There is also talk of murder and there are swears. The original movie was rated PG-13, while the Broadway stage production was appropriate for general audiences. The university implemented the rule due to "year-round campus activity" in order to protect "the privacy and safety of its students, faculty, and staff," the policy states. by BWW Staff Nov. 19, 2021 One day. Any show that tries to be smart and funny may offend some people, but Mrs. Hansen and her students looked beyond that and saw the positive message of tolerance and female empowerment at the heart of the show. Manage Settings Ask how we can add diversity to your supply chain. Witherspoon replied to an October 24 tweet by Issa Rae, who thanked Stanford for allowing "Insecure" to film on location. So she studies hard, aces the LSATs, and, with the help of a very unique application essay, is admitted. Loveland, along with most schools across the U.S., has a strict no-alcohol policy, and Hansen was cited for a scene in the musical that includes a champagne party involving a group of buttoned-up Harvard University students. Great comedy movie overall. David Ng is a former Company Town reporter for the Los Angeles Times. She explained that law school is "so different and hard" so the first year pushes you to think in a whole new way. said Albrecht. Sign up for reopening news, announcements, and exclusive discounts on tickets to your favorite shows! Elle Woods is an amazing role model! She makes Elle completely believable as a charming California girl with spirit and brains. Kloesz, according to Hansen, cited "bootie-bounce dance moves" and the use of the word "skank" in the script. Consider Camp O, Best Things to Do with Chicago Kids in March, Sensory-Friendly Attractions and Activities in Chicagoland, Lincoln Park Zoo Offers Unique Youth Programs for Toddlers to Teens. Renee Schiavone/Patch Performances will be held at the Hillsborough High. Blocking belongson the stage,not on websites. "It's postponed and we understand that the kids have invested a lot of time and energy and also we regret that it came at such a last minute," she said. the Los Angeles Times notes, and was deemed appropriate for general audiences. Common Sense Media. We connect families with the best local resources, advice, stories, things to do with kids and much more. She said that there are no bad words in the music for the production. | | Rae wrote. While it seems that most people wouldn't be able to bring their Chihuahuas to class, unless Elle has a service dog, some schools do allow it. People sure love their dogs out here in Portland and bring them to school pretty often," said Therrien. Officials were careful about negatively characterizing the courtroom scene "There! I watched this several times once with my 10 year old brother who only got some of the sexual remarks which led to semi-inappropriate questions, so I would recommend talking to your kid about some of these things beforehand and how they arent okay. Mar 10 - Mar 12 2023 . But other than that, this is a really great movie! Hansen said she was shocked by the administration's negative reaction to Legally Blonde after the school produced the full version of Grease in recent years, as well as Beauty and the Beast last spring "with a huge tavern scene and beer mugs." Phillipsburg High School musical 'Legally Blonde' leads to parental criticism over content Updated: Feb. 20, 2012, 9:51 a.m. | Published: Feb. 20, 2012, 8:51 a.m. NEW! What shows have played recently at South Kingstown High School. Yes it is silly and a bit of a stretch when it comes to the logistics of what a real harvard law student would be able to do, but it's a super important movie. If you chose to provide an email address, it will only be used to contact you about your comment. The issue began after the production was shown to students during a Wednesday morning assembly. On her journey, she works hard to prove to others that shes serious and more than just looks too. Have there been times when you've been judged on your appearance? Mar 12th 2023, 2:00 pm. By However, there is a licensable Jr version of the show which is available for schools where much of the potentially offensive material has been either removed or altered. Elle's professor makes a pass at her. Some are bi-polar, some don't do anything else at school, but they found out that the theatre department is fun. Powerful Stories About Martin Luther King Jr. The Paramount Theatre's latest production of "Legally Blonde" will exceed movie fans' expectations. | With breathtaking vocals and a raw authenticity, Walt Whitman's production of "Legally Blonde The Musical" spoke to the idea that you never can judge a book by its cover. If youre looking for a show for the entire family to see, Legally Blonde is your pick. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Fun romp has some sexual references and salty language. She drops out of her internship until another professor encourages not to let "one prick ruin her life.". The Paramount Theatre is even hosting a free workshop for students ages 11 to 18 on Monday, Sept. 24 to prove that these lessons are crucial for a rising generation. We recommend the show for ages 10 and up, so take your older kids to enjoy a retro rom-comthat never gets old. As a high school thespian myself, I am fully aware of the work, effort, and excitement that surrounds a school musical and I cant begin to imagine the shock and pain of having that show canceled at the last moment for things out of your control. Performance of the Broadway Show; and Movie, "Legally Blonde" preformed by students grades 9-12 of Audubon High School. I don't know whether male pupils have had the same experience, but it's hard to shake the feeling that you're not being taken entirely seriously," she added. "I could easily relate to the feeling Elle had when she saw her name on the list of students who had been selected for Callahan's internship," said Sabrina Blefgen, a student at The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. Sign up for notifications from Insider! Performance directed by Ms. BJ Muszynski! One of the biggest controversies took place in 2009 in Orange County, when administrators at Corona del Mar High School pulled the plug on a student production of Rent.. Legally Blonde is one of the most popular new titles licensed by Music Theatre International and is frequently produced in high schools across America. She doesnt even want to go back to that school, they told me. suggesting a diversity update. One day before opening night, Maryville High School postponed performances of Legally Blonde after input from school administrators and the Board of Education. There is growth and empowerment as the movie progresses, so teaching moments do exist, but there are far more negative stereotypes than positive ones overall. They don't talk and suddenly they're talking, smiling and making friends. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. "That's horrible for the kids. ", The musical's Tony-nominated writers, including composer Laurence O'Keefe, lyricist Nell Benjamin and book writer Hach sent the following words to Playbill.com: "We have no idea what the superintendent's statement means. While the story revolves around Elle finding empowerment in staying true to herself and her values, it does have some sexual references and stereotyping. "Legally Blonde" shows Elle Woods' law-school journey, from application to courtroom. Hilarious. But thats why I always endorse schools choosing the Jr versions of material to avoid these issues. Administrators at Loveland, including high school principal Christopher Kloesz who took over his title in September, felt differently. But that's why I always endorse schools choosing the "Jr" versions of material to avoid these issues. It is based on the novel Legally Blonde by Amanda Brown and the 2001 film of the same name. Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. Some strong language. "As far as her experience, this was a dream role. Her investment in our children remains unmatched by any educator I have encountered thus far in my daughters educational experience," she wrote. She said it's not uncommon to apply to "opportunities in the fall that won't take place until the following summer." Sexual themes and references, and some bad language, but I think this is amazing for teens! There are reports that the issue surrounded the song Gay Or European? which is not listed in the Jr version. A high school production of the musical Legally Blonde in Ohio has been deemed by administrators to be inappropriate for its audiences, resulting in the apparent dismissal of a drama teacher. While its unknown if the entire show was presented for students or just parts of it, whatever was performed was deemed inappropriate by Albrecht and after a quick meeting of the regions school board, the production has been postponed. TheatreWorks USA presents the family-friendly production at New World Stages. We've rounded up some of the best activities and events to do with kids in Chicago and suburbs this month. Students involved in the show were notified Wednesday night of the postponement. Legally Blonde (2/16/23-2/18/23) View More Shows. How Do I Protect My Young Child from Cyberbullying? ", Docherty is also a children's theatre director in the Cincinnati area and admits that there might be content in the show some individuals might find "borderline" for high school students. My nine year old sister was able to watch it and loved it!! We had no one ask for refunds," she said of Legally Blonde's run. She said that any innuendo that might feel inappropriate would likely go unnoticed by young audience members. Andrew Gans This includes a profesor trying to touch Elle. ! The Paramount Theatre,23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Aside from the shift to the present day, the production still holds true to what makes this movie-to-stage musical special. Come watch The Actors Playhouse Legally Blonde Jr. We are surprised and disappointed that an educator who put on a show about a woman succeeding through education was fired for it. Overall this is a great movie though! To Stacey Menjivar, a 29-year-old rising third year law student at Harvard and co-vice president of the school's Women's Law Association, one of the highlights of "Legally Blonde" is the way it . Facebook; Smithfield High School Auditorium - 90 Pleasant view Avenue, Smithfield, RI 02917 . I am hoping, if possible, that a local theatre will open their doors and allow this production to be performed the way it was written and rehearsed by these students. 2 people found this helpful. "I don't come from a legal academic background. ", Students and parents have since rallied around Hansen, showing their support by wearing Legally Blonde t-shirts to school and visiting their director at her home. Sonja Hansen, a local professional dancer and choreographer, was hired by Loveland High to direct the school's musical productions. Check out our list of ideas. Hansen told the station that she was asked to resign or she would be fired. | An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Hansen. I watched this video on hollywoods demonisation of ultra femininity, and legally blonde is the perfect example of a film that conquers this. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free. formId: "acc781a7-d0b4-433d-bc7f-c5bac12f3766" She stands by her choice to stage Legally Blonde and to also give displaced students, who don't always fit the typical high school mode, a safe place to express themselves. background: url(https://chicagoparent.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/legally-blonde-review-2.jpg) 0 0 no-repeat;
There are references to lap dances, body parts, wet T-shirt contests, and long interludes in the hot tub. See our. OMG you guys!!! I also hate that this had to happen a day before the show was set to open. hop . You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Ultimately, "Legally Blonde" is an uplifting movie about believing in yourself, and expecting more from yourself even when others don't. And 20 years later, it still holds up. Advertisement. There are some sexual references but most of them will go over younger kids' heads. Mar 11th 2023, 7:00 pm. "During orientation, Harvard Law School actually played the clip of Elle's admissions video with the admissions committee deciding to let her in, and then they swore that's not how they made decisions," said Fuller. is legally blonde appropriate for high schoolwhat happened to chuckie's mom in rugrats. However, just one day before they were set to open, school administrators stepped in to postpone the show over content which one of them thought was inappropriate. This movie is amazing, one of my favorites but there are few things to watch out for younger kids. "Shout out to @Stanford for breaking their 'no filming' rule for us!" She had a blast and had no issue with content, or being on stage playing that role." Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Plan ahead! Find more movies that help kids build character. Musicals that tackle mature themes can sometimes prove problematic for high schools. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. How Do I Protect My Young Child from Cyberbullying? Fabulously fun and international award-winning Legally Blonde - The Musical is the ultimate Broadway tribute to Girl Power! A fabulously fun, award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. She did not provide or describe a specific problem with the productions content. "Legally Blonde: The Musical" tells the story of a young woman who perseveres despite obstacles and grows over time. All rights reserved. ", He added, "On behalf of the district, I want to thank Mrs. Hansen for the success she achieved during her tenure in growing the participation of the drama department, and for the powerful impact she made in the lives and development of many Loveland students. }
Stanford has a long-standing filming policy that forced "Legally Blonde" to use Harvard as its setting instead. How did that make you feel? }. 1 on iTunes Charts, 36 songs, no apologies: Morgan Wallen delivers more (much more) of what made him countrys king, Joy Behar kicks off Joys Banned Book Club with gay-penguin tale And Tango Makes Three, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Hidden, illegal casinos are booming in L.A., with organized crime reaping big profits, Best coffee city in the world? The Maryville Forum reports Superintended Becky Albrecht said the material was not what she would "expect to see (or) feel is appropriate for the classroom - the language and some of the innuendo and things would not be appropriate classroom material - so I don't think therefore it is appropriate for the extension of the classroom. "I pretty much exclusively use fluffy pink pens and pink stationery for my law school-related writing in homage to Elle Woods. Become a member to write your own review. ", The Forum also noted the decision to cancel the show was held during a 'closed session' and that all business is usually handled during the open session to allow the public to view and participate. "Ms. Hansen has reinforced the importance of working together, respecting individual differences, honoring personal commitments, as well as demonstrated the joy and rewards that come with pursuing and nurturing one's passion. See details about the productions, and how to purchase tickets! We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. | Legally Blonde is a great and funny movie. I feel awful for the students at Maryville High School. She's my reminder that I can do this.". "I love how nervous Elle is at first in the courtroom scene. "I have still been left to do menial tasks like take trial notes, make tea, pick up sandwiches for lunch, etc. The new piece explores the effects of mass media with a story about a family tasked with filling the airwaves of a small-town TV station in 1959. Talk about Elle's choice to keep her client's secret, even when it put her defense at risk, and about the mistakes people make when they judge other people based on appearances. Luke Wilson as a young lawyer and Holland Taylor as an acerbic professor add some nice moments. Date: Thursday, March 23rd Doors . Legally Blonde (The High School Project) February 15 to February 26, 2023 Music and Lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin Book by Heather Hach Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture Buy Tickets OMG you guys!!