'Omigod You Guys!': Houston-Area Talent Brings Legally Blonde The Musical to Life at Klein Oak Theater This July
This summer, the Greater Houston theater community is going full “bend and snap.” Sparks Studio Productions is bringing Legally Blonde The Musical to life at Klein Oak Theater’s new 1,000-seat auditorium in Spring, Texas, with 10 performances running July 10 through July 20. The production promises high-energy choreography, unforgettable music, and plenty of pink.
Based on Amanda Brown’s novel and the 2001 hit film, Legally Blonde The Musical follows Elle Woods’ unlikely journey from UCLA sorority queen to Harvard Law School student. But this particular production also serves as a deeply personal tribute to late Conroe theater director Tina Cafeo.
“Legally Blonde was the last show we all did together, and our opening night is on the anniversary of her passing,” said director and producer Sara Preisler Eddins. “I know her spirit is going to be there with us. Watching some of her prior cast return to the stage alongside some amazing new talent… all while I shower them with pink confetti cannons.”
A Cast Full of Houston Talent—and Heart
The role of Elle Woods is double-cast, with performances by Ashlynn Ellsworth and Peyton Manning. Ellsworth, a young Houston actress with credits at Houston Grand Opera and AD Players, is particularly excited about the opportunity to share the stage with her mother for the first time. “This production holds a special place in my heart as this is my first opportunity to share the stage with my mother,” Ashlynn said.
Her mother, Jana Ellsworth, plays Paulette and also serves as musical director. A three-time Metropolitan Opera Council Award winner, Jana’s stage résumé includes international performances and recent roles in Pirates of Penzance and Ruddigore. She currently music directs at Stageworks Theater in Cypress and teaches voice in Katy, where she lives with her family.
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Sharing the role of Elle, Peyton Manning balances her corporate life at Phillips 66 with her creative passion for musical theater. She’s known for her performances in Anything Goes, Beauty and the Beast, and Legally Blonde, as well as her dedication to volunteerism through organizations like the Junior League and United Way.
Playing Emmett Forest is 18-year-old Matthew Call, whose resume already includes major roles in Theatre Under The Stars’ productions of Les Misérables, Matilda, and Frozen. Outside of theater, he enjoys playing baseball and piano.
Sorority Sisters and Scene-Stealers
This all-ages cast is brimming with young local talent, especially among the ensemble of Elle’s iconic Delta Nu sorority sisters. Performers include:
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Sophia Von Koschembahr, best known for her leading role in Matilda the Musical at Owen Theatre
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Mali Ryann Santos, a seasoned performer with over 30 productions to her name and a current student in Theatre Under The Stars’ 2024-25 Pre-Professional Company.
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Aiyana Renner, an 18-year-old Tommy Tune Award finalist and three-time national speech qualifier.
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Christabella Lanier, featured in The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast.
Also featured is Veer Chulki as Warner Huntington III, a University of Oregon sophomore who has starred in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Fiddler on the Roof.
Creative Team and Event Details
The production is directed by Sara Preisler Eddins, who founded Sparks Studio Productions and also runs Spark Talent Agency. With credits that include Disney World, Broadway Across America tours, and Houston venues like The Hobby Center, Eddins is known for her commitment to training the next generation of performers.
Sparks Studio Productions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit production company with a mission to enrich the community through fun, engaging, and high-quality theatrical experiences. In addition to producing professional-grade stage performances like Legally Blonde The Musical, Sparks also supports film and television productions, technical theatre training, and arts education.
The organization is committed to providing both youth and adults with opportunities to attend, participate in, and earn credits through immersive performance experiences. Through its multifaceted programming, Sparks aims to make the arts accessible, educational, and uplifting for the Greater Houston community.
Choreography is by Ellie Williams, a Houston native now based in New York and training at Steps On Broadway. She is also featured in the show and regularly returns to Texas to teach and collaborate with her best friend, Eddins.
Event Details
- What: Legally Blonde The Musical
- Where: Klein Oak Theater, 22603 Northcrest Dr, Klein, TX 77389 (MAP)
- When: July 10–13 and July 17–20 (matinee and evening performances)
Tickets
- $16.50 – “Back to School Thursday” (with valid student/faculty ID)
- $19.65 – Students (with ID)
- $22.80 – Seniors (60+), groups of 10+
- $27.00 – General admission, groups of 10+ eligible for discount
For ticket reservations, visit sparkstudiosproductions.ludus.com.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Legally Blonde or simply looking for a high-energy night of local theater, this production offers something special for every age. Expect laughs, heart, and a whole lot of pink—brought to life by the Houston talent that continues to shine.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for more arts coverage, local events, and community theater news across Spring and Northwest Houston.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.