'Legally Blonde': An effervescent tale of self-empowerment

SANDPOINT — Sure, Elle Woods is a bubbly fashionista who loves the color pink.

But that doesn't even scratch the surface of what "Legally Blonde" is all about, Lake Pend Oreille Repertory Theater founder Keely Gray said.

To channel Elle, as if.

The story, Gray said, is one of self-empowerment and authenticity.

"Some might consider her to be annoying because she's bubbly. She loves to wear pink. She's got a big personality. She's smart, she's well-spoken, but she's also very excitable. She talks about snaps and her girls, and she has this Barbie-esque lingo to her, but it's so authentic to who she is."

That, Gray said, is key to understanding Elle's story  — and the lessons that stem from it.

"The biggest lesson I got from Elle is why do I need to apologize for the qualities that make me who I am, even if those qualities might come across to some people as annoying."

The lesson? Be unabashedly yourself.

That doesn't mean the musical is stodgy or preachy. It is, Gray said, simply a lot of fun. The audience can expect the musical to follow the movie to a great degree, but it also augments the story with great music and choreography.

"I am a true believer that comedy is ineffective if it's not authentic and true and real, and if the emotions aren't really being felt," Gray said. "Come prepared to laugh because there are so many amazing, hilarious moments that are built into the script, and the actors do a beautiful job of bringing that to life. But, also expect to really be touched by the love that you're seeing on stage."

The play, which is the fifth production for LPO Rep, should be familiar to most — if only for the popular film starring Reese Witherspoon in the early 2000s. "Legally Blonde" was later turned into a musical, going on to be shown on MTV.

"That brought back a huge thrill for musical theater because it brought in new audiences," Gray said. "And that was just really exciting because musical theater in general goes through highs and lows, but there are certain shows that are pivotal to the genre that bring it back. 'Hamilton' was one of those, and 'Legally Blonde' was one of those as well."

Similar to "Into the Woods", "Legally Blonde" is a show that she has wanted to do for some time because it is simply so much fun.

While cost can be a factor — production and rights costs can range from $6,000 to $15,000, depending on the play. Strategic fundraising helps, as do sponsorships. Once the funds are raised, LPO Rep can then begin casting and rehearsals. It can take roughly six months from the initial idea to opening night.

"Sandpoint has such a bevy of talent, that it would just be a shame to not be able to do this type of work here," Gray said.

The story is an amazing one, "especially in the time of 'Barbie,'" Gray said.

"All of us, women, are really going through this transformational period of understanding ourselves, empowering ourselves, and accepting ourselves."

Gray said she — and the rest of the cast — were drawn to the play for that reason.

"Her journey is one of accepting who she is and accepting that she can be part of different worlds and still maintain her authentic self, but also her impact on the people around her and how her journey to find herself in her authenticity also helps everybody else ... empower themselves in very unexpected ways," Gray said.

Those lessons are ones that the audience can pull into their own lives as well.

Local arts and theater groups such as LPO Rep are of huge importance to a community, giving those with an artistic bent a place to be themselves, similar to how sports teams give those with athletic talent a home, Gray said. 

And, for communities, the creative energy brought by theater and artistic groups adds to the vibrancy and overall health of a community.

"Without creativity, your community is going to die, and that's how it's been through the centuries," Gray said. "In every single society, a mark of a healthy society is that they have healthy artistic expression."

While she loves all of the casts she's worked with, both with LPO Rep and with other groups, Gray said there is something special about the "Blonde" cast.

She describes them as a gift — funny, incredibly talented; quickly building a camaraderie that brings the audience into their world.

"They just have each other's backs in such an intense way because they are taking a lot of risks in the show as far as being vulnerable and doing things that they've never done before."

Those relationships and the tight bond among the cast transform the production into something special.

The musical will be performed May 24-26 and May 31 to June 2, with performances starting at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and a matinee performance at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets, which are $25, are available at the door, online on LPO Rep's website, or from any "Legally Blonde" cast member.

Information: lporep.com