Drama Legend Returns For One More Show

Drama Club President Addie Griffith played an integral role in Encinal being able to have a Spring musical. Griffith will play Elle Wood, the lead role in Legally Blond. (Image via Justice Petersen)

After two years where the thought of performing on a stage was just a dream, Encinal’s thespians were excited to come back for a brand new stage performance; especially under the direction of the experienced Bob Moorhead. After a 32 year run as the director of the dramatic arts program, Bob Moorhead retired in 2016 but is returning for yet another show.

“When I was told that there was no one to direct the musical and, therefore, it was in danger of not happening, I decided to come back,” said Theater Director Bob Moorhead. “I feel bad that students have not been able to be in a musical for the last two years, and hated the idea of students graduating without the opportunity to do a show this year.”

Encinal's Drama Club is producing Legally Blonde this semester. Being the first in-person show since COVID shut school down in March 2020, the production had a hard time getting a large enough cast to put on the show, but they eventually were able to get an adequate amount of people.

“It was a little hard to get people interested, cause we didn't have anything to show for last year and the year before, but turnout was actually really good,” said Drama Club President, Addie Griffith.

The club tried to get people to join for a fall play but were unable to get enough people to join, meaning Legally Blonde will be the only show this school year. This year's production will play with the gender of characters and actors to differentiate itself from the typical production.

“There are many male parts being played by female students. Sometimes the male parts are changed to female characters, sometimes the female actor plays the part as a man, and sometimes the gender of the character becomes ambiguous,” said Bob Moorhead. “I think this makes for some very interesting moments in the show and provides unique challenges for the performers.”

Bob Moorhead intends for this to be his last show at Encinal, but he hopes the drama program will continue to thrive.

“The future of drama at EHS does not begin with me,” said Moorhead. “As much as I love the students here, and enjoy directing the musical, I am hoping that this truly is my last show at EHS because that will mean that someone new is interested in rebuilding the program as I had to do when I first arrived.”

Encinal’s Legally Blonde will run May 6th, 7th, 13th, and 14th at 7:30 PM.