Oh my god you guys! Penn State’s very own student-run musical theater organization, the Thespian Society, is bringing the beloved story of “Legally Blonde” to State College from March 27th – 29th in the Schwab Auditorium. The show, inspired by the 2001 cult-classic film of the same name, follows Elle Woods, a seemingly stereotypical Californian sorority girl who ventures far outside of her comfort zone in the name of love.
Elle finds herself chasing after her ex-boyfriend by attending the coveted Harvard Law school in an attempt to prove that she is a Jackie, not just a Marilyn. (We guess you’ll have to check out the show to further understand that reference). From there, Elle discovers her own passions and intelligence outside of her Malibu Barbie bubble while also finding that love does not exist just within others, but within herself.
What, Like its Hard?
Stepping into the role of the iconic Ms. Woods, Elle has been a lifelong dream for Delaney Beal, a 21 year old third year landscape architecture major at Penn State. After discovering a passion for musical theater in middle school, Beal knew that she must carry on her love of performing when entering college. She has been involved with Thespians since discovering them at the career fair her freshman year and now has the honor of playing the lead in this year’s main stage spring production.
Delaney captures Elle’s bubbly, heartwarming, confident and unintentionally funny persona with ease. Watching her on stage, you truly believe that Delaney is Elle. You become attached to her performance by the end of the show, not wanting it to end.
My favorite part of the show is “What You Want” because the whole cast is on stage together and I get to look around at everyone having a really great time. I love sharing smiles on stage.
– Delaney Beal on her time playing Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde.”
Beyond bringing this character to life, Delaney expressed her major gratitude for Thespians as an organization as a whole.
The most rewarding part is having found people at Penn State who accept me for who I am. We are such a family. It is truly like coming home.
– Delaney Beal on her time being involved with the Thespian Society.
Do not miss your chance to watch Delaney shine in this perfectly pink performance.
More from the Cast and Crew
Bobby Connolly, a 21 year old fourth year bio-behavioral health major at Penn State is the director for the production. After pitching the show for the past two years alongside Mollie Weir, who now plays Paulette in the show, Connolly’s wish was finally granted. He decided to take a risk and apply to direct for his final and dream show with Thespians.
I absolutely adore this show and I think a lot of other people do too. It is such a fun show. It is full of so much hope and positivity that we can always use more of in the world.
-Bobby Connolly on “Legally Blonde.”
Beyond his love for the story of “Legally Blonde” itself, Bobby also expressed his love for his experience getting to work and lead this cast.
I spent the most time with this cast and it’s been really really special to be a cheerleader in their corner…watching them grow into themselves as a character, performer and as a person.
-Bobby Connolly on his time directing “Legally Blonde.”
Delaney is not the only one fulfilling their dream role through this production. Thomas Mihalko, a 21 year old third year telecommunications major at Penn State plays Emmett Richmond, the rigid yet determined new lawyer and teaching assistant to Professor Callahan. Emmett and Elle spark up an unlikely friendship and team.
After missing the opportunity to play Emmett twice in high school, the fact that I finally get to do it is so full circle and just feels right.
-Thomas Mihalko on his time playing Emmett in “Legally Blonde.”
Mollie Weir brings to life the beloved Paulette Bonafonté. Elle’s slightly awkward, yet very endearing manicurist and friend. The story of “Legally Blonde” would not what it is without Paulette and Mollie transmits that through her performance.
I see a lot of myself in her. Getting to come into this role and the confidence I’ve gained from this role is incredible. I can’t describe the feeling.
-Mollie Weir on her time playing Paulette in “Legally Blonde.”
The amount of time, effort and passion that has gone into bringing this show to life is extraordinarily apparent. Through the performance itself, as well as the cast and crew’s love for the story they are representing and its message, anyone who attends “Legally Blonde” will leave feeling a little lighter than before they stepped in to the theater.
VALLEY highly encourages everyone to check out this production. Link to purchase tickets can be found here and let us know if you go see the show by tagging us and the Thespian Society on Instagram @VALLEYmag & @psuthespiansociety!
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