SNEAK PREVIEW | See why the DDHS Winter Musical presentation, ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’, is likely to be one of the most exciting theatrical productions they’ve presented …
During rehearsal at DDHS of Legally Blond the Musical, Elle Woods (played by student actor Bella Pahomsky) hopes that her steady boyfriend, campus dreamboat Warner Huntington III (played by Caleb Conklin), will propose marriage before he heads off to law school.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Opening November 14, and running through November 23, the David Douglas High School (DDHS) Theater Department presents Legally Blond the Musical on stage in the Howard Horner Auditorium.
About the story:
This show, featuring 20 song-and-dance numbers and snappy dialogue, tells of college girl Elle Woods, an “essential blonde fashionista” who majors in Fashion Merchandising and is president of her “very girly” sorority, Delta Nu.
When she’s dumped by her boyfriend Warner, because he thinks she isn’t “serious”, Elle chases him to Harvard Law School, becomes a law student – and experiences a major culture shock.
DDHS Theater Instructor Michael Givler coaches students rehearsing a musical number.
On November 5, East Portland News was invited to a “technical rehearsal” of this musical – in which the actors, singers and dancers finalize their places on stage and practice their scenes. At the same time, the Stage Technicians practice pointing follow spotlights and operating stage lighting, making set changes, running the sound equipment.
How this show was chosen
“We are always looking for a musical that fits our current company of actors,” DDHS Theater Instructor Michael Givler said, explaining how he settled on this musical. “We consider questions such as ‘Does a particular show feature the best talent we have? Are there the right opportunities for tech, chorus and our pit musicians?’,” he explained.
Elle is devastated to learn that Warner is dumping her because he thinks he needs a gal who is “serious” (in a song entitled “Serious”) and will fit into his ambitious, high-society world – by introducing her to his new “squeeze”, Vivienne Kensington (played by Jo Pair).
In her shop, hairdresser Paulette Buonofuonte (played by Gracie Albrecht) reassures Elle that that her ex-boyfriend’s rejection reflects his own issues, not hers – and shares her own yearnings, hopes, and dreams in the song “Ireland”.
“First, we have an awesome group of [student] artists this year, and a unique situation,” Givler continued.
“Then, with the David Douglas High School Bond passing, we were able to make improvements in sound and lighting equipment and systems that truly bring us up to the industry standards. This means our Theater Tech students, in our Career and Technical Education pathway, can learn on professional-level equipment.
This song, called “Daughter of Delta Nu”, celebrates the sorority sisterhood bond, serves as a pep talk, and promises everlasting support as she begins law school.
“Next, Legally Blonde the Musical has become one of the most popular high school musicals across the nation because it is essential a rock musical – which means that our audiences are treated to a musical play and a rock concert, with lights, digital backgrounds, and great music.
“Finally, the show presents a great message – ‘to thine own self be true’ – or, as our story says, ‘Being yourself never goes out of style’. Young people need stories about finding their power and place in the world,” Givler commented.
More than 100 people – and two dogs – are involved in this show: Givler says there are 42 Actors on stage, 33 stage technicians, and 30 musicians putting on this show. (It is not clear what the two dogs do.)
In this fantasy scene song that starts off Act II – workout guru Brooke Windham (played by Anjali Evers) is in jail for a crime she didn’t commit – but nonetheless she encourages inmates to exercise with her, in a live “music video” entitled “Whipped into Shape”.
Will Elle win back boyfriend’s love?
Can she get into, and succeed, at Harvard Law?
Is it possible for Elle to be both feminine and powerful?
Is Elle just a “dumb blonde,” or is she someone capable of brilliance, compassion, and leadership?
And, will Elle finally find true love, as well as a career?
Lastly, what part does the dog (named “Bruiser”) play in the show?
Find out by seeing Legally Blonde the Musical on stage at David Douglas High School November 14 through 23!
See sparkling numbers like this one, live and on stage, at Legally Blonde the Musical.
On opening night, November 14, the curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m. for “Legally Blonde”, now one of the most popular high school musicals in the nation.
The show’s 7:30 p.m. performances continue November 15, and on November 21 and 22.
Or, take in a Sunday afternoon matinee at 2:30 p.m. on November 16 or 23.
NOTE: This show is “PG-13” because of some adult language and content.
TICKETS: $16.55 Adults | $11.55 Students/Seniors. Tickets are selling fast (we checked). Get yours securely online: CLICK HERE.
All performances are at the DDHS Howard Horner Performing Arts Center, located at 1400 SE 130th Avenue (between SE Stark and Division Streets).
© 2025 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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