By Kathy Feist
The all-male Rockhurst High School will be full of pink power come mid-July when the Leawood Stage Company presents Legally Blonde the Musical at the Rose Theater.
“This is a female-led show, directed by an all-female led team,” says Leawood Stage Co. Marketing Director Carrigan Rohach. Of the 40 cast members, 35 are women, most consisting of high school and college talent. Even the two dogs cast in the role of Bruiser Woods are female. “The talent we have with all the females in our community is outstanding,” she says.
That’s not to say there aren’t important men in the production. After all, the story– popularized in the 2001 movie–has material girl Elle Woods following her love interest to Harvard Law School to win him back.
Starring in the lead role of the play is Erin Pettijohn, a local performer and teacher. “She came to audition and took our breath away,” says Rohach. “Her energy is infectious.”
Rohach also gives a shout out to local performer Taylor Kaschke who successfully belts out a song while jump roping in the play. “She is insanely talented!” she says.
Rohach has some impressive talent of her own. As a second-year law student at UMKC, she along with another law student cast member were able to make the show a CLE credit for Kansas and Missouri attorneys. Law students who attend the July 14th performance and stay for a panel discussion led by Barbara Glesner-Files, Dean Emerita of UMKC Law School, will receive credits in Missouri and Kansas. The credit is based from eliminating gender bias in the legal profession. Those interested can sign up through UMKC Law CLE website to enroll in credit for the July 14th show.
This is Leawood Stage Co.’s 26th season of free summer performances thanks to funding from the City of Leawood. “So there’s no need for tickets or an RSVP,” says Rohach. “You just pick the day you want to show up.”
Rohach is pleased with the venue. This is the third year performing at the Rose Theater inside Rockhurst High School at 9301 State Line Rd. “Outdoor theater sometimes gets canceled,” says Rohach. “So being inside has made it way more accessible for individuals in our community to come and enjoy the live theater.”
Performances are July 12 – 14 and July 17 – 21. Times are 7:30 pm except for Sunday matinees at 2 pm.
For more information, visit leawoodstageco.org.
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