Camryn Graves, a senior drama performance major, gets ready for her role as Elle Woods in Hofstra’s production of “Legally Blonde.”

Photo Courtesy of Jamie Johnson

“Legally Blonde” closed two weekends ago and we’re all having emotional withdrawals. The cast and crew were able to keep the energy at a high for the full two hours of the musical and had the audience falling in love with the characters. 

The two-story set included a building with an interchangeable lower level for the different locations, the upper level serving as Elle’s bedroom for the entirety of the show. The changing backdrops were brought across the stage on a slip stage that was cranked seamlessly by the crew backstage. 

The show’s run crew kept the musical moving smoothly.There were quick changes, set changes, slip stage movement, prop placement, lighting and more. All these aspects had to be cohesive because one small slip-up could create a tragic domino effect.

“It was fun doing dress rehearsal because you can see the show take form,” said Mathew Sapienza, a senior television production major who was a stagehand in the production. “Seeing your friends and the talent onstage was enough to bring a tear to your eye.”

“Quick changes were fun, especially in a group because we could all freak out together,” said Troy Sorenson, a senior drama performance major who played the roles of Elle’s Dad, Winthrop, a Harvard student and the TV reporter. Sorenson also had a part in the fabulous “Bend and Snap” number.

Sorenson’s experience was unique since he played many characters and had to switch from one to the next by integrating physicality differences. He was able to embody the characters through their particular walks and individual mannerisms.

“It’s a good challenge,” Sorenson said. “I loved playing the [TV] reporter because I got to mess with the cast, and it was different every night.”

Camryn Graves, a senior drama performance major who played the lead role of Elle Woods, went on a six-month journey, preparing mentally, emotionally and physically to do the musical justice. She described her whole experience as “living in a wash[ing] machine.” 

Being the show’s protagonist, she was in most of the musical and had about eight quick changes that happened on and off the stage.

“You have to be emotionally present on stage, then focus off stage, [then] run back on and become present again … but everything becomes second nature,” Graves said. 

For Graves, becoming Elle was extremely difficult and became draining at times, but it was a surreal experience that was ultimately worth it.

The musical’s solid foundation was the element of dance. Ellie Creedon, a junior drama performance major who played the role of Delta Nu’s Serena, was one of the three dance captains for the show.

“I have a little bit of [Serena] in me, she’s a heightened, more energetic version of myself,” Creedon said. “It’s really challenging to work with your peers, but it was really rewarding when I was able to see my friends dance on stage.” 

There were many different components that went into the production of “Legally Blonde” that the audience did not see. The organized chaos and synchronization of the cast and crew is what made the show stand out, giving the audience Hofstra’s own rendition of a timeless story.