‘Legally Blonde: The Musical’ — PHS Theater Finds Its Voice

This show is so fun, it’s colorful and upbeat, but it still has moments that hit hard emotionally.”

The Peninsula High School stage will glow a little brighter and pinker this spring as students bring “Legally Blonde: The Musical” to life. Beneath the high-energy numbers and bold visuals, the production reflects a theater program in transition. New leadership and upgraded technology mark a performance that aims to entertain its audiences while highlighting the strength of the school’s theater department.

For first-year director Canae Gray, the show is more than just a crowd-pleasing musical; it’s a reflection of the school’s values.

“What makes this show special is that it’s a story about authenticity,” Gray said. “Because PHS is a place where every student should be able to show up as their true, authentic self and be met with an atmosphere of belonging, that’s what we plan to highlight with this show.”

The production offers a refreshing tonal shift for students like senior McKenzie McGee. “The last couple shows we’ve done, ‘Oliver!’ and ‘Hamlet,’ have had some very dark themes, so ‘Legally Blonde’ has been a really nice change of pace for us,” McGee said. “This show is so fun, it’s colorful and upbeat, but it still has moments that hit hard emotionally.”

This year also marks a leadership change in the PHS theater department. Gray joined the program after directing at Franklin Pierce High School and working in theater education and performance for years. Trained at Dillard University in New Orleans, she brings both experience and a clear focus. “This year has taught me to trust my training,” she said, “and to build a space that is safe and enjoyable for students.”

Adjusting to new leadership has required flexibility, especially for returning students. “Change is hard,” McGee said, “but adapting is important.”

She added that Gray and assistant director Rebecca Branscom have respected longstanding traditions while introducing new ideas. The result, she said, is a balance that keeps the program moving forward.

Behind the scenes, one of the biggest transformations has been the 2025 installation of new lighting and technical equipment. Funded by the district’s Career and Technical Education budget, and supplemented with allocations from the 2023 levy, a new stage-lighting system, electrical panel, and programmable light board have replaced aging equipment that dated back to the 1960s. These improvements have reduced the need for equipment and lighting rentals, freeing up department time and resources.

“The new lighting has been a tremendous help,” Gray said. “It’s allowed us to invest more in other parts of the production, like costuming.” This is especially evident in a show known for its bold style and the main character’s aesthetic of overwhelming pink and designer fashion.

For McGee, who serves on the department’s Theater Council, the changes have been hands-on. “It’s been really fun to learn the new system,” she said. “It gives us real experience for the future.” The updated equipment also allows students interested in technical theater to build practical skills while still in high school.

The program’s growth extends beyond equipment. Gray points to strong support from staff, families, and the wider community as a key factor in the program’s success. “The students are incredibly committed,” she said. “And the community has been very supportive.”

Those relationships are part of what makes the program stand out for McGee. “There’s a real camaraderie,” she said. “We spend a lot of time together, and I’ve made close friends here,” adding that the program has helped her grow both as a performer and a leader.

Both Gray and McGee see the current moment as part of a larger evolution. Gray hopes to expand mentorship and continue building connections with nearby schools. Her goal is to prepare students for future opportunities in theater and beyond. McGee, meanwhile, is focused on the program’s culture. “I hope it stays a place where people feel welcome," she said. "These  underclassmen have a lot of promise.”

As opening night approaches, “Legally Blonde: The Musical” offers more than high-octane entertainment. Just like Elle Woods stepping confidently into her own future, this production showcases a Peninsula High School theater department finding its voice by growing, adapting, and staying rooted in community. The result is a production as bold and dynamic as the students bringing it to life.

“Legally Blonde: The Musical” will open at Peninsula High School’s Milton S. Boyd Performing Arts Center May 1 and run through May 9. Tickets can be purchased at www.gofan.co/app/school/WA23302.