WC_032218

32 | March 22, 2018 | The winnetka Current life & arts
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Bobby Johnson (left), of Winnetka, played Emmett Richmond in the Wilmette
Children’s Theatre’s recent production of “Legally Blonde, Jr.” RHONDA HOLCOMB/22ND
CENTURY MEDIA
Winnetka performer learns priceless
lessons from ‘Legally Blonde, Jr.’ script
Alexa Burnell
Freelance Reporter
The Wilmette Children’s
Theatre’s recent production
of “Legally Blonde,
Jr.,” which opened on
March 9, reinforced important
life messages, such
as you can’t judge a book
by its cover, and that having
faith in oneself will
never go out of style.
Adapted from the
Broadway production, the
story tells of sorority girl,
Elle Woods, who battles
her dumb blonde image,
making it to Harvard Law
School, but with a few
bumps and bruises along
the way.
Alison Dornheggen, artist
director, selected the
production for its timely
message, as well as the joy
that the plot and music infused
in the young cast.
“The message of selfconfidence
and standing up
for oneself is very relevant
right now,” Dornheggen
said. “The story talks about
a female who is stereotyped
to the point of believing
the way the outside world
views her is her real identity.
But, with the help of
good friends, she discovers
the depths of her true self
and full potential. I also
wanted to keep things enjoyable
for our mainly seventh-
and eighth-grade performers.
The music is just
outstanding, and watching
the cast become so excited
about the music and the
storyline was an influence;
their laughter and happiness
is infectious.”
Bobby Johnson, of Winnetka,
who played Emmett
Richmond, joined
the Children’s Theatre for
the first time. He explaining
how the acting techniques
he and his fellow
castmates learned from
director Wendy Avon were
priceless.
“Wendy is so great, she
teaches us how to become
our character but while doing
what is most natural
for us at the same time,”
Jones said. “I also learned
a lot of new staging techniques
and feel like I’ve
grown throughout this production.
Not to mention,
the music is great; you
can’t help but have fun
with these songs.”
For Glenview’s Ericka
Pugliese, who played
Elle, the experience has
positively influenced her
studies at Marie Murphy
School.
“What I learned by playing
Elle is that if you really
apply yourself, you can
excel at anything you put
your mind to,” she said.
“This has impacted my
everyday life. I feel more
motivated, focused and attentive
at school, bringing
out the best in myself as a
student.”