Grab your lucky scrunchie and snag your tickets because Legally Blonde: The Musical is set to open at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre starting Jan. 31.
Directed by theatre veteran Stephanie Roth, and produced by the Cowichan Musical Society, this high-energy production promises to bring charm, comedy and a powerful message of courage and self-discovery to Vancouver Island audiences.
An internationally acclaimed performer with more than 35 years of experience, Roth has graced stages across Canada and around the world. Her career highlights include touring internationally with the Broadway production of RENT, performing with the original Canadian company of The Who’s Tommy, and starring in multiple productions at the prestigious Stratford Festival.
Roth’s connection to Vancouver Island began through her husband, actor, producer and musician Kraig Waye.
“He was here doing The Buddy Holly Story with Zachary Stevenson,” Roth said. “Meanwhile, I was back in Ontario, with snow up to my eyeballs, while he was in this magical place with cherry blossoms and exquisite moisture in the air.”
The family relocated to Ladysmith during the COVID-19 pandemic after driving across the country with their four-year-old daughter in the back seat.
With acting gigs scarce due to COVID, she decided to offer local musical theatre classes. She quickly discovered a passion for helping others explore their creativity and that, in turn, opened the door to more opportunities than she could have imagined. Roth now says she’s “busier than ever”.
In 2022, Roth launched the Stephanie Roth Performing Arts Studio, which offers programs for aspiring performers of all ages, from children as young as five to seniors in their 80s.
“I’ve given myself permission to dream outside of being a performer,” Roth said. “Now I’m directing, choreographing, and music directing --- all things I never considered before.”
Her growth as a creator and teacher ultimately set the stage for her to direct her first major production on Vancouver Island with the Cowichan Musical Society. The parallels between the show's themes and her own discovery of her creative talents beyond acting made her a perfect fit to helm the show.
Based on the beloved 2001 film, Legally Blonde: The Musical retains its bubblegum-bright aesthetic, sharp comedy and uplifting themes while adding show-stopping musical numbers that elevate the fun to new heights.
The story follows Elle Woods, a seemingly perfect sorority queen whose life takes a dramatic turn when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her to pursue a “serious” future at Harvard Law. Determined to prove herself, Elle follows him to Harvard, where she faces skepticism from everyone around her. Along the way, Elle discovers her own potential, forms unexpected friendships and proves to herself and others that she’s more than she appears to be.
Casting Legally Blonde was a critical piece of the puzzle, and Roth lights up when talking about Alyssa Baker, the actor cast as the show’s lead, Elle Woods.
“Alyssa is the perfect Elle for us,” Roth said. “She blew us away at her audition. She sang, she did her scene, she left, and we all looked at each other and said, ‘That’s Elle.’”
Roth’s love for her entire cast is evident.
“All the actors are great,” she said. “Every time they meet each other on stage they support one another to be brave and courageous. They are a wonderful group to work with.”
She sees the production as a true celebration of community theatre, noting that the actors are all volunteers who work during the day then attend rehearsals at night.
“There’s so much heart in this show,” Roth said. “It’s not just about the sparkle, it’s not even about the show, it’s about the people. It takes courage to express yourself, and every person in this show is being courageous and sharing this vulnerability.”
Roth hopes audiences leave the theatre inspired and ready to embrace their own potential.
“Elle’s journey reminds us all that we’re capable of so much more than we think,” Roth said. “And I think that’s a message everyone needs to hear.”
Performances of Legally Blonde: The Musical run Jan. 31 to Feb. 3 at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. Tickets are available now.
