Harrodian's production of Legally Blonde will be both the biggest ever production in the school's theatrical history and its most uplifting, promises Director, Mr Sam Sugarman
If you thought The Addams Family, Harrodian’s last blockbusting musical theatre production was ambitious then try Legally Blonde for size. According to its Director, Mr Sugarman, second, above left, when the show’s three-day run opens in the school theatre on the 8th February, it will be the biggest production in the school’s impressive theatrical history. ‘There’s a 60-strong cast of pupils aged from 12 to 18, our biggest orchestra ever, and epic song and dance numbers throughout including a number when 30 members of the cast goes into a Riverdance routine’ he says. ‘We’re bringing a proper, full-scale Broadway musical to Barnes.’
There’s a 60-strong cast of pupils aged from 12 to 18, our biggest orchestra ever and epic song and dance numbers throughout. We’re bringing a proper full-scale Broadway musical to Barnes
Mr Sam Sugarman, Director, Legally Blonde
The sheer scale of the production inevitably requires some serious heavy lifting on the part of Mr Sugarman and the rest of the production team, Musical Director, Ms Issie Osborne, above left, and choreographers Ms Alice Jarvis, right and Ms Melanie Edwards, far right. But Mr Sugarman believes Legally Blonde is a perfect remedy for weariness or winter blues. ‘The songs are so good so even if we’re feeling a bit grumpy when we start a rehearsal within a few minutes we’re all totally energized,’ he says. ‘It’s such a fun musical and the themes – finding and empowering yourself and shattering sexist stereotypes – are irresistibly uplifting. It’s bound to put a smile on your face.’
It’s clearly having that effect on a cast who have relished the chance to get back to acting after a Covid-enforced hold on many performances. ‘It’s the sort of ensemble piece in which every single cast member has a turn In the spotlight and after lockdown they’re all absolutely psyched for it,’ says Mr Sugarman. ‘Everyone knew their parts and all the songs when they came back from Christmas. Now they’re smashing it and can’t wait to get out there.'
We regret that astonishing demand means that we have already sold out of tickets for all three performances on 8th, 9th and 10th February. We are working on expanding capacity in the Theatre, but nothing has been confirmed just yet. If you have been unlucky, please do add your name to the waiting list at reception and we will be in touch.