(Sophomore Kortni Stillwagon plays Elle Woods in the upcoming production of 'Legally Blonde: The Musical" at CMU--courtesy photo.)

For sophomore musical theatre major Kortni Stillwagon, preparing for her dream role began long before January auditions.

“I started prepping for auditions in June,” Stillwagon said. “I really wanted the role.”

Stillwagon’s extra work paid off as she was cast as Elle Woods in the CMU production of “Legally Blonde: the Musical,” set to open in Moss peforming Arts Center Feb 27. “Legally Blonde” is directed By Jeanine Howe and is performed by 25 CMU students. True to the original film, the show stars sophomore Stillwagon as Elle, senior Ethan Knowles as Emmett Forrest and acting professor Tim Pinnow as Professor Callahan.

Despite a condensed rehearsal schedule, the cast is prepared for opening night.

“They have come together incredibly as a company,” Dance professor Megan Glynn said. “We’ve had some bumps in the road, as usual, and everybody is really exhausted, but everybody is really excited to finally have a live audience. It’s energizing.”

(photo by Nick Weems)

Stillwagon in particular has embraced her hallmark role and loves the message the show sends to the audience.

“It’s inspirational,” Stillwagon said. “You don’t see a lot of shows where the girl doesn’t need the big love story.”

But most of all, Stillwagon is thrilled to work with Bailey, a brown and white chuihaha who plays the role of Elle’s dog, Bruiser.

“She fits really well in my bag, and she just chills there,” Stillwagon said. “She’s an angel.”

Tickets are available and can be purchased at the MPAC Box Office, at www.coloradomesa.edu/mosstickets or at 970-248-1604.

dlmeyer@mavs.coloradomesa.edu