Month: February 2026

Imagine seeing A Chorus Line without, well, a chorus line. The show wouldn’t be the same without its iconic choreography. When done well, it’s more than just movement. The choreography helps bring the story to life on stage.

Setting a foundation before sharpening the pencil

It starts with a vision — the director’s vision. With this understanding, a choreographer can create steps that match the style and intensity of each song while moving the plot forward.

From there, a choreographer may review the script and music, research dances from that time period, study the original choreographer’s style, and watch a video of the musical. This creates a strong foundation for setting the pieces in the musical.

Filling the pages of a choreographer’s notebook

Then it’s time to put pen to paper and chart the music, noting every 8-count, time signature change, and accent. Adding key lyrics helps highlight for the singers how to match the words with the movement. Timestamps make it easier to find the right spot in the music during rehearsals.

The more planning up front, the easier it is to start teaching the dances. With each number, a choreographer must consider details like:

• The characters that should be featured 
• Who is singing key parts so the movement doesn’t detract from their lines
• Where actors are standing and moving on stage to set formations
• How to adapt the choreography for the set, space, and actors’ abilities
• Any props that must be incorporated
• Staying true to the essence of a show, time period, and characters
• Whether audiences expect well-known choreography and elements to be retained

Here’s the secret: keep an eraser handy

Flexibility is key as there can be changes before opening night. What is a good idea on paper (or while dancing in your living room) may not always translate well on an open stage. It’s not unusual to tweak and adjust once the choreography is set on an actual cast. And that’s why many choreographers write in pencil.

Check out Abrams Spotlight Production’s latest choreography in action during Legally Blonde. The choreography is fun, spunky, and high-energy. You won’t want to miss it!

Written by Lisa Hagenow, Choreographer of Legally Blonde the Musical. Lisa has been dancing and choreographing for over 40 years; in addition to Legally Blonde, her most recent work includes Seussical the Musical and the popular Oklahoma!-come see her choreography in action and experience the show for yourself!

In pursuit of love, Elle Woods trades in her pink high heels for a briefcase in the Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. musical “Legally Blonde.” This feel-good show, based on the 2001 box office hit, will be presented Feb. 26–March 1 and March 5–8 at the Nancy Byng Community Theater in Abrams.

Bursting with high-energy song and dance, “Legally Blonde” celebrates confidence and staying true to yourself.

(Parental discretion advised: Some dialogue and themes may not be appropriate for children.)

Director Preston Pelegrin said he is excited to present this upbeat, progressive show to the community theater audience in Abrams.

“I hope to bring laughter, tears, and compassion to the audience as they watch what this amazing cast has created,” he said.

“Legally Blonde” is composed of multiple scenes, and scene changes happen quickly, so the audience is never waiting.

“With the limited stage space, we had to get creative and really portray movement through blocking and the set panels that spin 360 degrees,” Pelegrin said. Sometimes, the panels move while the actors are on stage, changing the scenes without stopping the action.

“The audience will enjoy the fast pace and continuous movement that happens throughout the show,” Pelegrin said.

The audience will also notice the spot-on characterizations that cast members bring to the show. The cast is a mix of different ages, talents, and styles of humor.

“They bring energy and passion to the characters they portray and make it feel natural,” Preston said.

Evening performances will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Feb. 26–28 and March 5–7. Matinee performances are at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 1 and 8.

Tickets are $22 for adults and $19 for senior citizens, youth (17 and under), and veterans.

In his directorial debut, Preston Pelegrin is not only managing a cast of actors, but also their canine companions! The dogs bring an “awh” moment to the stage and everyone loves a cute canine. Repetition and reward (AKA treats) is what will allow for this to be successful and predictable for the safety and comfort of all cast members. Not only are the dogs able to get more comfortable with strangers at rehearsals, the actors also get to enjoy the therapeutic calm and joy of the animals’ presence!

Puppy Profiles:

Meet Gizmo!

Breed: Long Haired Chihuahua

Age: 13 years

Gizmo will portray the iconic canine companion, Bruiser Woods! While attending A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens, Gizmo’s doggy parent, Christy, learned ASPI was looking for a canine performer, specifically a chiuhana, to portray the sorority girl to Harvard student, Elle Woods’ four-legged friend. Gizmo was the perfect fit! Though it is his acting debut, Gizmo is already skilled at conveying his emotions. When he is annoyed, he lets you know by sticking out his tongue. To prepare to be a star on the stage, Gizmo is attending rehearsals to become comfortable being held by others. At home, Gizmo loves blankets and spending time with his brother, a Chihuahua puppy named Remington. 

Meet Bruce!

Breed: Great Dane

Age: 8 months

Bruce’s doggy parent is none other than Legally Blonde‘s director, Preston Pelegrin. In his acting debut, Bruce will be gracing the ASPI stage in the role of “Rufus”. Bruce is a lap dog at heart who enjoys car rides, chewing on bones, walks, and cuddling! He is also a huge scaredy cat, and has a general apprehension towards most things until he is used to them. It’s a Dane thing! Still a puppy, Bruce is working on his manners. His best trick is sitting for a treat and only for short periods of time. Luckily, his role allows for creative liberty!

If you are a dog lover, this is an ASPI production you surely don’t want to miss! Tickets are selling FAST! Purchase yours TODAY! Tickets can be purchased online at abramsspotlightproductions.com. Showtimes are February 26-28 and March 5-7 at 7pm, and March 1 and March 8 at 1pm. Call the Box Office at (920) 826-5852 with any questions.