By Taya Martin
Every February, Belle River District High School presents an extraordinary musical production, and this year was no different. The musical, Legally Blonde Jr., was brought to life by the BRDHS cast and crew in the high school’s very own auditorium. The show had the crowd laughing, crying, and clapping until their hands went red.
After five months of practice, the thirty actors, ranging from grades 9 through 12, put on the show of a lifetime. Legally Blonde Jr. follows the story of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes in pursuit of her dreams. From February 5th to 7th, the cast and crew performed six shows for students, elementary schools, families, and friends.
When auditions for the play started in mid-October, director, Mrs. Lewsaw, was overwhelmed with all the talented young individuals. The students were so impressive that this year the lead, Elle Woods, was played by not one but two students: Abby Aarssen and Juliet Lewsaw.
After the final performance, Mrs. Lewsaw said, “This is the 8th musical production I have directed here at BRDHS, and it has definitely been one of my favourites. We had an exceptional group of students onstage and working behind the scenes to bring this beautiful and heartwarming story to life. It has been a joy!”
What many don’t see is the magic that happens behind the scenes. A group of thirty students worked hard to paint sets, operate microphones and lights, move props, change outfits, and style hair and makeup. This year’s stage manager, Maddie Smith, said, “From trying to bring it all together in three days to lip sync battles backstage, being a part of the crew was so much fun! What an amazing experience!” The backstage crew was filled with noble, talented individuals who help make the show what it is, and the production would be lost without them.
What makes the performance so memorable? The hundreds of individuals who come to watch, of course. The laughs, hollers, and cheers are unmatched. It’s a moment when the Belle River community comes together to cherish something special. During one of the performances, Janice Brode, a former dance teacher at Walkerville and owner of Janice Brode School of Dance in Windsor, attended the show. Shortly after witnessing the performance, she commented on a Facebook post, sharing, “It was a wonderful production. Sets, costumes, choreography, and voices are all exciting and entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed the performance.”
Overall, this show is an experience that is incomparable to anything else. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions for everyone involved. The last show had the audience, cast, crew and the director herself in tears. The connections made are incredible, and it is an opportunity everyone should experience. Future Nobles, take this as your sign to join something new; the cast and crew of BRDHS are certain you won’t regret it!
