Grab your lucky scrunchie and snag your tickets because Legally Blonde: The Musical is set to open at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre starting Jan. 31.

Directed by theatre veteran Stephanie Roth, and produced by the Cowichan Musical Society, this high-energy production promises to bring charm, comedy and a powerful message of courage and self-discovery to Vancouver Island audiences.

An internationally acclaimed performer with more than 35 years of experience, Roth has graced stages across Canada and around the world. Her career highlights include touring internationally with the Broadway production of RENT, performing with the original Canadian company of The WhoB次元官网网址檚 Tommy, and starring in multiple productions at the prestigious Stratford Festival.

RothB次元官网网址檚 connection to Vancouver Island began through her husband, actor, producer and musician Kraig Waye. 

B次元官网网址淗e was here doing The Buddy Holly Story with Zachary Stevenson,B次元官网网址� Roth said. B次元官网网址淢eanwhile, I was back in Ontario, with snow up to my eyeballs, while he was in this magical place with cherry blossoms and exquisite moisture in the air.B次元官网网址�

The family relocated to Ladysmith during the COVID-19 pandemic after driving across the country with their four-year-old daughter in the back seat. 

With acting gigs scarce due to COVID, she decided to offer local musical theatre classes. She quickly discovered a passion for helping others explore their creativity and that, in turn, opened the door to more opportunities than she could have imagined. Roth now says sheB次元官网网址檚 B次元官网网址渂usier than everB次元官网网址�.

In 2022, Roth launched the Stephanie Roth Performing Arts Studio, which offers programs for aspiring performers of all ages, from children as young as five to seniors in their 80s.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e given myself permission to dream outside of being a performer,B次元官网网址� Roth said. B次元官网网址淣ow IB次元官网网址檓 directing, choreographing, and music directing --- all things I never considered before.B次元官网网址�

Her growth as a creator and teacher ultimately set the stage for her to direct her first major production on Vancouver Island with the Cowichan Musical Society. The parallels between the show's themes and her own discovery of her creative talents beyond acting made her a perfect fit to helm the show.

Based on the beloved 2001 film, Legally Blonde: The Musical retains its bubblegum-bright aesthetic, sharp comedy and uplifting themes while adding show-stopping musical numbers that elevate the fun to new heights.

The story follows Elle Woods, a seemingly perfect sorority queen whose life takes a dramatic turn when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her to pursue a B次元官网网址渟eriousB次元官网网址� future at Harvard Law. Determined to prove herself, Elle follows him to Harvard, where she faces skepticism from everyone around her. Along the way, Elle discovers her own potential, forms unexpected friendships and proves to herself and others that sheB次元官网网址檚 more than she appears to be.

Casting Legally Blonde was a critical piece of the puzzle, and Roth lights up when talking about Alyssa Baker, the actor cast as the showB次元官网网址檚 lead, Elle Woods. 

B次元官网网址淎lyssa is the perfect Elle for us,B次元官网网址� Roth said. B次元官网网址淪he blew us away at her audition. She sang, she did her scene, she left, and we all looked at each other and said, B次元官网网址楾hatB次元官网网址檚 Elle.B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址�

RothB次元官网网址檚 love for her entire cast is evident.

B次元官网网址淎ll the actors are great,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淓very time they meet each other on stage they support one another to be brave and courageous. They are a wonderful group to work with.B次元官网网址�

She sees the production as a true celebration of community theatre, noting that the actors are all volunteers who work during the day then attend rehearsals at night. 

B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 so much heart in this show,B次元官网网址� Roth said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 not just about the sparkle, itB次元官网网址檚 not even about the show, itB次元官网网址檚 about the people. It takes courage to express yourself, and every person in this show is being courageous and sharing this vulnerability.B次元官网网址� 

Roth hopes audiences leave the theatre inspired and ready to embrace their own potential.

B次元官网网址淓lleB次元官网网址檚 journey reminds us all that weB次元官网网址檙e capable of so much more than we think,B次元官网网址� Roth said. B次元官网网址淎nd I think thatB次元官网网址檚 a message everyone needs to hear.B次元官网网址�

Performances of Legally Blonde: The Musical run Jan. 31 to Feb. 3 at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. Tickets are available now.