Friday Harbor High School theater presents “Legally Blonde Jr.” on Jan. 22 at the San Juan Community Theatre. Based on the famous film and Broadway hit, the musical follows Elle Woods on her journey of self-discovery and empowerment as she becomes a Harvard graduate and lawyer.

“The whole message of it is to find your community and to … push yourself to achieve your goals, even if they’re difficult,,” Liam Deyoung, who plays Harvard law student Emmett Forest, said.

Lilleigh Hastey, who plays Paulette, a hairdresser who quickly becomes friends with Elle, said that for her, the story shows female empowerment.

Director Lindsay Saarie noted that the overall message of women’s empowerment and finding friends in the most unlikely places was part of the reason behind the choice. Having a senior, Alison Power, make a perfect Elle solidified the choice.

For those unfamiliar with the Reese Witherspoon movie, California University student Elle Woods becomes a Harvard law student in an attempt to win back former boyfriend Warner Huntington III. In the process, she discovers herself, makes unlikely friends and even solves a murder.

Each of the Friday Harbor students fell into theater for a variety of reasons. Two key factors were that people in their family were involved in theater, or to meet like-minded folks.

“We all think theater is a great way to build a community. Moved here in 8th grade and didn’t really have a community. I was pressured into auditioning in 9th grade and have built a community and confidence and keep coming back,” said Eleanora Cohan, who plays defendant Brooke Whyndam

Finn Graham, who plays law student Kyle, agreed, saying, “I found … a community; you could escape reality a little bit and become a character, become whoever you wanted it to be, and no matter what, you find support. I just thought [theater] was a great place. And to continue on into high school has been such a unique experience. I wouldn’t trade it.”

Violet Dolsen-Malone, who plays law student Vivienne Kensington, said, “I started doing family theatre when I was six. I love being in this space with all of these nice people.”

Avaline Anderson, who plays Elle’s chihuahua Bruiser, told the Journal she joined because she had been excited to be involved in “Frozen.”

Meanwhile, theater veteran Power said, “I started when I was three because my mom built the theatre program at the community theatre. I’ve been able to see everyone fall in love with theatre just like I do. This show is the perfect send-off.”

The students touched on some of the challenges and processes of acting. Nadya Troutman, who plays Professor Callahan, said, “This role has been a challenge for me because usually I play more comedic roles. It has been a great challenge to play someone who is darker.”

Hastey’s character has an accent, which has been a challenge to maintain, she said.

Anderson explained that “As a dog, I get to move a lot and just be cute. One of the challenges is navigating what people might think about me playing the role.”

Dolsen-Malone noted that her challenge has been “Being the mean girl and having to switch my personality when no one else knows why.”

The character Brooke is a fitness instructor, so Cohan said, “My character is logistically challenging since I have to jump rope and sing and dance. I relate to my character because I have an enthusiasm for exercise. I’ve always had the perspective that exercise is for everyone, but my character feels like we should exercise to be small and parade around for our rich husbands. This also could not be more different from my last role, Friar Laurence in Romeo and Juliet.”

Saarie piped up, saying, “I just want to add, singing is a hard skill, acting is another really hard skill. Having to do jumping rope is another really hard skill, and you guys are doing all of those at the same time, which is really hard.”

When asked about techniques for playing someone opposite her personality, Cohan responded, “I have to remember that everyone is proud of the choices they have made on some level. I try to show that pride.”

Elliot Roach plays Elle’s ex-boyfriend, Warner Huntington III. As his first performance, he said, “ It’s been a rollercoaster trying to get this all figured out in the last few months and also play this role that is very self-important and pursuing two different women.”

Owen Moore plays a number of roles: Harvard student, frat boy, prison guard and waiter, so, he says, “ It’s been a little crazy playing so many roles. I feel a little crazy.”

Music Director Minon Gimmlet is extremely proud of this theater troupe, and voiced all the things these students are currently doing while preparing for this performance: taking AP classes, engaged in multiple sports, attending the regional thespian competition, taking finals and then the show opens. “These kids are doing such amazing work, and they’re working their tails off,” Gimmlet said, encouraging the community to come out and pack the house for them in support. There have already been wonderful adults in the community who have helped out with music, Gimmlet adding, including Bill Stanley, who works with the Rockets, parents and a few other folks who will be making an appearance in the musical.

“It’s been a really lovely community connector already, and I hope that people will come and continue,” she said.

“Legally Blonde Jr.” runs from Jan. 22-25, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with an extra showing Saturday at 2 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Thursday is pay what you can; otherwise, tickets are $10 for students, $15 for adults, $5 rush at the door. For more information and to buy tickets, visit https://www.sjctheatre.org/.

Contributed photo Hazel Wight, Alison Power, Jodie Wehner