The musical comedy “Legally Blonde Jr.,” which will be presented this month at Draper Amphitheater, is a production of Draper Arts Council. The close-knit cast, however, is comprised of many teens who live and attend schools outside of Draper. Coming together to put on a show every summer is a special opportunity to reconnect with old friends. 

Actor Leah Memmott, who attends Alta High School, said, “I love these shows. I get to spend time with all my friends I haven’t seen for nine months.” Memmott was in Draper Arts Council’s  “SpongeBob” last summer and plays Kiki, a hair stylist, in “Legally Blonde Jr.” 

Brynlea Forchuk, a student at Corner Canyon High School, is one of the actors who plays the lead role of Elle Woods. “Everyone is so committed to their roles,” she said. “You can tell we’re all friends. When I see shows, I can tell that everyone is happy to be there and that’s a beautiful thing.” 

Although it is also based on the novel that inspired the 2001 hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon, “Legally Blonde Jr.” is a bit different from “Legally Blonde the Musical.” That show was performed at Draper Historic Theatre last May.

“In most ‘junior’ shows, they change some of the material to make it more family-friendly,” actor Jonas Stone explained. Stone, who attends Murray High School and plays Elle’s mentor, Emmett, added that junior versions of musical theater scripts are usually shorter than the originals. “They also put in more ensemble numbers so that more cast members get to participate,” he said. 

Overall, the plot of “Legally Blonde Jr.” sticks to the source material. When her aspiring lawyer boyfriend breaks up with her, bubbly sorority girl Elle Woods is determined to win him back. To do so, she charms her way into Harvard Law School where she encounters peers and professors who stereotype and misjudge her. Thanks to new friends, however, Elle proves herself and realizes her potential. 

Maddy Bishop, a sophomore at Taylorsville High School, also plays Elle. “I feel like she has a story that a lot of people can relate to,” she said. “People expect her not to be smart. But not every stereotype is true. She shows people what she’s made of.” 

“Legally Blonde Jr.” does not shy away from one of the darker plot points, a scene in which Elle’s professor harasses her. “In our show, he tries to kiss her and she pushes him away,” Forchuk said. “It’s a mature concept but it’s also something that happens so it’s important to deal with.”

“I think the way we blocked it makes it super impactful,” Bishop said. “The way they show him, he’s actually the villain. It makes me feel very emotional when I sing ‘Legally Blonde’ right after that scene.”

She added that the music in the show does a good job of capturing the emotions of the characters. Forchuk agreed. “The music is upbeat and spunky,” she said. “I leave rehearsal every day singing the songs.” 

No production of “Legally Blonde” would be complete without Elle’s faithful chihuahua, Bruiser. Chloe, a 14-year-old chihuahua who belongs to Forchuk’s grandmother has taken on the role. “She’s very friendly, it’s adorable!” Bishop said. 

Many cast members spoke of the positive messages in the show. Brielle Prows, a recent graduate of Mountain Ridge High School, Rachel Poulton, who attends Corner Canyon High School, and Scarlet Bohls from Herriman High School, all play Elle’s sorority sisters, the Delta Nu’s. 

“This show is about determination,” Bohls said. “It’s about putting your mind to do something and doing it.”

“I think one message of this show is ‘don’t underestimate yourself or other people,’” Prows said. “It’s a good message for other kids.” 

“It’s about teamwork,” Poulton added. “We all have to work together to make the show, to get it to a good place.” 

“I think people will be surprised at the quality of this show,” Stone said. “It’s really fun!”

Draper Arts Council’s “Legally Blonde Jr.” will be presented July 25, 26, 27, 29 and Aug. 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. at Draper Amphitheater. Please note that tickets are not available for purchase at the Amphitheater. For more information and to find the link to purchase tickets online, visit www.draperutah.gov/events-programs/draper-amphitheater/legally-blonde-jr.λ