In Brief: April 21

‘Legally Blonde’ comes to Donnell stage, advocates for animal compassion

According to Director Michael Ellison, an associate professor of theatre and film, “‘Legally Blonde’ is a terrific show for our department because it’s very fun and has a number of great women’s roles. We have a lot of powerful female performers in the department and we are excited to get to feature so many of them.”

Elle struggles with the transition from the sunny West Coast to Harvard Law School, and suffers rejection and stereotypical assumptions, but quickly gains steam with Paulette and Emmett’s encouragement.

“My favorite thing about the show is that Elle, the lead character, in her determination to pursue her love, makes this journey of self-discovery through which she finds out that she is capable of much more than she had thought possible,” said Ellison. “I hope that the audience comes away having had a great time but also thinks about the potential we have as people and how important it is to look beneath the surface, beyond the assumptions we can make about people based on stereotypes or just one aspect of who they are.”

“I am thrilled to be a part of this show,” said Tader Shipley, a junior, who plays Elle Woods. “The show has such high energy and great songs, it’s one of those shows where you leave and have the songs stuck in your head for the rest of the night.”

A goal of the BGSU Department of Theatre and Film with the production is to stress the responsibility actors and producers have toward their animal performers. It has partnered with Planned Pethood and Cutie’s Fund to raise awareness about animal cruelty. Tables and displays will be set up in the lobby at the Wolfe Center for the Arts for visitors to view.

“We hope with the presence of the dogs in the show, and through our outreach in the community, people will be made more aware that April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month,” Ellison said.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, among media-reported animal cruelty cases, dogs are the most common victims of animal cruelty.

Nikki Morey, executive director of Planned Pethood, said, “Animal cruelty is a lot more pervasive than people think. ‘Legally Blonde’ is a good story about how anybody can be anything — including dogs. Think about dogs that are from shelters: adoption is giving them a second chance to being the best they possibly can be, and it’s the same with Elle being the best she can be.”

For tickets, call the Arts Box Office at 419-372-8171 or visit BGSU.edu/arts.