Sami Nagler Finds Her Way -- Legally Blonde Musical Production Update

    Thursday January 24, 2013 was a weird day, as Founder’s Day was moved to Monday because it was supposed to rain on Friday. Needless to say, I was pretty frazzled by the time I got to rehearsal at 3:10. We were supposed to sing “Find My Way/Finale” and “Take It Like A Man” in room 130 with John Higgins, the music director. I sat down in the second chair from the end in between Olivia, who plays Elle Woods, and Jessie, who plays a Delta Nu sorority sister. I put my script on a music stand and thought, ‘Great. Now I get to spend three more hours at school.’ Fortunately for me, rehearsals tend to lift my mood.

            We started warming up. I was feeling a little less tired, because singing seems to have this effect on me where I can’t stay upset or frustrated. Then, John started to teach us the finale. Let me just say, and don’t worry – no spoilers, that “Find My Way” has my favorite moment in the entire show. By the time we finished learning the finale, I wasn’t even thinking about the schedule change or the fact that, because I had classes the next day, I would have to go home and study.

            Olivia and Gus left because they were going to work on “Take It Like A Man” another time, and the ensemble voices learned our “Mmm”s, “Ooh”s, and harmonies. I left rehearsal feeling refreshed and cheerful. Imagine the disappointment I felt when I got home and realized that I had a pile of math homework to do. 

-- Sami Nagler, '13

48 Hour Film Festival Trailer

"Nobody's Perfect, Josh" -- the 48 Hour Film Festival is on!

Now is the chance to make your directorial debut: the character, prop, and line of dialogue have been announced for the 48 hour Film Festival. Any Windward student may create and submit his or her mini-master work to Kiloh by Nutrition on Thursday to win a chance at fame and great fortune (well, $20 to Baja Buds... not bad!)

On Founder's Day, come down to the Media Commons (500) at noon to view and vote for your favorite 48 hour film.

Understanding Vivienne: a day in the life of Morgan Gruber

Vivienne Kensington is a sophisticated law student. She is a hard worker and and she strives to be the best, which is one of the many reasons why she is threatened by Elle Woods. Her initial judgements towards Elle were influenced by childhood experiences; she was bullied by a blonde girl. Thus, one of Vivienne's weaknesses is that she tends to put all blondes in the same category. Vivienne's feeling towards Elle change, once she see's that Elle is determined and independent, just like she is. 

Developing this character has been such a fun experience so far. In order to really understand Vivienne as a person, I created a whole life story for her. Doing this has helped me really tap into who Vivienne is, especially in song. So far, it has been so fun exploring Vivienne and I can't wait to further explore this character.  

-- Morgan Gruber, '13

Day in the Fabulous Life of Elle Woods, by Olivia Uhley

Girls, I’m Positive that playing the part of Elle Woods is the hardest thing I’ve done in the Windward Theater Department, but I have never been more excited! Overall, playing this role is going to be a huge challenge.  I have lots of work to do vocally as well as finding the proper motivation to truly do justice to this deceptively complex character.  I need to find the universally relatable moments in both the songs and scenes to help the audience understand what this show is really about.  Everyone knows that Legally Blonde is a fantastic movie made in 2001 starring the always beautiful and charming Reese Witherspoon, but especially the musical adaptation has an added layer of emotional and cultural significance.

            I would like to start by getting two things straight: Elle Woods is NOT a dumb blonde and neither am I!  We do have one difference though, although we both do share a love of good hair care, I come from a slightly different background.  To prove this, during the read through I mispronounced Fred Segal… Oops! Anyway, now I know and I will make sure I am well versed in all things “GIRL” before we open.

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