Moorhead High School Alum Becky Gulsvig Returns to Help with “Legally Blonde: The Musical”

Moorhead High School theater director Rebecca Meyer-Larson was thrilled when she booked “Legally Blonde: The Musical” for their upcoming production. She had hopes that Becky Gulsvig, a famous alum who starred in the show from 2006 to 2010, would return to work with the student actors before opening night on November 16.

Gulsvig not only took time off from her busy schedule to fly back and direct the actors, but she also brought her own “Legally Blonde” wig to the production. Meyer-Larson described Gulsvig as someone who takes initiative and solves problems on her own.

When Meyer-Larson realized that the wig she purchased for the lead actress, CeCe Bedore, wasn’t what she hoped for, Gulsvig stepped in and found a wigmaker in New York who created the perfect Elle Woods-worthy hairdo. It’s important for Gulsvig that the lead actress feels comfortable in such an iconic role.

Getting the wig to Moorhead was a challenge, but Gulsvig managed to pack it carefully in her luggage. She joked that it would look like she had a head in her bag. Once she arrived, Gulsvig spent two days working with the actors before returning to New York for another week of shows.

Gulsvig, a Moorhead native, feels honored to be working with young actors from her old school on a show that launched her career. She enjoys spending time with them in their comfort zone and believes that theater is like a second home.

With over 20 years of professional experience, Gulsvig knows the importance of the lessons students learn during a production. She emphasized the need for unity, encouragement, and kindness under stress. Gulsvig also gave advice on working with the dogs in the show, noting that treats are key to their performance.

Meyer-Larson is emotional seeing her former student connect with her current students. She recalled casting Gulsvig in one of her first productions at Moorhead High and how she blew her away with her talent. Meyer-Larson later took her students to see Gulsvig perform in a touring production of “Legally Blonde.”

The teacher has always been a fan and friend of Gulsvig, attending every Broadway show she’s been in. Gulsvig even sang at Meyer-Larson’s wedding. Meyer-Larson is grateful to have Gulsvig directing her students and sees her as a Broadway star.

Gulsvig is happy to help out with the production, although she believes the students were already on track for success. Her parting words to the students were simple: “Break a leg and have fun.” She believes that enjoying the work is essential in theater.

“Legally Blonde: The Musical” will be performed at Horizon Middle School in Moorhead on various dates in November.

Performance Details:

• Date: November 17, 18, 21, 24, and 25
• Time: 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. show on November 19
• Location: Horizon Middle School, Moorhead
• Tickets: $7 and $12 available at moorheadschools.universitytickets.com