By Julian Bayan & Elizabetta Orsi

Although the spotlight may shine brightest on the actors of “Legally Blonde” for being at the forefront of the show, little attention is given to the ones who are producing that spotlight behind the scenes, quite literally.

From the set and prop designers to the stage managers and dance captains, a dedicated group of students spent months ensuring every detail of the show was polished, working tirelessly to make the magic we see on stage happen.

Backstage, the tech crew works to make sure every prop is in place and every set change runs smoothly. Creating and managing props is not only about building and decorating, but also involves coordination, timing, and on the spot problem solving.

Additionally, with only ten people managing the sets and props, keeping production on schedule meant that those involved in the production process had to be at the top of their game.
“Organizing a show, which includes things such as creating props, requires a timeline,” senior and co-stage manager Alicia Loera said. “Communication is key, so it’s vital that I instruct people to keep track of time so they can stay on pace.”

On the technical side, the stage managers kept the production running seamlessly. Before the cast arrived, they already began their work setting up equipment, testing microphones, and finalizing the details of each scene.


“I personally was in charge of the microphones, so I started micing people as soon as they showed up,” senior and stage manager Nicole Luger said. “Then, after that, I did mic checks, a process which usually takes 30-45 minutes.”


The ensemble played another vital role in making the work of “Legally Blonde” come to life. Although lead roles drive the plot, the energy of the ensemble brings the production to life. Every reaction, whether it be shock, excitement, or laughter, adds to a scene’s authenticity.
“During certain scenes, if I see people who aren’t reacting to a line that is shocking, funny, or anger-inducing, I immediately jump to making notes and adding onto their roles,” junior and blue company dance captain Cas Castillo said. “If an actor is just acting like they aren’t really at Harvard Law, it feels less magical for everyone.”


One of the biggest challenges in the production of “Legally Blonde” was staging the salon scenes. With multiple set walls, salon chairs, hairdryers, and props moving in and out, it required careful planning to execute the scenes smoothly.


“There was so much going on both in the show and trying to figure out what we were actually going to put on stage,” Luger said.


The principal cast may be the face of “Legally Blonde,” giving their all to bring magic and charm to the show. However, the work done by the people behind the scenes helps make that magic possible in the first place, ultimately highlighting how equally vital the production team is to the show.