Blond hair hits Harvard; Musical to close Riverland theater season

Published 10:19 am Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Elle Woods, played by Emily McAlister, decides to go to law school for love during practice for “Legally Blonde” the musical Monday night for the upcoming performances at Riverland Community College’s Frank W. Bridges Theatre. Photos by Jenae Hackensmith/jenae.hackensmith@austindailyherald.com

Elle Woods, played by Emily McAlister, decides to go to law school for love during practice for “Legally Blonde” the musical Monday night for the upcoming performances at Riverland Community College’s Frank W. Bridges Theatre. Photos by Jenae Hackensmith/jenae.hackensmith@austindailyherald.com

When Riverland Community College Theater Director Lindsey Williams saw “Legally Blonde” the musical on Broadway, she knew she had to bring it back to Austin with her.

“I think our audiences are going to just have a good time,” Williams said. “It’s just so funny. It’s really high energy.”

The musical will take place at 7:30 p.m. April 23 through May 3 at Frank W. Bridges Theatre.legalblonde

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The play follows Elle Woods, who appears to have it all — until her boyfriend dumps her and leaves for Harvard Law School. Determined to win him back, Elle follows him to Harvard where she soon realizes her own potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.

“There’s also a really nice message in it about believing in yourself,” Williams said. “Pursuing your dreams and not letting anyone get in your way.”

The musical is based on the MGM film. The show is recommended for ages 12 and up.

“You leave the theater feeling inspired and uplifted,” she added.

The play is Riverland’s final show of the school year, and Williams is excited to end on a good note, adding this play is bigger than anything the theater department has done this year.

“This is definitely the biggest show we’ve done all year, and so it’s always fun to end the season with a really big musical,” Williams said.

She noted that while fun, the show is also a lot of work, with a lot to memorize and a lot of dancing, singing and acting required of the cast. Yet Williams said that wasn’t a problem for the 24 cast members who started rehearsing for the show in March.

“We’ve got a really particularly good cast for this show,” Williams said. “I’m just so thrilled with the talent we’ve got.”

About two-thirds of the cast are students from Riverland Community College, and Williams said there are some new faces throughout the cast and some familiar faces.

Williams is also excited about Emily McAlister, who plays the part of Elle Woods.

“She is just going to blow everyone’s socks off,” Williams said.

Since the main character needed to be able to act, sing and dance well, Williams said McAlister is a triple-threat. She also said the actress needed to pull off the bubbly, happy role but also be warm and friendly, which McAlister does well according to Williams.

Williams said organizers try to get as much variety into the theater season as possible, and the last big musical they did was last year. She said this is the funniest and most entertaining show the college has done in a while, and she hoped audiences would enjoy the charm brought to life by talented cast members.

Tickets are $16 and may be purchased online at www.riverland.edu/tickets or in person and by phone. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 507-433-0595, email boxoffice@riverland.edu, or visit the website.

Cast members in “Legally Blonde” the musical practice Monday night for the upcoming performances at Riverland Community College’s Frank W. Bridges Theatre.

Cast members in “Legally Blonde” the musical practice Monday night for the upcoming performances at Riverland Community College’s Frank W. Bridges Theatre.