The Ishpeming High School stage will turn Malibu pink this month as students bring "Legally Blonde the Musical" to life April 24–26. Director and producer Caitlin Palomaki returns to lead the production, joined by cast members Ethan Corp (Warner Huntington III) and Journey Comment (Vivienne Kensington), who recently stopped by Public Radio 90 to share their experiences.
Palomaki explained that selecting "Legally Blonde" was a strategic choice. “Last year, we did "Newsies," a male-heavy show, and we were losing a lot of senior guys. I looked at our incoming class—lots of girls—and thought, ‘What can highlight their strengths?’ "Legally Blonde" came to mind.”
Watch Laura Bell Bundy perform "So Much Better" from "Legally Blonde the Musical" in a West End Theatre performance:
The story of Elle Woods—her transformation from sorority president to Harvard Law student—resonates deeply with the cast. “Elle goes on a whole identity search throughout the show,” Palomaki said. “It’s a good message: being yourself is the only thing that really matters.”
Corp and Comment both noted how the show’s themes of resilience and self-discovery mirror their own experiences. “At first, I didn’t think I’d be friends with some of the people in this cast,” Comment said. “But after spending so much time together, we’ve really become a second family.” Corp echoed that sentiment: “I’ve gotten to know a lot of new people this year, and that’s really helped me grow.”
Palomaki also highlighted the evolving confidence among her students. “Watching them grow every day is inspiring,” she said. “They take direction but also bring their own creativity. Ethan, for example, has been with us for three years, and seeing him grow from a supporting role in "Mamma Mia" to one of the leads in "Legally Blonde"—it’s been incredible.”
The production is a collaborative effort with support from choreographer Eliisa Gladwell, who has helped streamline rehearsals and elevate performance quality.
Listen to Kurt Hauswirth's conversation with Caitlin, Journey, and Ethan:
Palomaki hopes younger audience members will take away an important message: “You don’t have to fit into one box. You can be involved in athletics and theater. Our students wear many hats, and this show reflects that beautifully.”
Performances of "Legally Blonde the Musical" take place at Ishpeming High School's W.C. Peterson Auditorium on April 24, 25, and 26 at 7 p.m., with an additional matinee on April 26 at 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Congress Pizza, the high school office, or at the door.
Follow the Ishpeming High School Theater Facebook or TikTok page for more information.
