A vibrant cast of talented teens is gearing up to bring the hit musical Legally Blonde to life on stage.

Many will recognise Legally Blonde from the beloved 2001 film, which was later adapted into a Broadway musical featuring catchy songs by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and a book by Heather Hach.

The story follows Elle Woods, a bubbly California fashionista who surprises everyone – including herself – when she chases her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School and discovers her own strength along the way.

The production is presented by Trident High School and directed and produced by teachers Joanna Boonen and Jason Garner, respectively, with an impressive cast of 40 students and a full live band on stage throughout the show. A large backstage crew keeps it all ticking along smoothly.

This marks Boonen’s directorial debut, and she’s passionate about the story’s empowering message.

“Elle Woods is the perfect California girl, beautiful and talented. She thinks she’s about to be proposed to, but instead, her boyfriend breaks her heart and leaves for Harvard.”

Elle decides to follow him – but what she finds is a sense of purpose.

“Elle realises that having a serious job and having something where she can make a difference fulfils her and she can be both beautiful and intelligent and help other people.”

Choosing Legally Blonde was a no-brainer for showcasing the school’s strong musical theatre talent.

“This musical is experiencing a bit of a resurgence right now, and it showcases our wāhine singers.”

The scale of the production is huge: there are 172 costume changes throughout the show, with every student switching costumes at least three times.

For lead actress Illeana Parker-Platt, who plays Elle, that number climbs to nine – three of which happen live on stage.

“I was surprised to land the role,” Illeana admits.

“I love playing Elle. The movie is a classic, but the musical has its own surprises and plot twists – it’s a fun ride.”

She says her favourite number is the empowering finale, Find My Way.

“This show has been so much fun. I’ve met new people and really tapped into my creative side – I’ve learned what I’m capable of.”

Isaac Anderson plays Emmett, the earnest and kind-hearted law student who sees Elle’s potential.

“At first, Emmett thinks Elle is just a rich Malibu girl, but he soon realises she’s serious about law and he starts mentoring her,” Anderson said.

Ngakohu Toko takes on the role of Warner Huntington III, Elle’s narcissistic ex-boyfriend.

“Warner is really all about himself,” Ngakohu said.

Meanwhile, Tayla-Jade Brown Edwardson Heappey plays Vivienne, Warner’s new girlfriend and Elle’s initial rival.

“Vivienne is a rude and snarky character who thinks she is smarter than most of her classmates. But she underestimates a lot of people and is shown otherwise in the second act.

“I have loved playing her. She is very different from me, because she is mean, which makes it fun.”

While full of laughs, glitter, and high-energy choreography, the show also explores deeper themes.

“There are serious moments where the characters confront systems that are stacked against them,” Boonen said

“But it’s still a fun, campy show – full of bright colours, sequins, and sparkle.”

Legally Blonde opens Thursday, July 31, and runs for eight shows at the Whakatāne Little Theatre.

Don’t miss this joyful, feel-good musical performed by a group of passionate young performers. Tickets are on sale now through iTicket.