'Legally Blonde' auditions on tap
SANDPOINT — Elle Woods is coming to town.
You're invited to come along and join the fun as Lake Pend Oreille Repertory Theater is holding auditions for "Legally Blonde."
"I honestly just want to get people to audition, mostly because we're really trying to welcome as many people as possible into the LPO Rep fam as we can," co-founder Keely Gray said.
One, because the production promises to be a lot of fun, but also because it has over 70 parts, with LPO Rep hoping to cast at least 30 people.
From Elle Woods and sorority sisters to Warner, Woods' ex-boyfriend, and his frat brothers, there is a part for everyone.
Gray said she wanted to encourage everyone to sign up and give it a try.
"I really am just encouraging folks [to come audition]," she added. "If you've never auditioned before, if it's something that scares you, just sign up for a time and try because even if you have nothing prepared, we will guide you, we will help you."
Auditions, which kicked off Wednesday, continue today and Friday. On Saturday, callbacks will be held. Those interested should come prepared with a minute-long dialogue and 30 seconds of music.
Auditions are open to everyone, aged 14 and above. And, with 70 parts available, there is a part for everyone, Gray said.
To sign up for a 10-minute audition slot, go online to lporep.com or email, the repertory company at lporepertory@gmail.com.
Gray said anyone unsure of what to bring or so can reach out and LPO can help with options. She doesn't want anyone to feel that they can't be part of the show.
All of LPO Rep's recent productions have featured at least one person new to either the stage or acting. They just wanted to be part of community theater. In the spirit of true community theater, Gray said the theater company welcomes everyone.
"If you've ever had a dream of being onstage, if it's something that you're passionate about but you never thought you could do it, come see us," she added. "We have such an amazing group of people that will just bring you in and welcome you."
Worried about singing? Don't be, Gray said.
LPO Rep's musical director, Katie Skidmore is a talented singer but also is an amazing vocal coach, Gray said.
"She is very passionate about bringing people out of their shell and giving them the confidence that she sees in them," she added. "Katie sees people in such a beautiful way and when she hears you speak, when she hears you sing, she can see the potential in everybody and help them shine."
Like the novel by Amanda Brown and the 2001 movie of the same name, the 2007 "Legally Blonde" musical follows the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to try and win back her ex-boyfriend. A production of the musical was recorded and shown on MTV.
"It kind of brought musical theater back in a really big way because it brought to the youth of that time," Gray said.
Beyond the fact that it popularized the adaptation of musicals and musicals in general for the big screen, "Legally Blonde" is just a fun musical.
"I think the story resonates with so many people because it is a story about authenticity, and how we stereotype people into little bubbles," Gray said.
In the beginning, Woods is seen as a flaky sorority girl who only cares about material things. Judged by her looks and her love of the color pink, people don't see her as smart or capable.
"I was really excited to do a show that plays with the idea of not hiding those parts of yourself," Gray said. "Because, especially as women, we feel like we have to shrink ourselves, or that we can't be too smart, or we can't be too ambitious; we can't be too this or too that."
In "Legally Blonde", Woods learns to embrace all aspects of who she is — both her love of pink and her intelligence.
Rehearsals will begin in mid-January and run through May, with performances will be held May 24-26, May 31, and June 1 — at the Panida Theater.
Information: lporep.com or lporepertory@gmail.com