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Legally Bawling My Eyes Out

It makes complete sense that it has taken me three months to write a blog post on my time being a part of our production of Legally Blonde the Musical. I have been in love with this musical since middle school and seriously always dreamed of being a part of the ensemble one day, so when I found out it was the musical for this year, I did indeed legally bawl my eyes out. It’s all things happy and hilarious, all things musical and meaningful. It finds that balance between not taking itself too seriously and making sure it emphasizes essential issues.

 

 

The production: ACT is a student-run organization. This means that students are the producers, directors, stage managers, and more.  It is the students who truly put on the show. Legally Blonde the Musical was probably one of their largest projects yet, as everything in this musical is quite over the top and extravagant. We had the most hard-working, talented students ever working on the show and they are the reason it was such a success!

 

 

The cast: This was the sweetest cast I’ve ever been a part of. I’ve done musical theater since the first grade and those casts were definitely sweet as well, but this cast of LB was amazing. There were only five seniors a part of the cast/production, so the majority of the cast were underclassmen. In some cases, that could have caused a divide between these various students, but it was the most welcoming, most accepting cast. Our group chat is still used every week, even though the musical has been over for months.

 

 

The outcome: Knowing that this musical would take all of our effort to pull off, our director, Emma Callahan ’18, had rehearsals starting as early as late September. So when February rolled around, we all felt super prepared to put on five shows. The show sold out within two days and each night had that electric energy that only comes with live shows.

Even as I write this, I haven’t yet watched Act 2 of the video recording they sent us. I think once I watch the whole thing, the finality of it being over (and senior year rapidly coming to an end) will hit me hard.

So, I’ll just reread this blog a bunch of times and probably watch the second act in August and then put on a one-woman production of the whole thing for my friends and family back home — what, like it’s hard?
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Little Shop of Horrors

Don’t feed the plants.

In other words, College of the Holy Cross’ Alternate College Theater (ACT) put on a production the 80s musical, Little Shop of Horrors. The unique thing about this year’s musical is that it was directed by 2015 alum Julia McCarthy, who previously directed a musical her senior year. Click HERE to read more about Julia and the production.

Every year, the college presents wonderful productions of both plays and musicals. Recently, they have put on “Middletown” and before that “Hamlet” and “Chicago.” ACT also has smaller, more improv-heavy events like Midnight Theater or The Festival of One Acts. Here are some photos from Little Shop below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have always loved musical theater and always wanted to do it here on the hill, but I knew I didn’t have the time to balance everything. However, eventually, I kind of just decided to do it anyway and I’m so, so, so glad I did. Sure, there were many late-nights (and forgotten meals), but the outcome was more than I could’ve hoped for. The cast, crew, and band were all so amazing and I am forever grateful for Little Shop. 

So, the blog take-away is: I should follow Nike and just do it — that “it” could be trying out for a club sports team, joining an organization, talking to the cute guy in my Bio class, or even quitting the activity I’m no longer interested in. During my time here on the hill, I should aim to do what is both feasible and fun, but ultimately allowing myself to do what makes me happy. 
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Frozen on the Hill

Are you freezing? No? That’s cool.

I wouldn’t say I’m freezing, but I’m close to it. Truth be told, Winter is my least favorite season. I absolutely love the gorgeousness of the snow, but I can’t say I love the chilliness or sporadic snowballs here on campus. Honestly, I felt like I was on the set of Sharkboy and Lava Girl walking through mountains of snow.

Maybe you’re like me, someone who isn’t the biggest fan of snow and you’re wondering if you should attend Holy Cross. Let me tell you, it’s definitely worth it. The friends you make here and the professors you meet will make the snow seem as nothing.

HOWEVER, I will encourage you to stock up on Winter clothes. Right now, we are in our second snowstorm. Yes, second snowstorm. Classes were not cancelled this time, either. Please, make sure you bring your Winter boots, Winter coats, gloves, thick pants, and blankets galore.

Anyways, though this weekend was quite chilly, my friends and I went to watch the musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” here at Holy Cross. The cast was absolutely incredible and they received a standing ovation at the end! It was well worth it, regardless of the treacherous walk to the theater (did I mention I don’t like snow)?

I guess what I’m trying to say is that there is still something to do on campus, even if it’s covered in the snow. Last Friday it was Extreme Bingo, which I heard was actually super extreme. Being Frozen on the Hill also means lots of inside parties. I promise you will have something to do if you don’t feel like going out.

Let’s also not forget about the true snowy advantage of going to Holy Cross — SLEDDING. It might be the cliche freshmen thing to do, but it is no doubt a FUN thing to do. I wasn’t entirely sold on the idea (really, snow + Katrina = mayhem), but I’m actually really glad I did it.

So, the blog take-away is: I will get wicked cold up on the Hill, but nevertheless I will make wicked friends, memories, and snow-angels. 

 

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