John Burroughs High School’s latest foray into musical theater is an unabashed bow to the fun and fabulousity of the hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon, “Legally Blonde.” Senior Robin Mazer does a fantastic job of bringing the admirable qualities of lead character Elle Woods to life on the JBHS stage, with an excellent performance.
The Burroughs’ Legally Blonde musical also showcases the high caliber of JBHS students and teachers, with stellar performances from the large cast. Sophomore Sully Zack convinces the audience with his kind-hearted and likeable Emmett Forest. Junior Miles Gonzalez nails the arrogance, bite and power of law professor and self-described shark, Callahan.
Junior Faydean Kielty wows with both acting and voice (what a voice!) as beauty shop stylist Paulette. Senior Natalie Charouhas is pitch perfect with her portrayal as accused murderer Brooke Wyndham and junior Madison Mayer hits all the right notes, literally and figuratively, with her portrayal of Vivienne Kensington.
Senior Sawyer Patterson is solid as the too-cool, yet serious, Warner Huntington III, the object of Elle’s initial efforts. Juniors Josh Strobl, Jeremy Moran and Nick Apostolina give strong, multi-character performances. Daniel Beimford as Kyle, the swaggering UPS delivery guy, pulls a lot of laughs from the audience.
Senior Samantha Rubin and juniors Winston Browne and Liliana Schoenke entertain the crowd throughout the performance, and at intermission, as Elle’s personal Delta Nu Greek Chorus.
Sophomore Maddie Seiffert is absolutely hilarious as aspiring lawyer Enid Hoops, with well-timed and engaging physical and verbal humor.
Working with live animals is always a challenge, and the JBHS students work well with the two dogs, Rocky and Louis, who portray Elle’s pet chihuahua Bruiser and Paulette’s beloved Rufus.
Drama teacher Guy Myers, Vocal director Brendan Jennings and Instrumental teacher Taylor Arakelien have another success on their hands. With top-notch production support from Dan Scoville, Jennifer Stanley, Brian Carlson, Joanie Coyote, Jon King, Billy Yakes, Clarke Surrey, Erika Wolf and Justin Solano, Burroughs’ Legally Blonde musical is nothing short of spectacular, a show focused on fun and positivity.
With so many rich roles and a fine job of casting, the students of John Burroughs High School excel in their performances.
The final show is at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 8, and tickets are available at the door. More information on JBHS Drama and Legally Blonde can be found here and here.