Sometimes it’s just meant to be. That’s how Sydney Barilla thought when she found out she would be starring as Elle Woods in Saskatoon Summer Players’ Legally Blonde The Musical. Barilla has been in SSP shows before but says this role is thrilling.

“It’s a dream role and one of my favourite movies ever,” says Barilla. “I’m really similar to Elle and it’s so fun to play an outgoing, giddy character.”

“It’s so cool how this role parallels what’s going on in my life right now.”

Like Elle, Barilla has her sights firmly set on the future. She’s currently completing a business degree at the University of Saskatchewan and wants to become a lawyer.

“My parents are both lawyers so it’s fun to play in the courtroom a little bit. The show gives me confidence,” says Barilla. “A lot of law is getting up in front of people, telling a story and it’s so cool how this role parallels what’s going on in my life right now.”

Based on the movie, the musical adaptation follows Elle Woods a frivolous sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to show the world she can be serious and win back her ex-boyfriend Warner. With the help of her friends, Elle finds herself and discovers what she’s truly capable of.

“We are building something truly unique and exciting for audiences to see.”

As with all Saskatoon Summer Players shows, Legally Blonde is a huge community effort putting this blockbuster on the stage. The cast and crew are all volunteers and many of them have connections that go way back.

“We have as many people as we can from the community bringing their knowledge and talent to the production,” says Olson. “We have a tremendous amount of volunteers, almost 40 people on the stage, a huge set, and all these beautiful elements that stack on top of one another. We are building something truly unique and exciting for audiences to see. This team is incredible.”

“It’s just this big, great summer show with a great message.”

Fans of the film version know will remember the “bend & snap” move. In the musical it’s a whole dance number. Actor Jessica Goodman, who plays Paulette Buonufonte, says the musical takes these fun movie moments to the next level.

“The singing and dancing, it all elevates the story,” says Goodman. “It’s just this big, great summer show with a great message.”

“Elle proves everybody wrong,” adds Barilla. “The story shows you shouldn’t listen to what others say about you. If you want something bad enough and you work hard, you can achieve anything.”