'OMG, You Guys! It's Just a Musical!'

Amid recent controversy, Principal Lori Pavlik stands by Director Jeremy Kuharcik for choosing “Legally Blonde: The Musical” as the school play.

“No high school has done it," said Pavlik. "We’ll be one of the first in Pennsylvania. Because it’s never been performed in a high school before, people aren’t sure what they’re going to see.”

“We’re excited,” said Kuharcik. “Actually, we obtained the rights to do the show. We’re doing it with special permission from the Pittsburgh Musical Theater. That company is doing the show at The Byham Theatre (downtown) in May.”

Pittsburgh Musical Theater is a non-profit company producing musical theater in Pittsburgh. The troupe provides acting, singing and dancing classes for students, and open auditions for professional and student shows. Permission was requested because the competition for obtaining the show was fierce.

“Legally Blonde: The Musical” is a musical by Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin and Heather Hach, based on a book by Amanda Brown.

In 2001, a movie version, made popular by the delightfully perky Reese Witherspoon, was a very successful romantic comedy. It is the story of a young blonde sorority sister, Elle Woods, who enrolls in Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner. She discovers her insight and knowledge of the law can help others, and must defend exercise queen Brooke Wyndham when she’s accused of murder.

Kuharcik talked about the arc of the main character, her journey from self-absorbed to self-aware, from blonde beauty to legal eagle.

“In act one, the main character, Elle Woods, is constantly striving for a boy’s approval, but by act two, she is this strong, empowered woman,” he said.

“I selected the play because its message resonates with contemporary teen issues," he continued. "As an adult male, I even connect with it. The message is saying, ‘Don’t change for someone else. Be who you are.’ I think that’s very applicable for our kids.”

Assistant Director Beth Bockstoce added, “It’s a fun show, and it’s meant to inspire.”

The Broadway version is racy, but Kuharcik said, “Certain lyrics will be toned down. We’re not doing the word-for-word Broadway version.”

In last year’s production of Jonathan Rand’s “” a character is called "Slut," but with a slight editing change the character was called "Tramp" instead.

“I wanted something that would spark their enthusiasm for theater, something fun and exciting," said Kuharcik. "We can’t keep doing these really old musicals if we want the kids to love theater; We have to give them something contemporary, something fresh and new.”

Kuharcik said he believes you can reel them in with "Legally Blonde" and then get them to love the classics. He's using it as a "gateway musical."

Musical Director Ryan Perrotte, Choreographer Barb Deliere and Orchestra Director Donna Fox all back the decision to put on the show.

“We’re doing it with taste,” said Deliere.

“We’ve got everyone involved—the marching band, the cheerleaders, and the band," said Bockstoce. "We’ve even got a group of Irish dancers for a number (the ensemble does a Riverdance-style Irish jig in the Hair Affair, where Elle’s hairdresser friend, Paulette, falls for Kyle).”

“It’s not a fluff show," said Perrotte. "It’s perceived that way, but it is one of the hardest shows we’ve ever done here. It’s almost an operetta.”

There are more than 20 songs in the show.

“It's challenging, but our kids are up to the challenge,” said Deliere.

“Last year, got kids from the football team excited about being in a school musical. So much so that Conor Jackson, a former student now attending Indiana University in Pennsylvania, wants to come on for a walk-on role in 'Legally Blonde," said Kuharcik. "Sparking their enthusiasm is the kind of fun and exciting thing I love to do as a teacher.”

Auditions for the show are Nov. 17, 18 and 21—the week before Thanksgiving.