Elle's sorority life in California is all about mani-pedis, Prada shoes, and snagging the right guy. background: url(https://chicagoparent.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/legally-blonde-review-3.jpg) 0 0 no-repeat;
Fun fact: They would not let us film Legally Blonde there. It's not like she's doing this for the money. A fabulously fun, award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. ", "First, I want to apologize directly to Mrs. Hansen for the way this issue was handled," Loveland superintendent Dr. John Marschhausen said in a statement. It feels so realistic," said Fuller. A high school production of the musical Legally Blonde in Ohio has been deemed by administrators to be inappropriate for its audiences, resulting in the apparent dismissal of a drama teacher. One of the biggest controversies took place in 2009 in Orange County, when administrators at Corona del Mar High School pulled the plug on a student production of Rent.. Sun. Your privacy is important to us. Date: Friday, March 24th Doors Open: 6: . Elle's ambition inspired me to balance having a feminine personality and still being studious, and could really help send the same message to other 10 year olds. HILLSBOROUGH, NJ Hillsborough High School Theatre's "Legally Blonde the musical" will kick off this week. She had a blast and had no issue with content, or being on stage playing that role." Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. ", He added, "On behalf of the district, I want to thank Mrs. Hansen for the success she achieved during her tenure in growing the participation of the drama department, and for the powerful impact she made in the lives and development of many Loveland students. The prevalence of male lawyers over female lawyers is real off-screen as well. A giant iPhone takes over the set to even remind older audience members on how much has changed since the early 2000s. On Elle's first day of law school, she's the only student in her class without a laptop and pulls a fluffy pink pen and heart-shaped notebook out of her purse. Legally Blonde is one of the most popular new titles licensed by Music Theatre International and is frequently produced in high schools across America. But thats why I always endorse schools choosing the Jr versions of material to avoid these issues. While its unknown if the entire show was presented for students or just parts of it, whatever was performed was deemed inappropriate by Albrecht and after a quick meeting of the regions school board, the production has been postponed. David Ng is a former Company Town reporter for the Los Angeles Times. The movie uses Massachusetts' Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3.03 to justify Emmett signing off on Elle as the acting lawyer. Stay up to date with what you want to know. To Stacey Menjivar, a 29-year-old rising third year law student at Harvard and co-vice president of the school's Women's Law Association, one of the highlights of "Legally Blonde" is the way it . We applaud the parents and students who supported Mrs. Date: Thursday, March 23rd Doors . When lawyer Sigrid Boggan was in her early teens, she was first introduced to a movie about a blonde, pink-clad sorority girl-turned-Harvard Law student. Some are bi-polar, some don't do anything else at school, but they found out that the theatre department is fun. ", Students and parents have since rallied around Hansen, showing their support by wearing Legally Blonde t-shirts to school and visiting their director at her home. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. }
This spring, the Central Kitsap High School Drama Team will be putting on "Legally Blonde: The Musical", with the help of CKHS's choir director Alicia Rodenko. Logan Culwell-Block "Legally Blonde: The Musical" tells the story of a young woman who perseveres despite obstacles and grows over time. The musical opened on Broadway 2007 and has since been widely produced in local theaters around the country and abroad. We won't share this comment without your permission. Common Sense Media. Her investment in our children remains unmatched by any educator I have encountered thus far in my daughters educational experience," she wrote. Not only does it feature a great female role model, this energetic, thoughtful and hilarious show shares the same positivemessages with a modern twist, which makes it the perfect show for your tweens and teenagers. The two will be joined by Chloe Fineman and Megan Stalter to play a group of childhood friends on a mission to help a former best friend. #tdi_87 .td-doubleSlider-2 .td-item1 {
is legally blonde appropriate for high schoolsparknotes hamlet act 1 scene 3. is legally blonde appropriate for high schoolgazelle bikes vancouver. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Courtroom comedy will appeal to teens. "I spent that semester terrified of being called on.". Students involved in the show were notified Wednesday night of the postponement. REVIEWS HIRE. One of the major reasons why it was a poor performance is due to lack of proper portrayal of charm by Elle Woods who according to the . Ohio High School Fires Director for Staging, An Ohio high school that fired the woman hired to direct its musicals is reassessing the goals of its drama program after school administrators expressed concerns over a production of the Tony Award-nominated musical, Film Studio A24 Buys Off-Broadway's Cherry Lane Theatre, World Premiere of Cameron Darwin Bossert's, Ariana DeBose, Amanda Seyfried, More to Star in Comedy Film, See Arinz Kene Explore Art and Gentrification in Photos of, See A Sneak Preview of 'Dancin' Man' from the Broadway Revival of. Goes Out newsletter, with the week's best events, to help you explore and experience our city. Renee Schiavone/Patch Performances will be held at the Hillsborough High. "It can be really stressful and sometimes, like in the classroom on Elle's first day towards the beginning of the movie, the professors try to scare you a little. "But it is a movie, and it's a great scene, so I forgive it for being dramatic," Fuller added. Ohio school loses drama teacher over 'Legally Blonde' musical By David Ng Dec. 17, 2012 12 AM PT A high school production of the musical "Legally Blonde" in Ohio has been deemed by. BUY TICKETS. "Harvard Law School culture is a lot more collaborative than the movie depicts. Yes it is silly and a bit of a stretch when it comes to the logistics of what a real harvard law student would be able to do, but it's a super important movie. | is legally blonde appropriate for high school A report from station WLWT in Cincinnati said that Sonja Hansen, a drama teacher at Loveland High School, has been forced to resign following the staging of the musical show. is legally blonde appropriate for high school. Comes To Kingston Center For The Arts. How Do I Protect My Young Child from Cyberbullying? Stephen Mallatratt's stage adaptation of Susan Hill's novel began its run at the Fortune in 1989. Advertisement. "She loved playing the role," he said. Hansen said when she contacted Kloesz on Dec. 12 to ask why auditions for Will Rogers Follies had been canceled, she was told, "You need to resign or you will be terminated. I was suggest watching it with an older kid as their are some inappropriate scenes and messages. The issue began after the production was shown to students during a Wednesday morning assembly. Representatives for Stanford, Witherspoon, and Rae did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. They don't talk and suddenly they're talking, smiling and making friends. The show tells the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back . Looking for Summer Camps for Special Needs? portalId: "6766057", How did that make you feel? She's my reminder that I can do this.". Jennifer Coolidge delivers an iconic performance as Elle's nail technician and friend, and it's fun to see Raquel Welch in a cameo as a wealthy divorce. Great comedy movie overall. Andrew Gans They said Elle's school experience was pretty spot on but her court experience was not. She pointed out that it was not staged as a rowdy college party. This is such a fun film! Kloesz, according to Hansen, cited "bootie-bounce dance moves" and the use of the word "skank" in the script. Phillipsburg High School musical 'Legally Blonde' leads to parental criticism over content Updated: Feb. 20, 2012, 9:51 a.m. | Published: Feb. 20, 2012, 8:51 a.m. NEW! We had no one ask for refunds," she said of Legally Blonde's run. Albrecht has previously announced she will be retiring at the end of the school year. | Legally Blonde (2/9/23-2/12/23) Newsies (2/6/20-2/9/20) A FUNNY THING.FORUM (2/4/16-2/7/16) Where is South Kingstown High School . They waited all this time and then decided to pull the rug from underneath the students, they told me. Hansen and another parent at the school told Playbill.com that attempts were made to address issues within the text and staging, and that a sign was placed in the lobby letting patrons know the production was rated PG. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. OMG you guys!!! She said that rehearsals were open and the she didnt hear any complaints. "During orientation, Harvard Law School actually played the clip of Elle's admissions video with the admissions committee deciding to let her in, and then they swore that's not how they made decisions," said Fuller. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. This is Albrechts last attempt to cement her legacy before she walks out the door.. During the showing held for students late Wednesday morning, she noted material that she wouldnt expect to see (or) feel is appropriate for the classroom the language and some of the innuendo and things would not be appropriate classroom material so I dont think therefore it is appropriate for the extension of the classroom.. Broadway's "Rat Pack" features Sam Gravitte, Kathryn Allison, Luke Hawkins, and Jelani Remy. Sharing Educational Goals. The Medford High School Drama Club staged its first large scale show in over two years, with four shows of Legally Blonde, the Musical Thursday April 7- Saturday April 9 in the High School . Legally Blonde. See details about the productions, and how to purchase tickets! Today, November 19th, students at Maryville High School in Maryville, MO were supposed to continue the weekend run of their Fall musical, Legally Blonde. 2646. People sure love their dogs out here in Portland and bring them to school pretty often," said Therrien. Become a member to write your own review. Musicals that tackle mature themes can sometimes prove problematic for high schools. How 'Legally Blonde' influenced a generation of women lawyers "What, like it's hard?" Elle Woods famously quipped when her ex-boyfriend Warner Huntington III was shocked to see that she was also. What role did her parents play in shaping the way she thought about her future? background: url(https://chicagoparent.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/legally-blonde-review-2.jpg) 0 0 no-repeat;
"Sonja does it because she loves it. She added, "Like it or not, mature and sensitive themes woven into this performance will eventually touch on the lives of all high school students in one way or another. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. However, there is a licensable Jr version of the show which is available for schools where much of the potentially offensive material has been either removed or altered. If you chose to provide an email address, it will only be used to contact you about your comment. I think it depends on your kid, but if they are mature enough and mostly know about sex in general then they could watch it at a young age. They've invested a lot of time, a lot of energy and we want to be able to showcase their talents, but we think there's a better way to do that." "Elle is not seen taking tests throughout the movie because, in law school, they're often only given at the end of the semester, where you're expected to regurgitate and analyze the entire semester's work.". While Legally Blonde might overall be a feel-good show, that doesnt stop the theater on focusing on whats important: Being true to yourself never goesout of style. During the time of the #MeToo movement, we see minor changes from the original script to improve the shows message, like mentioning afemale pilot and havingElles mom payfor law school instead of her father. She drops out of her internship until another professor encourages not to let "one prick ruin her life.". Whatever kind of help you need, we will give it to you. "I don't think there was anything done intentionally by anyone, I think it was an unfortunate series of events that there was probably some miscommunication and misunderstandings along the way. Fabulously fun and international award-winning Legally Blonde - The Musical is the ultimate Broadway tribute to Girl Power! I spoke to one parent who told me their child hasnt stopped crying since the announcement came. Loveland school administration, including principal Kloesz and superintendent Dr. John Marschhausen, did not respond to Playbill.com's requests for an interview. The new piece explores the effects of mass media with a story about a family tasked with filling the airwaves of a small-town TV station in 1959. While the story revolves around Elle finding empowerment in staying true to herself and her values, it does have some sexual references and stereotyping. Due to popular demand, tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong are now on sale through October 29, 2023. "I do think the movie did a good job capturing how out-of-place and stupid you can feel when you're first starting law school," said Fuller. When the UCLA sorority queen is dumped by her boyfriend, she is up to the task to do what it takes to win him back by following him to Harvard Law School. "The district had a change in administration, and procedures were not in place for proper articulation of expectations and goals for the drama department. They would be a violation of the licensing agreements and if Maryville administrators try to do that, someone should report that to the rights holders, Music Theatre International, immediately. Talk about Elle's choice to keep her client's secret, even when it put her defense at risk, and about the mistakes people make when they judge other people based on appearances. Fun, frothy fashion tale has cursing and sex. The Motion Picture Association of America gave the 2001 film of "Legally Blonde" a PG-13 rating, while MTI rates the musical property as PG, describing it as a "fun, upbeat musical about self-discovery.". She added, "Yes, the differences between Elle and the other students may be more than the differences between classmates in your average Harvard Law School class, but I definitely felt like I didn't belong for a while and I'm sure I'm not the only one.". Margaret Hall, Parents need to know that Legally Blonde is a tongue-in-cheek comedy starring Reese Witherspoon as aspiring lawyer Elle Woods. Worst of all, Warner reveals that he's engaged to Vivian (Selma Blair), a preppy girl who looks like an ad for Town and Country magazine. Wayne Cilento directs the seldom-produced work, re-creating Fosse's original, 1978 Tony-winning choreography. Labels and products galore in frothy book-based romcom. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. "It's postponed and we understand that the kids have invested a lot of time and energy and also we regret that it came at such a last minute," she said. Copyright 1991-2023 Playbill Inc. All Rights Reserved. You can help us help kids by Loveland, along with most schools across the U.S., has a strict no-alcohol policy, and Hansen was cited for a scene in the musical that includes a champagne party involving a group of buttoned-up Harvard University students. "I could easily relate to the feeling Elle had when she saw her name on the list of students who had been selected for Callahan's internship," said Sabrina Blefgen, a student at The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. What shows have played recently at South Kingstown High School. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Ultimately, "Legally Blonde" is an uplifting movie about believing in yourself, and expecting more from yourself even when others don't. And 20 years later, it still holds up. March 4, 2023, By Now 30 and a graduate of Howard University and Georgetown University's law programs, Boggan looks back fondly on "Legally Blonde," her favorite movie thatfirst introduced her to the field she now works inand inspired her Instagram handle (@the_black_ellewoods)not to mentionthe pink blazer she often wore to class. We only wish the school administration had done the same. Davison High School | Davison, MI. In response, Witherspoon tweeted, "This is major! See our. A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. "What is really devastating to me is to see these kids come in and some of them, their spirit is crushed," she said. Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. Right There!" One day before opening night, Maryville High School postponed performances of Legally Blonde after input from school administrators and the Board of Education. Davison High School | Davison, MI. Samantha French Blackwell, a student at The University of Law in the UK has taken Elle's approach to heart. "Ms. Hansen has reinforced the importance of working together, respecting individual differences, honoring personal commitments, as well as demonstrated the joy and rewards that come with pursuing and nurturing one's passion. As a high school thespian myself, I am fully aware of the work, effort, and excitement that surrounds a school musical and I cant begin to imagine the shock and pain of having that show canceled at the last moment for things out of your control. Her new classmates are skeptical and tease her. Situation Project, in partnership with the producers of Some Like It Hot, welcomed more than 380 NYC public school students and their teachers to attend a matinee performance of Some Like It Hot on Broadway. The Keep it Positive workshop will cover topics like sexual harassment, assault and teen dating violence in order to motivate young individuals to develophealthy relationships. She probably puts more into it than she makes. This courtroom comedy might not reach the heights of the sublime My Cousin Vinny, but it comes pretty close. It's a very cute, loveable, and funny movie. He said he did hear a few parents state the show was more mature than they anticipated, but nothing that he felt would turn into a formal complaint or result in Hansen's termination. Loveland High School, located 20 miles northeast of Cincinnati, presented a November production of Legally Blonde, the 2007 stage musical based on the Golden Globe-nominated 2001 film of the same title. While it seems that most people wouldn't be able to bring their Chihuahuas to class, unless Elle has a service dog, some schools do allow it. March 3, 2023, By is legally blonde appropriate for high schoolwhat happened to chuckie's mom in rugrats. | October 15, 2022 "You thinksuper smart, boring, serious, but Elleis justa regular person. Think:Taking Lyft rides, Facetiming and watching the rise of pumpkin spice lattes. "I didn't hear any complaints," Hansen recalled, noting that the Loveland High production of Grease, which includes drinking, smoking, sexuality and teen pregnancy in its script, had higher ticket sales than Legally Blonde. We've rounded up some of the best activities and events to do with kids in Chicago and suburbs this month. Customer Reviews. Sexual themes and references, and some bad language, but I think this is amazing for teens! Administrators at Loveland, including high school principal Christopher Kloesz who took over his title in September, felt differently. We can debate whether or not the full production of Legally Blonde is appropriate for a high school production. The story follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams, and proves that you can be legally blonde and STILL the smartest person in the room. But other than that, this is a really great movie! The Paramount Theatres latest production of Legally Blonde will exceed movie fans expectations. I also hate that this had to happen a day before the show was set to open. "Making friends in law school, is tough, but the aspect of the story where Elle maintains friendships with her college friends and forges friendships with people she didn't expect I'm looking at you, Vivienne Kensington is definitely possible," she added. While she was not a faculty member at the school, parents of Loveland students who spoke with Playbill.com credited her with re-energizing the theatre program and bringing together students in a productive way. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Charming take on Jane Austen's Emma has sex, drugs. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). I previously went to drama school and only decided to go down the legal track last year," said Blackwell. ", The musical's Tony-nominated writers, including composer Laurence O'Keefe, lyricist Nell Benjamin and book writer Hach sent the following words to Playbill.com: "We have no idea what the superintendent's statement means. But that's why I always endorse schools choosing the "Jr" versions of material to avoid these issues. We can debate whether or not the full production of Legally Blonde is appropriate for a high school production. ", Bair also pointed out that Legally Blonde showcases stereotypes (some of which are initially offensive) in order to shatter them. "In the limited experience I've had with legal internships so far it is difficult to be taken seriously as a woman," said Blackwell. "I love how nervous Elle is at first in the courtroom scene. But, Therrien pointed out, that the ruling only applies to third-year law students. Would be good for a sleepover or something to watch with mom. |