetic cast. Every season we are amazed at how many great actors live right here in Charleston, and they join the 100s of actors that have worked with Charleston Stage over the past 35 years.
Not only did Julian follow his own dream of building a thriving theatre company for Charleston, but he also built a place for countless actors, designers, technicians and musicians to follow theirs. What more can I say?
Omigod You Guys! Happy 35th Anniversary!
Marybeth Clark,
Associate Artistic Director
