Perrysburg teens featured in 'Legally Blonde' at Owens Community College

Brianna Hartbarger of Perrysburg, center, rehearses in 'Legally Blonde' musical at Toledo School for the Arts. She plays Vivienne Kensington. Also pictured, left to right, are Abby Heckel, Kenneth Erard, and Emma Horvath. TOLEDO SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS Enlarge

Toledo School for the Arts is no stranger to the drama associated with teen theater majors vying for the musical spotlight. However, the 2012 musical, Legally Blonde, presents a new challenge.

Senior Brianna Hartbarger, of Perrysburg, has earned a lead role as Vivienne Kensington, which is lead character Elle Woods' rival. In the play, Elle is left by her boyfriend Warner, who chooses the more studious Vivienne. In an effort to win Warner back, Elle enlists fellow Delta Nu sorority member Kate, who is played by junior Anya Kress, of Perrysburg, to tutor her way into Harvard Law.

Legally Blonde will run Nov. 1-3 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m. All shows are at Owens Community College Center for the Fine and Performing Arts at 30335 Oregon Rd., Perrysburg Township.

Anya Kress of Perrysburg rehearses playing Kate in Toledo School for the Arts' 'Legally Blonde' musical. TOLEDO SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS Enlarge

The film version of Legally Blonde has Elle with plenty of fashionable friends through the Delta Nu sorority, but none so fabulous as her best friend and dog Bruiser.

The Toledo School for the Arts staff set out to find a Chihuahua for this starring role and got two dogs for the price of one. The school's principal’s assistant, Nicki Ruswinkle, has graciously offered her pups to the stage hands. Bruiser will be played by Rocky Ruswinkle, a teeny but spunky Chihuahua, and the adorable mutt of the play's hairdresser Paulette will be played by Gypsy Ruswinkle, a dog of unknown lineage. Ms. Ruswinkle and her daughter Maya, a TSA 7th grader, will serve as the “Canine Coaches” and keep things under control backstage.

Tickets are $14 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets in advance, call 419-246-8732, ext.226.

The 2012 musical is sponsored by Heartland. The Toledo School for the Art's 2012-13 theater series is sponsored by Theater League.