By Patricia Rettig
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
Carmel resident Doug Stark has directed many musicals in his career, but never one quite as … pink.
Stark directed “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” which just opened at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre where he is not only a director, actor and the artistic director, but also an owner for more than 30 years. In that time, he’s seen an abundance of talent come and go, but his focus is on the task and talent in front of him.
A first for Beef & Boards, “Legally Blonde: The Musical” is also a first for more than half the cast.
“It’s always nice to mix new talent with performers we’ve worked with before,” Stark said. “It brings freshness to the show, while also giving audiences a chance to see some of their favorites return to our stage.”
Stark points out cast members bring a wealth of experience to the production, including Maggie Taylor, who plays the lead, Elle Woods. It’s a role she knows well, having been the understudy for the musical’s national tour.
Stark is also eager to welcome Annie Edgerton. Edgerton is stepping onto the Beef &Boards stage for the first time straight from Broadway, where she has been performing in “Mamma Mia!” for three years.
Also new is Chad Broskey, in the role of Warner Huntington III. His performing career has already included projects with the Disney Channel, ABC, NBC and feature films. He recently acted in a film directed by Reese Witherspoon.
Returning to the stage are Dominic Sheahan-Stahl (seen in “Footloose”), local talent Mark Goetzinger (“Hello, Dolly!”) and regular Deb Wims (“A Beef & Boards Christmas”).
“Legally Blonde: The Musical”is on stage at Beef & Boards through April 6. Tickets range from $37 – $60.