Elle Woods & friends take the stage at CHS
By Guest
Cast members rehearse a scene from the upcoming production of ‘Legally Blonde.’
Members of the Canton High School Drama Club will be entering law school at Harvard as they put on the musical version of Legally Blonde next weekend, March 15-17, in the CHS auditorium.
The show follows the bubbly, always sunny, and pink-loving Elle Woods — along with her Chihuahua named Bruiser — to Harvard Law School, where she is pursuing not only a degree, but also an old boyfriend.
Junior Maegan Horrigan plays the role of Paulette Buonafonte. Fans of the movie may remember this role was played by Massachusetts native Jennifer Coolidge.
“One thing I love about Paulette is how passionate and fun she is,” said Horrigan. “She cracks lots of jokes, even unintentionally. Getting to play her physical, and even vocal comedy, has been a rewarding experience.”
Katie Brobst, who teaches theater, dance and music at CHS, is the director of the show. She says this show offers fun challenges for her and the young actors.
“There is a ton of dancing in this show and it’s very challenging musically,” said Brobst. “I wanted to give students a chance to grow as singers. It’s a fun challenge for our tech crew as well, as there are tons of props and lots of set and costume changes.”
As talented as the cast is, the audience is bound to fall in love with two furry members. First there is Merry, a Chihuahua who plays Bruiser and is owned by Canton elementary school teacher Lauren Mahan, and then there is a French bulldog named Francis, who plays Paulette’s beloved dog Rufus and belongs to freshman Winnie Dolloff.
“Of course, the entire cast and crew just love when the dogs are at rehearsals,” said Brobst. “Merry is so sweet and Rufus is so jolly and friendly and always wants to get pets and cuddles.”
Brobst prides herself on striving to give her students an experience as close to a professional one as possible and says costuming, props and sets are top notch.
“Our tech is amazing, and our costume team is incredible,” said Brobst. “They hand-make the costumes from scratch and pay close attention to detail.”
Senior Hennessy Castillo plays Vivienne. “This show is so special because it’s really all about female empowerment and pushing away an obstacle thrown at you, no matter how big or small,” said Castillo.
“I am so proud of the work of the Canton High Drama Club,” said Catherine Eckersley, Canton Public Schools’ performing arts coordinator. “It is amazing to see our talented students showcased in such a positive way year after year. Thank you to the entire team who works tirelessly so that our students can shine on stage and feel proud to be part of something so special.”
Advance tickets are $17 for adults or $15 for students at www.showtix4u.com/events/18818. Tickets can also be purchased at the door (while supplies last) for $20 per person.
Brobst noted that before the pandemic, shows at Canton High routinely sold out and she is optimistic this show will do the same.
“I want to encourage members of the community to come out,” she said. “I think everyone will love Legally Blonde. Come and support these students who have been working so hard and enjoy a great night of musical theater.”
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=122362
Posted by 
