Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

Ready your feather boas and Pradas...

In the summer of 2001, amidst action-packed releases laden with extravagant computer-generated effects, a simple story of Elle Woods, a senior high schooler with a fabulous fashion sense who sets out to follow the love of her life to Harvard Law School captured the hearts of moviegoers everywhere. Legally Blonde broke box office records and turned Reese Witherspoon into a bonafide star, joining the ranks of other A-List actresses such as Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz and making Elle Woods one of film’s most iconic characters. The film was such a huge hit that not only did it have a sequel two years later, it also spawned a successful Broadway musical which premiered in April of 2007.

Now, through Atlantis Productions, the musical will hit the Philippine stage as it opens on June 25 at the Meralco Theatre. Last June 10, the Asian Journal was among those invited to watch the cast perform excerpts from the musical as they rehearsed at a location in Taguig City. One of the cast members, pop singer Geneva Cruz, says that the "excerpts" were like "teasers." And teased us they did.

Judging from the bit parts the hardworking cast showed to a special audience that day, Legally Blonde the Musical will definitely wow theater audiences everywhere. And for its lead star, it would be a long-time dream come true.

Nikki Gil is not exactly a stranger to theater. Back in high school, she used to do one-act plays and monologues and often represented her school in regional and nationwide competitions. When she joined showbusiness during her college years, she concentrated on hosting and performing in TV shows and concerts. It was in 2007 when she first got a taste of musical theater when she acted in Seussical The Musical for Ayala Malls where Karylle was also an alternate. There was no stopping Nikki after that, and she became more determined than ever to thrive in musical theater.

"I really have high respect for the theater industry and for the people who work in the theater industry," she tells the Asian Journal. "It’s really no joke. It’s really serious hard work. The time and energy they invest in a project like this. I now have more respect for the whole world of theater more than ever. I’m having so much fun and it gives me a chance to bond with super-talented people and form friendships with them."

Bonding is also something which fellow cast member Nyoy Volante looks forward to, as he tells the Asian Journal that as much as he is excited for the musical to open, he is sad that the cast didn’t get to have much time to bond with each other as much as everyone would have liked to.

"We bonded but we wanted more time sana," he says. "We really enjoy each other’s company."