Interview: Woody Minshew Stars in LEGALLY BLONDE at Count Basie Center for the Arts on 2/21-2/22

Editor's Note: Broadwayworld welcomes this guest interview by Erica Handel. Erica is a 2015 Graduate of the University of Hartford School of Communication. She enjoys seeing theatre, traveling, and watching her favorite TV shows. Erica is excited to begin writing for BroadwayWorld New Jersey! Stay tuned to our site for more reviews and articles by Erica. You can follow Erica on Twitter @erica_handel.

The Legally Blonde 2019 National Tour is coming to New Jersey and will make a stop at the Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at the Count Basie Center for the Arts on February 21 and 22.

In the show, Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down, however, when her boyfriend dumps her so he can start getting more serious about his life and attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle uses her ingenuity and charm to get into Harvard too. School begins with endless struggles, but with the help of her new friends, Elle quickly realizes her potential, and her true assets, as she sets out to prove herself to the world and make everyone a believer. This contemporary, sassy musical moves at a breakneck pace driven by memorable songs and explosive dances. Legally Blonde warms the heart by proving that self-discovery never goes out of style!

Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Woody Minshew, who plays Emmett Forrest in Legally Blonde.

Woody Minshew is thrilled to be making his national tour debut! His theatre credits include: Brigadoon (Charlie - New London Barn Playhouse), Newsies (Pulitzer - Cortland Repertory Theatre), Les Miserables (Enjorlas - Knock 'em Dead Dinner Theatre). Ithaca College BFA.

Was there a specific moment you knew you wanted to be an actor?

The story I like to tell - or that my mom likes to tell - is when I was a little kid growing up in Idaho, we saw a local Summer Stock theatre do Annie. That's when it was planted, but I didn't start until I was 11.

Who are some of the people who have inspired your career?

My family, sisters, and performing arts mentors.

This is your first national tour. How has the experience been so far?

It has been a wonderful, crazy whirlwind. It is physically and mentally taxing, but I enjoy going to different cities.

What was your introduction to Legally Blonde, either the movie or musical?

I saw the movie as a kid with my sisters and brother and I loved it. I loved the musical too, especially the writing of it. It has great heart and adds to the movie. The musical gives the movie plot more depth into seeing what's next for these characters.

Tell us about your role as Emmett in the show.

Emmett is the first friend Elle Woods meets when she goes to Harvard. He challenges her and sees that there's more in her than she accesses. She challenges him as well, and they realize that they are similar people even though they come from different backgrounds.

How will your portrayal of Emmett be different than those who have played him on Broadway or in the movie?

I am a country boy from Idaho, so I bring that to the role. I feel I have more ownership of the role, and I explore how Emmett's relationship grows with Elle. Emmett is nice, but not too nice. He gives Elle a lot of tough love.

Do you have a favorite scene in the show? Favorite song?

My favorite scene to watch is when Elle sings the song "What You Want." It's a crazy, fun dance number. My favorite scene to perform is "Take It Like A Man" with Maris McCulley, who plays Elle. This is the scene where Elle takes Emmett shopping and they start to become friends.

What would you like audiences to know about the show?

Legally Blonde is a story about people trying to find out who they are and who they want to be. Elle knows who she is, and is true to herself. She meets different characters and helps them see their worth. The main theme of the show is to love who you are.

Visit Woody Minshew's website at www.woodyminshew.com.

Tickets for Legally Blonde can be purchased by calling 732-842-9000 or by visiting the Count Basie Center for the Arts website at www.thebasie.org. The show will be performed in the Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre from February 21 to 22. The theatre is located at 99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank, NJ.

Photo: Courtesy of Legally Blonde: The Musical