Thomas Jefferson High School presents spring musical 'Legally Blonde'

As a first-time director, Jim Benedek came into this year’s spring musical at Thomas Jefferson High School with a vision.

He wanted to use as many of his own talents as possible, but he also wanted to tap into what he sees as a deep well of student talent.

Of course, the actors are all students, but students also are involved in the set design and construction for “Legally Blonde,” which will be staged March 17-20.

“I wanted to do as much in-house as possible,” Benedek said.

Benedek teaches technology education, including video production, construction technology and theater set construction at the high school in Jefferson Hills.

“It’s my first year directing, but with the (set construction) class I implemented, I thought it was a natural fit to put everything together,” he said. “I also built sets for Elizabeth Forward (High School) for 10 years prior.”

Benedek was assisted in designing the “Legally Blonde” sets by cast member Christine Rossi, a student in the construction technology class.

“I’m having as much built as possible by my theater construction classes,” he said.

As for the musical choice, Benedek said, “I was very familiar with ‘Legally Blonde.’ It’s a fun and upbeat show, and it moves very quickly. I thought the kids would enjoy being in a more contemporary show.”

With about 60 students in the cast, he said, “The amount of talent we have to choose from is absolutely amazing, from freshmen all the way up to seniors. The whole, entire cast is deep in talent.”

Students in lead roles range from freshmen to seniors.

“Their character development has really been taking off. In the past month, I can see them changing into their characters, so it’s fun to watch them grow in that,” Benedek said. “They’re capitalizing on the talent they have.”

Featured performers include junior Rachael Parsons as Elle Woods, freshman Gavin Hart as Emmett Forrest, senior Sabrina Reed as Paulette Buonofuonte, senior Joey Wodarek as Warner Huntington, sophomore Kayleigh Johnson as Vivienne Kensington and sophomore Aidan Oeler as Kyle B. O’Boyle.

Also, Olivia Virgin as Brooke Wyndham, junior Ashley Caldwell as Serena, senior Claire Saltzman as Margot, senior Hannah DuJordan as Pilar, sophomore Eli Fisher as Arron Schultz, sophomore Noah Bowytz as Sundeep Padamadan and senior Maddy Westwood as Enid Hoops.

A 40-student pit orchestra, led by band director Jim Mirabella, is providing live music.

The crew numbers about 20 students. Stage managers are senior Madelyn Panaiia, juniors Shanice McNeil and Camryn Dailey and sophomore Madeline Potts.

“From the stage to the sound and lights, they do so much that people don’t even realize,” Benedek said. “They’re fantastic.”

Behind all of them is a dedicated group of theater boosters.

“The parents feed the kids and keep things organized,” Benedek said. “It’s a collaborative effort in totality, and that’s what is going to make the show a success.”

Curtain times will be 7 p.m. March 17-19 and 2 p.m. March 20 in the school auditorium at 830 Old Clairton Road. The matinee will have a sign language interpreter.

Tickets at $10 each will be available at tjhs.ludus.com. Those interested in sign language interpretation should call 412-655-8610, ext. 6233, to purchase those tickets.