‘Legally Blonde the Musical’ a big hit in Mitchelstown

‘Legally Blonde the Musical’ proved a resounding success in Mitchelstown last week, with the first evening show on Thursday being entirely sold out, as TheAvondhu joined with the audience.

The Presentation Secondary School musical, in conjunction with the CBS, has been in the works for some time with students involved in the production practising since September.

Backstage at their first evening show, anticipation was high as cast members put the final touches on their costumes, got in some last-minute practise and brushed off any nerves ahead of facing the expectant crowd.

Presentation Secondary School pupil, Chloe Finn, took the lead role in the musical as Elle Woods, the blonde leading lady with a love of fashion and style who is dumped by her boyfriend, Warner, played by CBS student, Jack Twomey, for not being serious enough.

Elle aims to prove Warner wrong by going to Harvard Law School and while her blonde hair and pink outfits don’t really fit in at the Harvard community, there’s more to Elle than meets the eye.

Based on the 2001 novel by Amanda Brown, many may recognise the story which was adapted into a popular 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon.

Having staged musicals, for over ten years now, Legally Blonde the Musical’ saw a first for the two schools, as they welcomed their first non-human actor, with Alfie, the dog, taking to the stage playing Bruiser Woods/Rufus.

On Thursday, students of Presentation Secondary School and the CBS performed a matinee for local primary school pupils from Burncourt, Glenahulla, Kildorrery, Knockadea, Skeheenarinky and Bunscoil, Mitchelstown.

LARGE UNDERTAKING

Teacher Ciara Murray was the musical director for the production, Winnie Fitzgerald was director and Aoife Ryan was assistant director.

“Huge credit to the cast, the students and the teachers who have put in so many hours on weekends and after school to bring this to life,” a schools spokesperson said.

Pat Murnane on sound was on-hand throughout the production, while a live band was also set up in front of the stage, making the production one of few in the country to feature live misic rather than backing tracks. Sets were created by art teacher Linda Evans, with Laura Healy taking over costumes and promotion for the event, and teacher Aisling Lineen also offering valuable support to the production.

Some of the 1st Year cast members of the Presentation and CBS musical, ‘Legally Blonde’.

(Photo: Katie Glavin) CBS Mitchelstown students, Ben Walsh, Eoin Lynch, Peter O’Keeffe, Michael O’Brien and Steve Murphy, in charge of the concessionary stand during the musical.

Katie Finn, Caylee Hogan, Caoimhe Cronin, Eva O’Brien and Leah Kent, of Presentation Secondary School, Mitchelstown, cast members of ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’.

(Photo: Katie Glavin) LEFT: Ben Cooke as Professor Callahan, Áine Hoye as Serena, Aidan O’Mahony as Kyle and Tristan Power as Dewey, who took part in ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’.

(Photo: Katie Glavin) Glanworth locals, John O’Sullivan, Ca Hanrahan, Colette and Tommy Quinlan, who attended this year’s musical from Presentation Secondary School and CBS.

Chloe Finn as law student Elle Woods and Alfie the dog, who plays Bruiser in the play.

(Photo: Katie Glavin) Kate Keating and Anna Lonergan, Burncourt and Derrylahan, excited as Presentation Secondary School and CBS students took to the stage for Legally Blonde The Musical last week.

(Photo: Katie Glavin) Phil Roche and Denise Murphy, Mitchelstown, taking their seats amongst the crowds and looking forward to ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’.