PEQAUNNOCK TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL TO PRESENT THE MUSICAL LEGALLY BLONDE

By Ed Rumley

Lights flashed. Actors and actresses sang on stage and jumped rope simultaneously. Other participants bantered back and forth in aisles and seats of front rows in the spacious auditorium, awaiting their turn to perform. Directives of instruction were called out as snippets of an entire scene gradually coalesced into one.

This was not Madison Square Garden. This was not Radio City Music Hall. Nor was this a London opera house. The scenario was the Pequannock Township High School auditorium in Pompton Plains. Over 30 students of the PTHS drama team convened on Saturday morning, February 2, to prepare for their upcoming performance of the musical, “Legally Blonde.” On the far side of the auditorium with professional lighting equipment in place, each artisan came forward for a promotional photo.

Director Nancy LaShure closely observed each and every one of her young protégés while implementing transitions from scene to scene. Bolstered by a degree in Theater Tech & Design from Slippery Rock University, Ms. LaShure has been directing plays for 26 years. She oversaw the production of Godspell last year at PTHS

“The students have really embraced this and are working hard to put on a show they are really proud of,” Ms. LaShure said. “Musically, this is a very challenging show. In addition to our weekly scheduled rehearsals, the students have also worked one on one with Judy Sayad, the PTHS Choir & Musical Director, both individually and in groups. They desire to perfect harmonies and make sure they know their music inside and out. They have focused very strongly on learning their lines and being “off book”, meaning having their lines learned much earlier than usual. The six students who are performing the choreography in the number ‘Whipped into Shape’, began working with our amazing choreographer, Amy Hadam, back in December. The number requires doing intricate jump rope choreography and singing at the same time.”

The director said that preparation for dress rehearsal and live presentation has been a team effort.

“The cast and crew students assisted with the set build,” Ms. LaShure continued. “Cast members have also overseen the costume plot/design for this show and will be handling makeup and hair design. Most impressively, the core group of cast members, composed of junior and seniors, have had many bonding experiences. New students, from freshmen to seniors, have become part of the theater group this year. It is really nice to see a group of students get along so well, really like each other, and look out for each other.”

Legally Blonde was first recorded in September of 2007 and then moved to Broadway, grossing more than $1,000,000 a week on several occasions. Taken from a book by Heather Hach, the story is based on the novel of the play’s name by Amanda Brown.

Donning the blonde wig that she will wear at curtain call, Elizabeth Finnen described the play’s plot which will include plenty of humor, yet also convey a valuable lesson. Elizabeth plays the lead female role, Elle Woods.

“Legally Blonde is about a girl who lives in California,” the 18-year old senior stated. “She’s a Malibu girl. She’s wealthy and is seen as blonde and dumb. Her boyfriend breaks up with her and goes away to college at Harvard. She then follows him to college to show how smart and important she actually is. This play is really about believing in oneself and not worrying about what other people think.”

Perhaps granting a nod over any professional New York City performance by their presence, were two very special play participants. Ferris will play the role of Bruiser. Moka will take on the part of Rufus. The former’s impressive resume includes previously starring in the same role at the Community Theatre in Belvidere. The latter plans to perfectly compliment her counterpart. With the above being said, the two aspiring stars are actually of canine stock.

Ferris is a male, 11-year old chihuahua owned by Michelle Bochenk. Moka is female Shih Tzu-Russel Terrier mix. “Ferris likes his costumes and likes to be in his

bag”, Ms. Bochenek said. “He is capable of several wardrobe changes including wearing a pink Izod shirt.”

Senior Madison Levine will take responsibility of the management of Rufus while on stage. She expressed no trepidation about doing so.

“I feel pretty good about holding Rufus,” Madison said. “I will also have Rufus on a leash. I am used to dogs. I have my own Maltese Poodle who is much yappier.”

Madison has been acting for 10 years played roles in the last three high school plays. She attends the Performing Arts School in Boonton and plans on majoring in playwriting in college.

Dance Captain Jessica Rhinesmith was back at practice after having volunteered for the PTHS stop hunger outreach, Empty Bowls Dinner, held previously in the week.

“This is my 4th year that I have been involved in dancing and choreography for our school plays,” the 17-year old senior said. “This is my first year as dance captain.”

Jessica said she helps classmates new to drama learn the different dance steps. She also is responsible for helping any cast members that may have been absent catch up.

Vincent Terraneo is another play participant. Performing in his first big musical, the senior will play the part of ‘the UPS guy.’

An Eagle Scout for local Troop 74, Vincent said he plans to major in computer science in college. His Eagle Scout senior project was helping make the garden boxes of the Pompton Plains Park on Farm Road accessible to those with limited mobility.

Junior Ferdi Ameti said this was her first time ever being on the big stage. She will dance in choreography scenes.

“My friend Audrey asked me if I wanted to be in the play,” Ferdi recalled. “I decided to do so. I’m so glad I did. I’ve met a lot of people and made a lot of friends.”

Jason Regner will also make his stage debut by playing the character, Nikos. The senior is a current member of the new PTHS jazz band and plays clarinet. He also excels on the marimba and vibraphone. Jason said he is awaiting the outcome of a recent audition for the music program at Montclair State University.

Jen Largo is serving in her third year in PTHS plays as assistant director. The 18-year old senior previously help oversee the plays Godspell and Fiddler on the Roof.

“My responsibilities include filling in for people and reading lines from their scripts when they are absent,” Jen said. “I also block down. That means helping with actions and mannerisms that the students must display while speaking. I need to know all the roles.”

Other management tasks include making sure the booth lighting is working and employing sound effects during live performances. Jen said she plans on attending college in the fall and will major in biology.

Senior Theresa Dolph said she is eagerly anticipating opening night. She will play the court stenographer and several other backup roles, as well. Theresa participated in Godspell last year and has done the same in several other one act plays.

Legally Blonde will be held on Friday and Saturday evenings, March 11 and 12, at 7:00 p.m. A Sunday matinee is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. A live orchestra will provide musical accompaniment. For ticket sales and more information including the synopsis of the play, please go the website, www.pthsband.com