Cast

The first time I saw Legally Blonde: The Musical I was dragged there very much against my will. My mom and aunt were taking my sister and cousins, all girls, to see the show and told my dad that we could see a different show. I was a 16 year old theater dork who had never seen Broadway staples like Phantom of the Opera or Chicago so naturally I was rather upset he said that we would all just stick together. Legally Blonde was the last show I wanted to see, but after seeing it I was hooked. This show is one of the most fun I have ever seen, but, beyond the fun and high energy, this show also has wonderfully meaningful and tender moments. After all, it is a love story — one about finding the love you are looking for but not exactly where you expect it to be. It is also a story about believing in yourself and overcoming what other people think of you. Everyone is special; everyone has a talent or a gift. In fact , throughout the whole show only one character winds up worse off in the end than the beginning, despite how many characters may be unkind at some point. This message in many ways makes it a perfect First Year Players production. FYP is fun, crazy and hilarious but also a place to be yourself.
First Year Players has truly become my family. It is a wonderful organization where I have met some of the best friends I have ever made. Coming into college, like many others, I knew no one who had ever come to UVA. But, FYP welcomed me in with open arms and I found a home. I never really thought I’d have the chance to direct an FYP show–it was certainly something that I had always wanted to do since my time in the cast. For me, directing in FYP is as much about creating a great show as it is giving a whole new group of first years the amazing experience that I had.
I have to thank countless people for their hard work on this project. I want to thank everyone who had a hand in this show from building and painting the sets to playing in the pit and everything in-between. I have had the most amazing support over the course of this show. First, my artistic staff, I am constantly impressed with your talent and passion for this show and this organization. Second, my cast who has been the hardest working group of people I have had the pleasure of working with, who have asked me to let them run dances after I have already dismissed them because they just want to make sure it is right. With a group any less talented, this show certainly would not have succeeded. Next I’d like to thank my wonderful stage managers for keeping me sane (READ: relatively) and for bringing me apple sauce and giving me jacket pillows. I’d also like to thank Chelsea Marcelin for her consummate support throughout this process; I couldn’t imagine doing this show with anyone else producing. I also owe a huge debt of gratitude, and perhaps a case of ice cream, to Mary Claire Martin — thank you for telling me yes many more times than you told me no. Finally, I have to thank my family for all their support throughout my life.
Hope you all enjoy the show,
--Rich Farella

When I walked into the audition room for First Year Player’s Carousel three years ago, I had no idea what I was getting myself into – all I hoped was that I might find a fun group of people to call my friends in my first semester of college. My experiences in FYP have surpassed all my expectations in the best way. Of course, our goal each semester is to produce a high quality piece of musical theater, but in my opinion, our biggest accomplishment is creating a place where members are free to be themselves and share their many gifts in a loving and welcoming community. We have singers, actors, dancers, musicians, painters, electricians, designers, technicians, and more - all working together, laughing together, creating life lasting friendships, WHILE still putting on fantastic shows. This semester, we have faced new challenges and difficulties, yet every member has faced these challenges head-on and put their heart and soul to make Legally Blonde a stellar performance.
I would like to take a moment to thank the many people who have made this show possible. First, I must thank our beautiful Technical Director, MaryClaire Martin for her extreme dedication, hard work, and loving heart; it has truly been an honor to work with you and I can’t imagine these past semesters without you! To my Production Staff – thank you for everything this semester. We have had our many ups and downs, but you have all approached every bump ready to conquer and with perseverance, positivity, and smiles. You have all been a saving grace this semester! To our Director and my dear friend, Rich Farella – this semester has been everything I could have ever hoped for and more. It has been a privilege to work alongside you since first year and I am blessed to have spent my last semester as Producer with a wonderful leader and an even more wonderful friend. To all my family and friends who have supported FYP and me – thank you! And lastly, to the every member of First Year Players, old and new: thank you for all of the laughs, the love, and for inspiring each other and myself to push FYP to new limits. I love you all dearly!
First Year Players has truly become my home at UVA and I will treasure all that this organization has given to me for the rest of my life. I am sad to say goodbye to FYP in my role as Producer, but I have so much faith in FYP and I know it will only continue to grow and flourish. I am so incredibly proud to be a member of an organization filled with so much talent, heart, joy, and love. Thank you all for coming to support FYP as we proudly present our Fall 2013 production of Legally Blonde The Musical.


--Chelsea Marcelin