'Legally Blonde' bends and snaps its way to the Twin Tiers
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- America's favorite blonde is coming to the Twin Tiers, with "Legally Blonde -- the Musical" closing out the Clemens Centers 2022-2023 Broadway Series this weekend.
Based on the 2001 movie, "Legally Blonde" tells the story of Elle Woods, a recently graduated sorority girl who attempts to win her ex-boyfriend back by following him to Harvard Law School. In the process, however, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and proves you can have both beauty and brains.
"It's just truly about a girl who sees her dream," said Hannah Bonnett, who plays Elle Woods in the national tour. "[She] gets it exactly how she wants it while learning so many life lessons along the way. It's an underdog story, and everybody can relate to that at one point or another in their lives. That's what makes it so beautiful"
As the leading lady, stepping into the shoes of the iconic blonde was a dream come true for Bonnett.
"It's been the greatest honor and thrill of my lifetime," she said. "I never thought I would play this role or get to tell this story. So, every night, I go out there and I pinch myself a little bit. It's such an honor."
After traveling on the road for almost a year with the show, Bonnett said it was astounding to see the impact "Legally Blonde" had on audiences nationwide.
"You [get to] meet young children at the stage door or who reach out to you and they're like, 'I wanna play Elle Woods one day,'" she said. "That's what it's about, right? It's about inspiring the next generation of young artists...it's absolutely wonderful."
One stop on the tour, however, was especially meaningful for Bonnett.
"We got to perform in my hometown [last] weekend, and I had young kids -- well, they were young kids...and now they're adults [at] 17 and 18 years old -- who I've always felt like I've mentored," she said. "My mom was there, [as well as] so many other powerful [female] mentors in my life. So, knowing the impact that they had on me, I can only hope and pray that Hannah Bonnet, as well as Elle Woods, can have and continue to have that impact on young artists."
While the plot focuses on breaking misogynistic stereotypes and empowering women, Bonnett said the show -- just like the 2001 film -- has a message for everyone.
"'Legally Blonde' is such a girl power story, but it's there to inspire all people," she said. "We have husbands and dads who come and they're still walking out of the theater saying, 'I had a great time!' all decked out in pink, of course. If you're just looking for a great night to laugh, to love [and] to share it with your family and friends, that is what 'Legally Blonde' is all about."
For those who do plan on attending the show, Bonnett has one last suggestion for all audience members.
"I think if you got pink, of course, we’d love to see it," she said. "Bruiser [and I] look forward to seeing you."
"Legally Blonde: the Musical" will play at the Clemens Center's Powers Theater on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be bought online on the Clemens Center's website, by phone at (607) 734-8191 or in person at the theater's box office.