Sagemont, a Broward County College Prep School, Presents Legally Blonde: The Musical

WESTON, FL, November 30, 2012 (Press-News.org) Elle Woods was a break-out role for Reese Witherspoon, earning her a Golden Globe Best Actress nomination and an MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance. Sagemont freshman Jessica Jordan is hoping her portrayal of the lead character in Legally Blonde: The Musical will be equally impressive. The Sagemont School, a private school serving the Fort Lauderdale area, is performing this popular show November 29th through December 9th.

Sagemont Lead Theater Instructor Elizabeth Garrard says she selected this play for several reasons, namely because of its popularity and wide appeal. "It's a fun show with catchy music, and the audiences will have a great time," she promises.

In addition to its entertainment value, Legally Blonde: The Musical also tackles some important issues and delivers valuable messages such as being true to yourself, following your dreams, standing up for your beliefs and overcoming social stereotypes. "Elle Woods follows her heart, overcomes diversity, and achieves greatness," explains Ms. Garrard. "Along the way she kicks down the door for stereotypes, becomes a champion for the underdog, and treats others with kindness and respect."

Finally, this play provides performance opportunities for a large number of students. According to Ms. Garrard, the cast is comprised primarily of high school students, but there are a handful of exceptional eighth grade performers who will make their debut. The orchestra encompasses students in grades six through twelve. In addition, the play will also include the Sagemont School Cheerleading Squad as well as a drum line comprised of percussion students. A few faculty members are expected to make cameo appearances as well.

Legally Blonde: The Musical has several lead roles and many supporting characters. The characters are culturally diverse, allowing students to explore a large range of musical theater skills.

Ninth grader Jessica Jordan is excited to test her acting skills playing the lead, Elle Woods. "It's a little bit intimidating to come into the drama program as a freshman, playing such a tremendous role. I feel my own situation parallels the challenge which Elle Woods faces as a Harvard student." She notes that she is excited to add something to the role that is fresh and exciting and different from what audiences have seen in previous versions.

Another challenge facing The Sagemont School thespians is that this play will be performed in a "Black Box" venue. "This offers the opportunity for a more intimate staging of the production," explains Ms. Garrard. "Our set design will feature flexible sets that can easily be transformed and manipulated on the stage. We will be using rolling platforms which can be turned around to instantly change the setting from a hair salon to a college dorm room. We also have a few 'technological tricks' up our sleeve, but we prefer to keep those a secret until showtime!"

In addition to creative lighting and set conventions, the "Black Box" venue allows the student actors to enter and exit the performance area from several locations within the theater, providing the audience with a more direct connection to the story that is happening around them.

That excites senior Cristina Quintero, who plays Paulette Buonofonte. "I have always loved 'Black Box' venues because they are more personal and the audience is more involved. I love the energy you get from a crowd. It makes my performance that much better."

This will be junior Bruno Paes-Leme's first experience. He is looking forward to performing his role as Warner Huntington III in the "Black Box" venue. "I've never been to one before, but from what I hear, the closeness to the audience is very cool because it allows for a whole new connection on the emotional level."

The actors themselves are connecting to this production. "This musical is so fun to perform because the choreography is exciting and it has hilarious dialogue and lyrics," shares Jessica.

Cristina agrees. "For me, the fun part of musicals is all the singing. Any day of rehearsals can turn into a sing-a-long!"

Albeit fun, the students are working hard as they prepare for their production of Legally Blonde: The Musical. The Sagemont School plans to enter this for Cappies judging. The Cappies (Critics and Awards Program) is a program through which high school theater and journalism students are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools, write reviews, and publish those reviews in local newspapers. At the end of the year, the student critics vote for awards that are presented at a formal Cappies Gala.

"When preparing a production for Cappies, it is important to document each step of the production process much more thoroughly than in an ordinary production," explains Ms. Garrard. "Student designers and technicians keep a journal of all of the design research, and take videos/photos of all of the work that they complete along the way. This production will include sound and lighting design by student technicians, as well as choreography, costume design, and a student-based orchestra."

The Sagemont School will perform Legally Blonde: The Musical at the Nova Southeastern University Black Box Theatre, 3301 College Avenue in Davie. Show dates and times are: November 29th at 7:30pm; November 30th at 7:30pm; December 2nd at 2pm; December 6th at 7pm; December 7th at 6:30pm; December 8th at 7:30pm; and December 9th at 2pm. All tickets are $15; group discounts are available. For ticket information email egarrard@sagemont.com or call 954-389-2454 x479.

The Sagemont School offers a college preparatory curriculum and operates two campuses in Weston, Fl. In preschool through the elementary grades, The Sagemont School provides core concepts in a creative environment combined with weekly specials that include science, art, music, Spanish for non-native & native speakers, swimming, PE and media and technology. From middle school through high school graduation, Sagemont students choose from a variety of regular, honors and AP course work. In addition, students share in a networked wireless laptop environment and participate in a comprehensive guidance program for college entrance. Visit The Sagemont School Web site at http://www.sagemont.com/.

For more information on The Sagemont School contact Dr. Brent Goldman, President at (954) 389-2454 ext., 305, or email to bgoldman@sagemont.com.To read more stories about The Sagemont School written by Stacey Bomser go to School News at http://www.ourcityweston.com/

The Sagemont School is a Private pre-kindergarten through 12th grade school and camp.
The Sagemont School operates two campuses in Weston. The Lower School Campus serves students in PreK3- Grade 5; the Upper School Campus serves Grade 6 through 12. The faculty and staff at The Sagemont School are dedicated to parent-teacher relationships in a high-tech learning environment. With multiple computers in each classroom, and small class size, children are learning the skills they will need to be successful both in school and later in life. Visit The Sagemont School Web site at http://www.sagemont.com