Elle Woods is back at The Fabulous Fox Theatre this April for six performances of “Legally Blonde the Musical.” St. Louis is the first city to book a return engagement of the hit show.
Even after a year and half of being on tour, cast member Rhiannon Hansen cannot wait to be back on the Fox’s stage. With eight shows a week and no days off, the “Legally Blonde” cast works hard to keep the show fresh and energetic. They live out of suitcases and eat out for every meal.
“Everything starts to taste the same,” Hansen said.
But this young performer looks at the positive aspects of her career. She loves being in people’s hometowns and learning about the local restaurants and attractions.
“I’m so lucky I get to have these experiences, and I’m paid to get to have them,” she said.
Hansen first began her career in Logan, Utah, as a cast member in her high school musical, “Bye Bye Birdie.” She had been dancing and singing since the age of four, but it was a dance injury that led her to quit her high school drill team and audition for the musical.
After high school, Hansen moved to Los Angeles to attend the American Musical and Dramatics Academy. Graduating in December of 2007, Hansen did not have to endure the long period of time waiting on tables in New York, as many aspiring actors do. She auditioned and was selected for the MTV reality show “The Search for Elle Woods,” after her brunette roommate gave her the audition information, saying, “I’m not blonde. Why don’t you do this?”
Airing in 2008, the reality show’s aim was to replace the original Broadway Elle Woods, Laura Bell Bundy, with a rookie actress. The contestants were presented with the opportunities to audition for the biggest casting companies in New York.
“That just doesn’t happen,” Hansen said.
But, like most reality shows, nothing happened without drama.
“It’s really hard to live with people who you are competing with. Rooting for these people- hoping they did good, but that you did better… it was a torn friendship,” she said.
Hansen went on to win third place in the show, earning her the spot on the tour, where she plays Margot (Elle’s ditzy sorority sister) and understudies Elle.
“I’m very goofy and I like to be silly, so I love playing Margot,” Hansen said.
Students especially should be excited for the energetic musical to arrive.
“It’s a story for the college-aged,” Hansen said. “You know these people; you can relate to these experiences. There is something for everyone: men, women, young girls and young boys.”
In Salt Lake City, Hansen promised a reluctant group of fraternity brothers a round of drinks if they saw the show and didn’t like it.
“And they loved it! So I didn’t have to buy drinks,” she said.
“Legally Blonde” is playing from April 8-11.
Student rush tickets are only $25 for the orchestra rear corners and lower balcony seats. The offer is only valid at The Fox Theatre box office, two hours prior to the performance. Students must present a valid student ID, and there is a two ticket limit per ID.
For more information, visit www.fabulousfox.com.
