On Thursday, April 12, Hollywood actor Reese Witherspoon will pay a special visit to Smith College. Why? Why not! In all seriousness, Witherspoon’s appearance is part of a visiting actors and creatives series organized by the theatre, music, and dance departments. “Mending Mendenhall,” the name of this interdepartmental effort, is the brainchild of a series of professors, students, and community members. Its goal is to “trendify” the performing arts scene on campus.
Although the arts scene here is modern, it is modern in a bookish-type of a way. That is, if you are unfamiliar with Martha Graham or Laban’s elements of movement and dance, it can be hard to appreciate the minimalist—but beautiful—performances put on by the dance department.
In a statement to the Sophian, the founding departments wrote that they “wanted to make the arts more recognizable to the wider community by embracing elements of popular culture.” Why pay five dollars to watch an hour and thirty minutes of wriggling and writhing on the floor to an empty soundtrack, when you can pay five dollars to watch and maybe participate in a zumba performance? The difference? It will probably be easier to sing along to the zumba songs than to mimic the obscure sounds at the dance concert.
Reese Witherspoon is the first visiting actor to participate in “Mending Mendenhall.” In addition to Witherspoon, the campaign hopes to host Misty Copeland, Rihanna and Shailene Woodley at future events. Witherspoon’s visit was arranged intentionally to coincide with the opening night of Duct Tape Productions’ 2018 spring musical, “Legally Blonde.” (In 2001, it was Witherspoon who played the character of Elle Woods in the “Legally Blonde” movie).
If you’re unfamiliar with this film, here is a brief synopsis: Elle Woods is the “classic” sorority girl. She has everything from rich parents and supportive friends to a serious boyfriend. Yet, when Elle’s boyfriend breaks up with her to attend Harvard Law School, her world turns completely upside down — that is, until she decides to follow him to Harvard. This is her solution to winning her boyfriend back.
Duct Tape Productions has been rehearsing nine hours a week since February for “Legally Blonde.” With a cast of 41 people, the show will be full of great talent. When asked about the excitement for this show, Mackenzie Dreese ’18 said, “I am looking forward to seeing the largest cast this org has ever had flawlessly execute choreography that we’ve never attempted before.”
The production will take place in Davis Ballroom, which, according to Dreese, is a “nontraditional space.” However, the cast and crew have been working hard to prepare for the performance, even taking inspiration from the film.
“I love the movie […] it’s a personal favorite of mine,” Dreese says.
It looks like Witherspoon will be meeting many fans at Smith on the day of her April visit. The cast of “Legally Blonde” predicts that the actor will “fit in well here.”
As included in the official statement, “‘Mending Mendenhall’ also aims to give students the opportunity to network with popular professionals in the arts.” Witherspoon’s visit demonstrates this goal. In addition to attending the opening night of “Legally Blonde,” students are encouraged to participate in a special dinner that has been scheduled at the President’s House with Witherspoon, the theatre department staff and Board members of Duct Tape Productions.
The dates for the performance will be April 12, 13 and 14 at Davis Ballroom. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact Duct Tape Productions.
