By Michael Foster-Sanders/campus editor
Legally Blonde: The Musical is bringing its message of female empowerment to the NE Campus’ theater April 18-21.
Director Susan Polster chose the comedy due to its modern appeal, including music students can relate to unlike some musicals from the past.
“I love the movie, and I saw the musical when it came to Dallas on tour a couple of years ago, and I knew it would be a good college production because it has a lot of young people in it,’’ she said.
The musical, which is based on the 2001 movie starring Reese Witherspoon, is the story of a woman finding her identity while chasing her ex-boyfriend because he won’t propose.
Natalie Goben, who plays the lead character Elle, says female empowerment is the theme of the musical.
“I think that the musical sends a good message to women that you don’t need a man to get ahead in life,’’ she said.
Photo by Peter Matthews/The Collegian
Goben said she sees parts of herself in the character due to Elle being an optimistic person.
“Woods is a warm and bubbly person, and I identify with those characteristics,’’ Goben said. “Also, I happen to be blonde.”
Krista Carson, who plays Brooke Taylor-Windham, described as a sexy fitness empire owner who also has a dash of being mischievous, said the play shows the exploitation of women and how they take their power back and own it.
“It embraces all types of women and shows the exploitation of women in general,” Carson said. “You have your ditzy ones, super bold ones, athletic ones and women who love to shop.”
Jacob Wyckstrom plays the teacher assistant Emmett Forrest who falls for Elle. He said the message he wants people to take away from the play is that identity is not defined by appearance, which is an obstacle Elle faces throughout the play.
“The only way you find out who you really are inside ourselves is going outside your comfort zone and strive to do something that you normally wouldn’t do,’’ he said. “Because the more comfortable you are, the less you can cultivate and achieve a goal.’’
7 p.m. April 18-21 in NFAB theater with a 2 p.m. matinee April 21.
Admission is free for TCC students, faculty and staff, $3 for non-TCC
students and senior citizens and $6 for general public.
