'Legally Blonde The Musical' opens at Paramount Theatre this weekend

"What, like it's hard?"

Harvard Law School's bubbly and pink-clad fashionista takes the stage in Paramount Productions' 31st Annual Summer Musical "Legally Blonde."

The musical, based on the 2001 movie and novel of the same name, is a contemporary Broadway production built on themes of perseverance, self-discovery and female empowerment.

College student Patti Maisano plays leading lady Elle Woods, California sorority president turned Harvard Law School student, and Maisano immediately tackled the role after being cast.

"Immediately, I realized the role represented the face of stereotypes women deal with," Maisano said. "I think, specifically, for someone like Elle she's dealt with judgement all her life because of the ways she expresses herself, and I feel so honored to be able to play a character that shows people there is no right way to be a woman."

Katie Hahn, director of Paramount Productions, selected "Legally Blonde" for the summer show because of its fun, upbeat feel and impactful message.

The story paints the picture well of women lifting each other up and coming into their own, but it also highlights the difficulties and how hard it can be to taken seriously in male-dominated career fields, Hahn said.

To make a musical with high-energy songs and dance numbers happen, a well-oiled and experienced production team was key.

A special thanks must be given to music director Marc Sanders and choreographer Teri Wilkerson as well as all the team members who helped make the production possible, Hahn said.

Tickets vary from $12 to $30, and they are available for purchase online .

Dates and times for "Legally Blonde" are listed below. Doors open an hour before all show times.

• Friday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, June 29 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, June 30 at 2 p.m.
• Friday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early due to construction in downtown Abilene. Street access on Cypress Street is blocked, but sidewalk access is open to the front door of the Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St.

To view upcoming shows and events, check out the Paramount Theatre website .

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: 'Legally Blonde The Musical' opens at Paramount Theatre this weekend