Theatre is back! LMP presents ‘Legally Blonde – The Musical’ at James Clemens
MADISON – As Broadway dancers, actors and singers start to return to the stage, theatre will return to Madison with “Legally Blonde – The Musical” on June 24-27 and July 1-3 in James Clemens High School Auditorium.
Lyrique Music Productions or LMP is “the first community theatre company to give an indoor performance since vaccines were available. We’re strictly following CDC guidelines,” Producer Robert Ladrillono said. He and wife Luz Tolentino-Ladrillono founded LMP.
Cast and crew are reprising its 2014 production of “Legally Blonde.” “We had so much fun. Many of us fell in love with the movie (the musical’s basis); it made us laugh hard and cry,” Robert Ladrillono said.
The show “tackles sensitive, relevant issues in such a light that we find ourselves pleasantly surprised that we identify with Elle Woods’ character,” Ladrillono said. “Through her experiences, we learn more about ourselves and others.”
Elle (played by Reese Witherspoon in the movie) determinedly transforms from the brunt of misogynist slurs to defy the odds. Elle’s life is turned topsy-turvy when boyfriend Warner discards her to attend Harvard Law School. In sweet revenge, Elle too enrolls in law school where new friends help her realize true potential.
Sparkman High School graduate Sarah Schomburg portrays Elle. Alex Pharo, a James Clemens High School graduate, delivers Emmett Forrest. Most cast members have played lead roles at local schools.
The cast includes Erica Hansen (Paulette Bonafonte); Cameron Duvall (Warner Huntington III); Chris Carter (Prof Callahan); Kendall Betts (Brooke Wyndham); Abby Sledd (Vivienne Kensington); Mary Kate Brooks (Serena); Ella Jackson (Margot); Aaliyah Caston (Pilar); and Samuel Jackson II (Kyle/Dewey/Nikos).
In the canine cast, Chewy reprises his role as Bruiser Woods from Huntsville High School’s show (owner Deidra Williams). In her debut, Lucy plays Rufus Bonafonte (owner Jessica Zimmerman).
Leading the creative team are Director Luz Tolentino-Ladrillono, Assistant Director Ben Stone, Music Director Jackson Love, Choreographer Matthew Donahue and Assistant Choreographer Briana Caudle.
Josh Phillips is Technical Director, Tom Prohaska, Assistant Technical Director; Olivia Skillern, Set Dresser; Logan Donahue, Lighting Director; and Ceva Productions, Sound.
Costume Directors are Gay Broad, Beth Keys and Meredith Sledd with assistants Rachael Benton, Stephanie Sheppard, Jennifer Lones and Tamara Montgomery. Also behind the scenes are Nici Patton, Props Director; Amy Brooks, Hair; Brianna Alexander, Makeup; and Lena Austin, Stage Manager.
Other producers are Amy Brooks, Tonya Donahue and Nici Patton. Gabbi Lones is Head Student Director.
Other Madison residents are Tom Prohaska, Olivia Skillern, Sam Jackson, Madeline Dobbs, Briana Caudle, Carly Parker, Shelby Waggoner, Caden Lones, Gabbi Lones, Ann-Terese Arreyako, Bridget Yee, Dom Patton, Robert and Luz Ladrillono, Josh Phillips, Nicola Patton, Beth Keys, Brianna Alexander and Damon Patton.
Tickets costs $25 for adults, $20 for students. For tickets, visit LMPstage.com or LyriqueMusicProductions.org. Show times will be June 24-27 at 7 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on June 26-27, along with July 1-3 at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on July 3.
For more information, call 256-417-0593, email lyriquemusicproductions@gmail.com or visit Facebook or Instagram @lyriqueHSV.
