Published in the May 4, 2016 edition
THE CAST OF “Legally Blonde,” on stage at the Galvin Middle School last weekend. (Courtesy Photo)
By GAIL LOWE
WAKEFIELD — Hollywood has Reese Witherspoon.
Wakefield has Emily Sheeran, Ryan Tarpey, Meg Sullivan and a host of other young actors who would give Reese a run for her money. They and a cast of about 70 other students deserve accolades for their performance of Legally Blonde on stage last weekend inside the Galvin Middle School’s auditorium. For months, they dedicated themselves to learning the lyrics to the score.
The musical is the story of teenager Elle Woods (Sheeran) who lives what most would consider the perfect life. She’s surrounded by frivolous but sweet girls, hair and nail salons and, above all, pink, pink and more pink. Elle is convinced that her boyfriend Warner (Tarpey) is about to propose marriage before leaving for Harvard Law School but instead dumps her, saying that he needs someone more serious if he’s going to Harvard and become a senator by the time he turns 30. The heartbroken Elle decides that the only way she can win him back is to go to Harvard herself.
Her first few classes don’t go well but she tries hard to prove she can be a serious and intelligent student. There’s still a fly in the ointment, however, when Elle learns that Warner has proposed to another, more serious law student named Vivienne (Sullivan).
A good deal of hard work went into the making of this flashy production, including colorful costumes and sets and the often difficult vocals, in particular “So Much Better.” Many of the vocals were sung by Sheeran, a member of the senior class. To her credit, she won the DASH Award for best young actress for her roles as Amanda in Moon Over the Brewery (ACME) and Robin in The Woodsman (Hovey).
As for Tarpey, this was the second musical he has appeared in at the high school. He first performed the role of Gavrouche in Les Miserables.
Rounding out the cast in the primary roles were Akash Altman, John Amalfitano, Evan Arambages, Tighe Beck, Sam Bianchet-David, Matt Blois, Michaela Chan, James Connors, Emily Cierpial, Emma Dannenberg, Gina DiMascio, Hannah DiTonno, Sam Marcus Mayer, Lauren Mercer, Kirbie O’Brien, Nathan Prosperi, Sam Prosperi, John Roche, Ava Spies and Max South.
According to the program notes, four years ago, Director of Performing and Visual Arts Tom Bankert and Choral Director Ana Morel hired Director Will Karvouniaris to helm the Wakefield Memorial High School musical. These seniors were then freshmen.
“They have taken us from ancient Egypt to revolutionary France to the sewers of New York with a stop at a spelling bee in between,” said Karvouniaris. “Truly, they take us down the street to Harvard Yard.
“Ana and I chose this story (Legally Blonde) because of its challenging elements. While it might seem like a show about blonde hair and every hue of pink, there’s something deeper at its core. As these seniors leave the safe hallways of Wakefield High, they need to remember to stay true to their roots. Elle Woods has, hopefully, taught then that.”
Each year, Karvouniaris and Morel look for unique elements to incorporate into the productions. This time around, the show included a pair of adorable dogs named Frankie and Romeo.
“I (was) excited to partner with Bill Berloni and his theatrical animals for this production,” said Karvouniaris. “Bill is one of the most talented people I have met in the world of theater. He trains animals in a variety of professional purposes – from camels to parrots – and recently won a Tony for his work. Romeo and Frankie joined us after having toured the nation with professional companies of the show. With this performance Frankie will have completed more performances of Legally Blonde than any other human or canine actor.”
A six-piece orchestra and members of the high school’s Marching Band provided accompaniment. On trumpet, Chris Nelson; drums, Chris Small; guitar Kienan Reilly; reed I, Leo Foley; bass, Justin McLean; reed II Jackie Viscardi; keys I, Morel and keys II, Laura Hargrove.
The Summer Theatre Intensive has selected to produce and workshop For Tonight: A New Musical for its summer 2016 programming. The show is being workshopped for professional productions with an eye on Broadway and the West End. The program will run June 27 through July 30 and is open to incoming ninth grade students through graduating seniors. Auditions will be held on May 17 at Wakefield Memorial High School. Students will learn from area professionals in the areas of sound, lighting, costume, makeup and scenic design. For more information, visit www.wakefieldtheater.org.
