Brightside Youth Theatre Project — which presents condensed versions of hit Broadway musicals tailored for young performers and audiences — will present LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL, JR. from February 20-28, 2026. Based on the hit film starring Reese Witherspoon, the musical tells the story of Elle Woods’ empowering journey from fashionista to Harvard Law star. This upbeat musical packed with heart and humor will be directed by BrightSide Education Manager De Haddad. Also on the creative team are Bianca Sima (Music Director), Thomas McMahon (Choreographer), Arabello Zurbano (Set Designer), Patrick Hicks (Costume Designer), Delaney Kosar (Props Designer), JJ O’Connell (Stage Manager), and Tim Elliott (Sound Mixer).
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL, JR. will be performed at Yellow Box Theatre, 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville, from February 20-28, 2026. Tickets are $20 for Adults and $15 for Students and are on sale now at www.BrightSideTheatre.com or at 630-447-TIXS (8497).
LISTING INFORMATION
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL, JR.
Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, Book by Heather Hach
Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture
Directed by De Haddad
Music Direction by Bianca Sima
Choreography by Thomas McMahon
February 20-28, 2026
Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm and 5 pm
Yellow Box Theater
1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville IL 60540
Tickets are $20 for Adults and $15 for Students, available at www.BrightSideTheatre.com or at 630-447-TIXS (8497) beginning in January 2026.
Condensed version of the hit Broadway musical tailored for young performers and audiences. Elle Woods is more than just pink and pretty-she's smart, determined, and ready to prove everyone wrong! Follow Elle’s empowering journey from fashionista to Harvard Law star in this upbeat musical packed with heart and humor.
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL, JR. follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. When Elle's boyfriend, Warner, dumps her and heads to Harvard, claiming she's not "serious" enough, Elle takes matters into her own hands, crafting a showy song-and-dance personal essay and charming her way into law school. Befriending classmate, Emmett, and spunky hairdresser, Paulette, along the way, Elle finds that books and looks aren't mutually exclusive. As Elle begins outsmarting her peers, she realizes that law may be her natural calling after all.
BIOS
De Haddad (Director) has been directing in and around the western suburbs for nearly two decades. Graduating with a BFA in Musical Theater from Millikin University, De brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the stage. Notable directing credits include SPAMALOT, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, SHE KILLS MONSTERS, and THE HOBBIT. At BrightSide, De has directed hits like THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL YOUTH EDITION, JEKYLL AND HYDE IN CONCERT, MEAN GIRLS, JR., SISTER ACT, JR., THE LION KING, JR., and FINDING NEMO, JR. She also serves as BrightSide Theatre's Youth Project Education Manager.
Jeffrey Cass (Artistic Director) is a Joseph Jefferson Award Nominee and has successfully directed over 30 Productions for BrightSide Theatre, most recently PHANTOM IN CONCERT, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, PIPPIN, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, CHESS IN CONCERT, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and GYPSY. He also played “Edna” in BST’s production of HAIRSPRAY. He holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theater Performance from Roosevelt University. He previously served as the Producing Director for Circle Theatre where he directed eight productions, including THE WHO’S TOMMY (6 Joseph Jefferson Nominations including Best Musical and Best Director).
ABOUT BRIGHTSIDE THEATRE
BrightSide Theatre (Jeffrey Cass, Artistic Director and Julie Ann Kornak, Executive Director) is committed to Enlighten, Educate, and Entertain through comedies and inspirational stories from across the globe. A unique blend of award-winners, premieres, modern works and timeless classics meant to reflect upon and inform our community inhabit BrightSide’s stage. For more information on BrightSide Theatre, please visit www.BrightSidetheatre.com.