The Bernards Performing Arts Center is proud to present the 2024-2025 spring production of Legally Blonde. After a 3 month rehearsal period, the cast will be performing the musical on March 7-9. Throughout these dates there will be a total of 4 performances, the first one being on Friday 7th at 7 pm, followed by two performances on Saturday 8th at 2 and 7 pm and closing on Sunday 9th at 2 pm. 

After a long audition process that took place in the beginning of December, the lead role, Elle Wood was given to Abby Sebastian ‘25, who has been working incredibly hard for the past months. Abby, who plays the role of Elle Woods explains how “being a part of a show outside of school and being a senior has taken up a lot of her time” but now, nearing the end of the production she is able to “completely focus on my role as Elle”. When asked what her favorite part of the production is, she mentions that the cast is what makes the spring musical as amusing as it is. “It’s such a good group of people and we have so much fun together every day”, she says. 

Sharing the stage with Abby Sebastian is Nate DeNicola ‘27 as Emmett Forrest, Neal Chaayanath ‘25 as Warner Huntington, Meghan Fitzpatrick ‘25 as Vivienne Kengsinton as well as other 25 cast members. These students have been hard at work for the past 2 months rehearsing on average for 19 hours a week. More recently, the crew has started their work on the set and costumes to make sure everything ready for opening night. 

The hardworking people behind getting these students ready to perform are; choir teacher Mr. LaPine, history teacher Ms. Pietroluongo, Latin teacher Mr. Ciocco, and the director of the show, Mr. Tomaino. The students received their vocal training from Mr. LaPine, reviewed scenes with Mr. Tomiano, and were taught the choreographies by Ms. Pietroluongo who has been doing this job for 15 years. On average, Ms. Pietroluongo spends more than 20 hours a week creating and teaching choreographies. “Working 6 days a week is a lot but spending time with the students is what makes it worth it”, she says. While she recognizes the huge effort that this job requires, she is happy to “support the performing arts and help students find their confidence”. 

The group behind all the fundraising for the performance is the PAC Parents, a team of volunteer parents who are dedicated to spreading the word about the musical and raising money for the production. This year, they have organized events such as a showing of Legally Blonde The Movie at the Bernardsville Cinema, a volunteering project at ShopRite, and a partnership with The Rebecca Collection, which has sponsored the Bernards Performing arts before. 

Thanks to the incredible efforts of the cast, crew, staff and PAC parents, Legally Blonde is hitting the stage!