Photo Credit by Lucky MACK Studios
OMG, You Guys!
When Village Theatre approached me with the opportunity to design costumes for Legally Blonde the Musical, I got butterflies in my stomach. Saying “yes” wasn’t just a decision but a choice to spend the next six months immersed in a world where resilience, confidence, and defying stereotypes take center stage. Now that the show is open, I can honestly say, OMG, this production bursts with energy, humor, and heart, and I can’t wait for you to see it!
Check out this interview and learn more about my costume design process:
Question: What are some of your inspirations as you approach your design work for this show?
Let’s get down to business; Elle Woods is known for her vibrant and stylish wardrobe. Elle is my inspiration, and she also inspires all the other characters in the story to grow. Legally Blonde is a lively, energetic, and empowering story that follows Elle Woods, a fashion-savvy sorority girl who initially enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend, only to discover her potential to assert her intelligence and independence, to achieve her own stylish goals. The costume design for this production reflects the contrasting worlds of Elle’s sun-tacky, fashion-forward life at UCLA and the conservative, traditional environment of Harvard Law School. The costumes are crucial in showcasing character development, social dynamics, and the overarching themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and true love.
Question: What iconic costumes will audiences see, and what is unique to this Village Theatre version?
Elle Woods is a fashion icon! Who wouldn’t want to see some of those nostalgic looks, right? When I started designing costumes for “Legally Blonde,” I knew I had a particular responsibility to balance my design approach to meet the current audience’s expectations in a post-Barbie-movie world. Our Village Theatre production is set in contemporary times, but I don’t think the audience will walk away disappointed with my design approach; there will be plenty of iconic eye candy with a contemporary spin! And, yes, I can promise you a fabulous Playboy bunny costume that Paulette loans to Elle for the “Costume Party” and one epic courtroom outfit!
Question: How do the costumes throughout the show interact with the characters’ journeys?
Elle’s costumes evolve throughout the musical from flashy, casual pinks to more tailored, professional pinks. This shift in style mirrors her journey from a fashion-focused sorority girl to a serious, successful pink-loving lawyer.
The details in her costumes, such as accessories and the cut of her clothing, become more refined and sophisticated as we witness the character’s embodiment of confidence and self-empowerment, reflecting her growing maturity and understanding of her new, more sophisticated world.
Despite the small, subtle changes in Elle’s wardrobe, the consistent use of pink underscores her authenticity and determination to succeed without losing her true self.
Question: What is most exciting to you about this show?
OMG, these questions are tough! It’s difficult for me to choose the most exciting aspect of designing costumes for Legally Blonde. I can tell you that when Village Theatre’s Associate Artistic Director, Brandon Ivie asked if I was interested, I knew I couldn’t turn down the opportunity. I love that this musical emphasizes themes of self-belief, hard work, and breaking stereotypes. The energy of the music, the fierce fashion, the humor, and the witty dialogue throughout the show create a joyful combination. I felt I could live in Elle Woods’ world for six months and be thrilled to do so!
My first meeting with the director of Legally Blonde, Meredith McDonough, was just so upbeat and positive- an exceptional introduction with oh-so-many connections in our national theatre network. I’m excited to work with Meredith and the entire production team, who are peppered all over the country! Designing for live theatre is a unique experience; we are a unique group of magic-makers, and I just can’t wait to meet the cast! Some of the cast members I know, and I’ve worked with for years, and some will be new collaborative relationships, like the one with Meredith, and that is very exciting.
Question: What do you hope audiences feel when seeing this show?
I hope audiences feel inspired and empowered by Elle’s story of transformation from a seemingly superficial sorority girl to a successful Harvard Law graduate. I hope that watching Elle put in the hard work to achieve her hopes and dreams inspires the audience to join her on the joyful journey of love and gives them a refreshed commitment to empathy, compassion, and optimism. Also, these songs are ridiculously fun. I hope the audience leaves with a song in their hearts.
Question: Lightning round! Just how many shades of pink will we see on stage?
To quote Elle Woods, “Whoever said orange is the new pink was seriously disturbed.”
Historically, pink has been a versatile and widely loved color. In the eighteenth century, it was a fashionable color worn by distinguished aristocracy in European courts. The association of pink with women and femininity is a relatively recent development, influenced by cultural, social, and economic factors. Today, pink continues to evolve, symbolizing everything from traditional femininity to modern empowerment and resistance.
All I have to say is, get ready to embrace the various shades of pink, including Blush Pink, Rose Pink, Baby Pink, Hot Pink, Coral Pink, Peach Pink, Fuchsia, Salmon Pink, Magenta, Bubblegum Pink, Mauve, Dusty Pink, Carnation Pink, Flamingo Pink, Watermelon Pink, Piggy Bank Pink, Cherry Blossom Pink, Pastel Pink, Raspberry Pink, and Barbie Pink, all featured on stage before intermission!
More About the Show:
Don’t judge a blonde by her cover! Elle Woods appears to have it all. However, her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school, and soon she discovers — and proves to the world — the power of being legally blonde. Based on the beloved movie Legally Blonde, The Musical takes you from the sorority house to the halls of justice in a fabulously fun, blonde-tastic style. With an infectious score, dazzling dances, and a hilarious script, this exuberant musical is so much fun that it should be illegal!
Legally Blonde the Musical:
ISSAQUAH NOV 12—DEC 22, 2024, | EVERETT JAN 4—26, 2025
Village Theatre | 303 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027 | 2710 Wetmore Avenue, Everett, WA 98201
Mainstage Performance Times:
All evening performances will now begin at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 7:30 p.m.
Thursday: 2:00* and 7:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 pm
Saturday: 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday: 2:00 and 7:30* p.m.
*performances at this time do not occur every week of the run
Get Your Tickets NOW!
Village Theatre homepage – VillageTheatre.org
Blonde page on our website – VillageTheatre.org/Blonde
Blonde ticket buy page ISSAQUAH- https://tickets.villagetheatre.org/TheatreManager/1/login?event=4064
Blonde ticket buy page EVERETT – https://tickets.villagetheatre.org/TheatreManager/1/login?event=4069
Style Tip:
Wearing PINK is strongly encouraged!
Cheers!
Harmony