.99. Become a member to write your own review. When Legally Blonde came out in theaters in 2001, the movie made it clear that the story wasnt your typical teen rom-com. Davison High School | Davison, MI. There were a dozen of other options that could be been implemented a dozen different times but this is a failure on every level and only the students are the ones who are being punished. formId: "acc781a7-d0b4-433d-bc7f-c5bac12f3766" You can help us help kids by What were they, and how did she prove them wrong? 1770. She said that any innuendo that might feel inappropriate would likely go unnoticed by young audience members. The show tells the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back . Our website is made possible bydisplaying online advertisements to our visitors. Elle's ambition inspired me to balance having a feminine personality and still being studious, and could really help send the same message to other 10 year olds. As a high school thespian myself, I am fully aware of the work, effort, and excitement that surrounds a school musical and I cant begin to imagine the shock and pain of having that show canceled at the last moment for things out of your control. Labels and products galore in frothy book-based romcom. "She loved playing the role," he said. ", Students and parents have since rallied around Hansen, showing their support by wearing Legally Blonde t-shirts to school and visiting their director at her home. Plus, Elle must deal with struggles such as her ex, Warner (TylerLain) consideringher a Marilyn instead of a Jackie and even more serious issues that occur with her boss, Professor Callahan (James Rank). Not only does it feature a great female role model, this energetic, thoughtful and hilarious show shares the same positivemessages with a modern twist, which makes it the perfect show for your tweens and teenagers. He said he did hear a few parents state the show was more mature than they anticipated, but nothing that he felt would turn into a formal complaint or result in Hansen's termination. This should have been a hard pass until she is way older, even though I do love this movie. Medical school tends to have a strict "pre-med" track for entry, but not all undergrad programs have a "pre-law" track, so people of all different backgrounds attend law school. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. But that's why I always endorse schools choosing the "Jr" versions of material to avoid these issues. The performance reviewed was presented on Friday, February 24, 2023. Review submitted by Hannah Frieden of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Hansen. Both CKHS's drama teacher Zachary Timm and stage director Don Fox have run school-wide productions prior to the upcoming show, however this is the first for Rodenko. It follows the basic plot of the original movie released in . Despite what adults in the room might say, its unfair and unforgiving. It's a very cute, loveable, and funny movie. In this third Blonde chapter, Elle Woods's British twin cousins, Annie and Izzy (Camilla and Rebecca Rosso from The Suite Life !) The most she would be doing as a 1L would be research and drafting memos or motions, maybe," said Therrien. A high school production of the musical Legally Blonde in Ohio has been deemed by administrators to be inappropriate for its audiences, resulting in the apparent dismissal of a drama teacher. Fri. Mar 10th 2023, 7:00 pm. Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. "Legally Blonde" shows Elle Woods' law-school journey, from application to courtroom. "That issue was brought up to me verbally, but was not in any written paperwork," she said. #tdi_87 .td-doubleSlider-2 .td-item1 { Her investment in our children remains unmatched by any educator I have encountered thus far in my daughters educational experience," she wrote. Nursing Management Business and Economics Marketing +89. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. David Ng is a former Company Town reporter for the Los Angeles Times. . Legally Blonde is a 2001 American romantic comedy film directed by Robert Luketic in his feature-length directorial debut, and scripted by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith from Amanda Brown 's 2001 novel of the same name. } Its a really great movie but not for younger kids. If youre looking for a show for the entire family to see, Legally Blonde is your pick. The characters are likeable and there are positive messages like staying true to oneself. High school un-cancels production of Rent, Theater review: Legally Blonde at the Pantages Theatre, INTERACTIVE: Christopher Hawthornes On the Boulevards. What shows have played recently at South Kingstown High School. "In the limited experience I've had with legal internships so far it is difficult to be taken seriously as a woman," said Blackwell. Fear the Tree," she continued. But he's decided to break up with her before he leaves for Harvard Law School because she's not "serious" enough to help him in his political career. With breathtaking vocals and a raw authenticity, Walt Whitman's production of "Legally Blonde The Musical" spoke to the idea that you never can judge a book by its cover. High schools are doing the show; community theaters are doing the show, Hansen told the station. The company behind current Oscar nominee Everything Everywhere All at Once seems to have rescued the historic venue. Students were permitted to finish the run of Legally Blonde (which received standing ovations after each performance), but Hansen was ultimately reprimanded by the administration, she says, for "going against the school's code of conduct." we greatly appreciate everyone who took their time and" Susan Devlin. "I love how nervous Elle is at first in the courtroom scene. Hansen said when she contacted Kloesz on Dec. 12 to ask why auditions for Will Rogers Follies had been canceled, she was told, "You need to resign or you will be terminated. I think it depends on your kid, but if they are mature enough and mostly know about sex in general then they could watch it at a young age. Hansen told the station that she was asked to resign or she would be fired. Hansen and another parent at the school told Playbill.com that attempts were made to address issues within the text and staging, and that a sign was placed in the lobby letting patrons know the production was rated PG. ", But no matter how overloaded Professor Callahan felt and how promising Elle was, she probably wouldn't have even gotten an internship in her first year. Stephen Mallatratt's stage adaptation of Susan Hill's novel began its run at the Fortune in 1989. I am hoping, if possible, that a local theatre will open their doors and allow this production to be performed the way it was written and rehearsed by these students. "I spent that semester terrified of being called on.". 2646. What kinds of assumptions did people make about Elle based on her appearance? HILLSBOROUGH, NJ Hillsborough High School Theatre's "Legally Blonde the musical" will kick off this week. OMG you guys!!! March 3, 2023. I spoke to one parent who told me their child hasnt stopped crying since the announcement came. A report from station WLWT in Cincinnati said that Sonja Hansen, a drama teacher at Loveland High School, has been forced to resign following the staging of the musical show. We won't share this comment without your permission. All rights reserved. There are references to lap dances, body parts, wet T-shirt contests, and long interludes in the hot tub. We can debate whether or not the full production of Legally Blonde is appropriate for a high school production. Luke Wilson as a young lawyer and Holland Taylor as an acerbic professor add some nice moments. Report this review. What Albrecht has done is nothing short of traumatizing and is incredibly irresponsible. To be able to empower them means so much to me.". It does not appear from the schools advertising of the production that Maryville was going to perform the Jr version. Legally Blonde Jr Friday happening at Davison High School, 1250 North Oak Road,Davison,MI,United States, Davison, United States on Fri Mar 24 2023 at 05:30 pm . Basically, it is an appropriate play for high school drama students to perform, and the result can be seen starting Friday at Benicia High School. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Renee Schiavone/Patch Performances will be held at the Hillsborough High. Read Legally Blonde reviews from kids and teens on Common Sense Media. Here for You! Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. "I could easily relate to the feeling Elle had when she saw her name on the list of students who had been selected for Callahan's internship," said Sabrina Blefgen, a student at The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. You will find people who have degrees in fashion merchandising like Elle, or biochemistry, Russian literature, or women's studies, like her peers. "Critics were so pathetically dwelling on the irrelevant that they missed the key themes of the show completely the importance of perseverance, friendship, and combating the hurtful and oppressive stereotypes that so ruthlessly plague high school student populations everywhere. Fun romp has some sexual references and salty language. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Kloesz, according to Hansen, cited "bootie-bounce dance moves" and the use of the word "skank" in the script. We recommend the show for ages 10 and up, so take your older kids to enjoy a retro rom-comthat never gets old. The role of women is a popularly debated to But thats why I always endorse schools choosing the Jr versions of material to avoid these issues. Blefgen added, "Many law schools have a restriction on the amount of hours that first-year students can work. If a decision like this was to be made, it should have been made before the show was even cast. I really like how Elle's character is girly and fun but is not a villan. Check out our list of ideas. You can get the Turnitin report from the writer on request along with the final deliverable. The Paramount Theatre's latest production of "Legally Blonde" will exceed movie fans' expectations. Performance of the Broadway Show; and Movie, "Legally Blonde" preformed by students grades 9-12 of Audubon High School. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). Andrew Gans Phillipsburg High School musical 'Legally Blonde' leads to parental criticism over content Updated: Feb. 20, 2012, 9:51 a.m. | Published: Feb. 20, 2012, 8:51 a.m. NEW! "The movie totally skipped first-semester exams which is like the most stressful time in law school ever," said Fuller. Whatever kind of help you need, we will give it to you. The Keep it Positive workshop will cover topics like sexual harassment, assault and teen dating violence in order to motivate young individuals to develophealthy relationships. It stars Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber, and Jennifer Coolidge. Common Sense Media. The Paramount Theatre is even hosting a free workshop for students ages 11 to 18 on Monday, Sept. 24 to prove that these lessons are crucial for a rising generation. It feels so realistic," said Fuller. Not only does it feature a great female role model, this energetic, thoughtful and hilarious show shares the same positive messages with a modern twist, which makes it the perfect show for your tweens and teenagers. However, there is a heavy amount of innuendo and a few directly sexual remarks. Rae wrote. "She's not what you think of when you think of an attorney," Boggan says of the movie's main character, Elle Woods (played by Reese Witherspoon). While she was not a faculty member at the school, parents of Loveland students who spoke with Playbill.com credited her with re-energizing the theatre program and bringing together students in a productive way. Elle Woods is the definition of not judging a book by its cover (or hair color). A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. hbspt.forms.create({ background: url(https://chicagoparent.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/legally-blonde-review-3.jpg) 0 0 no-repeat; BUY TICKETS. Legally Blonde is a great and funny movie. Plagiarism report. "You thinksuper smart, boring, serious, but Elleis justa regular person. I watched this video on hollywoods demonisation of ultra femininity, and legally blonde is the perfect example of a film that conquers this. | Performance directed by Ms. BJ Muszynski! Legally Blonde (2/16/23-2/18/23) View More Shows. Elle decides that the only way to get Warner back is to join him at Harvard. Her biggest challenge is what to wear for what she thinks will be a marriage proposal from her beau, Warner Huntington III (Matthew Davis). In response, Witherspoon tweeted, "This is major! It's not like she's doing this for the money. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). Sharing Educational Goals. Powerful Stories About Martin Luther King Jr. Reese Witherspoon shared that "Legally Blonde" wasn't allowed to film at Stanford University. THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Extends Through October 2023, SOME LIKE IT HOT Welcomes 380+ NYC Public School Students, Berkshire Theatre Group Sets 2023 Summer Season. He added, "I'm also a big believer in allowing the arts to be the arts; that's why they're great. Not a prude here - but almost every scene had a crass sexual reference or joke - beware for the younger kids who aren't ready for this. This movie is amazing, one of my favorites but there are few things to watch out for younger kids. "What is really devastating to me is to see these kids come in and some of them, their spirit is crushed," she said. She absolutely loved it. Really, everybody wants everybody else to do well," Fuller told Insider. is legally blonde appropriate for high schoolwhat happened to chuckie's mom in rugrats. "It's postponed and we understand that the kids have invested a lot of time and energy and also we regret that it came at such a last minute," she said. pink-clad sorority girl-turned-Harvard Law student, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Great comedy movie overall. The new piece explores the effects of mass media with a story about a family tasked with filling the airwaves of a small-town TV station in 1959. Therrien said that Elle's new friendships with her peers, despite their diverse backgrounds, are very possible. But other than that, this is a really great movie! She said that there are no bad words in the music for the production. Ultimately, the school postponed Hansen's auditions for the spring production of TheWill Rogers Follies. One day before opening night, Maryville High School postponed performances of Legally Blonde after input from school administrators and the Board of Education. Davison High School | Davison, MI. Hansen. Some strong language. Margaret Hall, In November, she directed and choreographed a well-attended production of Legally Blonde. After Elle's boyfriend dumps her at graduation, she gets accepted into Harvard Law School to win him back, then discovers she has far more legal savvy than she ever imagined. | Los Angeles, This fabled orchid breeder loves to chat just not about Trader Joes orchids. I feel awful for the students at Maryville High School. Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. Her new classmates are skeptical and tease her. She did not provide or describe a specific problem with the productions content. She explained that law school is "so different and hard" so the first year pushes you to think in a whole new way. Elle Woods (Casey Shuler) still has her bright and confident personality with empowering songs that are complete with a backup Greek chorus to showcase her character development inPositive and So Much Better. While many characters in the cast are excellent, hairdresser Paulette (Sophie Grimm) and her hunky UPS man (James Doherty) dont fail to make the crowd laugh. According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2018, women make up about 38% of lawyers. Sat. How did that make you feel? "I don't think there was anything done intentionally by anyone, I think it was an unfortunate series of events that there was probably some miscommunication and misunderstandings along the way. Yes it is silly and a bit of a stretch when it comes to the logistics of what a real harvard law student would be able to do, but it's a super important movie. My nine year old sister was able to watch it and loved it!! The dispute centers on the schools production of Legally Blonde, the musical based on the popular Reese Witherspoon movie. High School Cancels Performances of LEGALLY BLONDE Due To 'Language & Innuendo' Concerns The production was set to begin performances the following evening. Please consider supporting us bywhitelisting playbill.com with your ad blocker.Thank you! This includes a profesor trying to touch Elle. Advertisement. Thats the main reason why the feminist comedy still resonates with audiences17 years later, even in musical form. Some are bi-polar, some don't do anything else at school, but they found out that the theatre department is fun. They said Elle's school experience was pretty spot on but her court experience was not. The story follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams, and proves that you can be legally blonde and STILL the smartest person in the room. She had a blast and had no issue with content, or being on stage playing that role." }); Chicago Parent is Chicagolands trusted parenting hub since 1984. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider hop . Worst of all, Warner reveals that he's engaged to Vivian (Selma Blair), a preppy girl who looks like an ad for Town and Country magazine. background: url(https://chicagoparent.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/legally-blonde-review-2.jpg) 0 0 no-repeat; Sign up for reopening news, announcements, and exclusive discounts on tickets to your favorite shows! That event was attended by Maryville Superintendent Becky Albrecht. "Just like Elle, I was able to represent clients while working in a walk-in clinic. Another parent told me that they were upset that the decision was based on one persons opinion and that Albrecht had the entire semester to review the script but didnt until she saw the performance Wednesday morning. Mar 11th 2023, 7:00 pm. and to be honest, adults along the way have let them down and I apologize for that and will certainly take action to make sure that doesn't happen again.". The movie uses Massachusetts' Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3.03 to justify Emmett signing off on Elle as the acting lawyer. "The district had a change in administration, and procedures were not in place for proper articulation of expectations and goals for the drama department. Charming take on Jane Austen's Emma has sex, drugs. Hansen said that she received approval from the school to stage the musical. . Further, the female roles are generally farcical caricatures and shallow stereotypes. While the story revolves around Elle finding empowerment in staying true to herself and her values, it does have some sexual references and stereotyping. Legally Blonde is one of the most popular new titles licensed by Music Theatre International and is frequently produced in high schools across America. "Legally Blonde: The Musical" tells the story of a young woman who perseveres despite obstacles and grows over time. Abby also played Sandy in Grease at Loveland. "I have still been left to do menial tasks like take trial notes, make tea, pick up sandwiches for lunch, etc. Espaol (prximamente) - volver al inicio, Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More, Growing Up Queer: Thoughtful Books About LGBTQ+ Youth, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews. Helpful Report . "I pretty much exclusively use fluffy pink pens and pink stationery for my law school-related writing in homage to Elle Woods. Today, November 19th, students at Maryville High School in Maryville, MO were supposed to continue the weekend run of their Fall musical, Legally Blonde. "Someone brought two ferrets once, so seeing a dressed-up chihuahua on campus is a very real possibility. #tdi_87 .td-doubleSlider-2 .td-item2 { We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. ", Dan Docherty's daughter Abby is a junior at Loveland High and played Elle Woods, the determined blonde heroine in Legally Blonde. She said it's not uncommon to apply to "opportunities in the fall that won't take place until the following summer." Administrators at Loveland, including high school principal Christopher Kloesz who took over his title in September, felt differently. }. "I didn't hear any complaints," Hansen recalled, noting that the Loveland High production of Grease, which includes drinking, smoking, sexuality and teen pregnancy in its script, had higher ticket sales than Legally Blonde. She added, "Yes, the differences between Elle and the other students may be more than the differences between classmates in your average Harvard Law School class, but I definitely felt like I didn't belong for a while and I'm sure I'm not the only one.". It remains unclear which parts of the musical production proved objectionable to school administrators. The parents' guide to what's in this movie. Elle's sorority life in California is all about mani-pedis, Prada shoes, and snagging the right guy. ", Massachusetts' Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3.03. Ohio school loses drama teacher over 'Legally Blonde' musical By David Ng Dec. 17, 2012 12 AM PT A high school production of the musical "Legally Blonde" in Ohio has been deemed by. However, despite the fact that the 2001 film was set at Harvard University, campus scenes for "Legally Blonde" were filmed at the University of Southern California, the University of California, Los Angeles, California Institute of Technology, and Rose City High School, according to "The Worldwide Guide to Movie Locations." Manage Settings ", "I had one professor who would chew you out in front of the whole class if you didn't know what it said in footnote 23," said Jameyanne Fuller, a student at Harvard Law School. "Also proud @Stanford alum here .. Copyright 1991-2023 Playbill Inc. All Rights Reserved. ! In LEGALLY BLONDE, Southern California sorority girl Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) is about to graduate with a major in fashion marketing. What shows are coming up next at Maize South High School. Are not these messages entirely consistent with the CORE values that are drummed into the heads of our students from the time they enter kindergarten within the Loveland School district? Any show that tries to be smart and funny may offend some people, but Mrs. Hansen and her students looked beyond that and saw the positive message of tolerance and female empowerment at the heart of the show. is legally blonde appropriate for high school The university implemented the rule due to "year-round campus activity" in order to protect "the privacy and safety of its students, faculty, and staff," the policy states. The new musical features a book by Adam Rapp and music and lyrics by Jamestown Revival and Justin Levine. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Legally Blonde (2/9/23-2/12/23) Newsies (2/6/20-2/9/20) A FUNNY THING.FORUM (2/4/16-2/7/16) Where is South Kingstown High School . A film of the Broadway production. But when it got to me, you either condone it or you deal with it. "At least at my school in Oregon, Elle bringing Bruiser everywhere is very realistic. A film of the Broadway production garnered high ratings when it aired on MTV in 2007, and Music Theatre International is also developing a Broadway Junior version for young audiences. "I never saw anyone leave. Harvard requires a personal statement of two pages, but also allows for an optional statement "to elaborate on how you could contribute to the diversity of the Harvard Law School community. She probably puts more into it than she makes. Plan ahead! It's a place for everyone. I don't know whether male pupils have had the same experience, but it's hard to shake the feeling that you're not being taken entirely seriously," she added. This spring, the Central Kitsap High School Drama Team will be putting on "Legally Blonde: The Musical", with the help of CKHS's choir director Alicia Rodenko. The story of Elle Woods, Bel Air's favorite pink-clad blonde, and her equally stylish Chihuahua, Bruiser. On Elle's first day of law school, she's the only student in her class without a laptop and pulls a fluffy pink pen and heart-shaped notebook out of her purse. Reese Witherspoon recently shared that "Legally Blonde" was initially supposed to be set on the campus of Stanford University after congratulating fellow alum, "Insecure" creator Issa Rae, for securing permission to film on school grounds. Blocking belongson the stage,not on websites. Witherspoon and the art direction (even the credits have i's dotted with hearts) keep things bubbly even when the script falters into predictability. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. She said that rehearsals were open and the she didnt hear any complaints. The professors really can be that tough. "My complaint about the courtroom scene is the complaint any lawyer would give you about trials in movies lawyers learn all of this during discovery," said Fuller. by BWW Staff Nov. 19, 2021 One day. when was sharks and minnows invented. When lawyer Sigrid Boggan was in her early teens, she was first introduced to a movie about a blonde, pink-clad sorority girl-turned-Harvard Law student. A fabulously fun, award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Overall this is a great movie though! Samantha French Blackwell, a student at The University of Law in the UK has taken Elle's approach to heart. We applaud the parents and students who supported Mrs. is legally blonde appropriate for high schoolsparknotes hamlet act 1 scene 3. is legally blonde appropriate for high schoolgazelle bikes vancouver. In Elle's very first class, she's randomly called upon to answer a question and subsequently kicked out for not doing the reading. Andrew Gans October 15, 2022 Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Families can talk about why Elle didn't have higher aspirations for herself at the beginning of Legally Blonde. However, there is a licensable Jr version of the show which is available for schools where much of the potentially offensive material has been either removed or altered. March 3, 2023, By Chicago Parent, as a Zoe Communications Group company, is certified as a Womens Business Enterprise by the Womens Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nations largest third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women. While it seems that most people wouldn't be able to bring their Chihuahuas to class, unless Elle has a service dog, some schools do allow it. Legally Blonde. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. (also known as the "Gay, or European" moment), according to Hansen, who noted that the school has an LGBT club.