Apply

Legally Blonde The Musical 2026

IGS’ production of Legally Blonde The Musical has wrapped, and the Seymour Centre will not forget it in a hurry. Bursting with energy, humour and genuine heart, this year’s show was a bold step forward for the IGS musical and a fitting showcase for the remarkable talent within our community.

 

A large group of performers in colourful costumes stand on a brightly lit stage, striking dramatic poses with one arm raised. The set features stairs and arches, with vibrant lighting and a cheering ensemble in the background.

 

The production’s company theme, Think Pink! Think Power! Think Resilience!, set the tone from day one. Elle Woods’ story of defying expectations, backing herself and standing tall gave our students something meaningful to connect with, and that connection showed on stage every night.

Acting Principal Thom Marchbank was not short of words for Director of Music Darren Kuilenburg and the team after opening night:

“Legally Blonde was just utterly wall to wall fabulous – an absolutely fizzing, sparkling romp! I had to pinch myself that this was a school production – the chemistry, the energy, the happiness, the hamming it up, the choreography, the singing, the orchestra, staging, lighting, sound production, the set, the costumes… and the dog! There were kids who outdid themselves in every way on stage, going further than I am sure that they thought possible in artistic achievement… It is a rare and special gift, and one that they will treasure lifelong.”

Leading the company, Ivy Wilkes was a magnetic Elle Woods. First cast in the IGS ensemble for Matilda in 2021, she has grown into a confident and highly skilled performer. Alongside her, Auden Graves made his full onstage debut as Emmett Forrest. Finn Millsteed brought commitment to Warner Huntington III, a role he inhabited with charm and ease, and Artemisia Trenoweth gave Vivienne Kenningston the cool authority the character demands. Miranda Heeney was an audience favourite as the broad-accented, big-hearted Paulette Buonofuonte, and Xavier Reed made an impressive and assured IGS musical debut as the formidable Professor Callahan. Edie Taylor-Kard brought energy and confidence to Brooke Wyndham, Claudine Griffiths was a sharp and dynamic Enid Hoopes and Beverly Wijono made a striking IGS musical debut as Pilar. Isabella Langlands, playing Serena, brought her final IGS musical to a close with seven School productions behind her. Aaliyah Finkelde, a performer with Opera Australia credits to her name, brought genuine artistry to Margot, and Finian Moore delivered the kind of committed, comedic multi-role performance that makes an ensemble shine, taking on Mr Woods, Carlos, Aaron Schultz and Pilot with relish. Elliot Foxlee was a scene-stealing presence across multiple roles, from the swaggering Grandmaster Chad and stern Prison Guard to the relentlessly charming Kyle the UPS guy. In Samara Basili-Klopfer’s last IGS musical she brought sharp comic energy as both Judge Judy III and Kate while driving the choreography as Dance Captain from within the company.

While the spotlight shone on stage, a different kind of magic was happening beneath it. Tucked into the pit alongside a superb group of professional musicians, IGS student musicians Dara Haddadi on guitar, Ben Robertson on drums, Ben Grove on keyboard, Benedict Ramsay on saxophone, Gen Egan on cello and Luka West on trumpet held their own night after night, bringing live energy and real musicianship to every performance.


For Director of Music Darren Kuilenburg, it all came down to the students:

“Our cast, musicians and production crew have formed one of the most cohesive and supportive companies I have had the privilege of working with – creative and responsible young people who share a genuine love for the performing arts and a commitment to bringing something extraordinary to the stage. The many moving parts continue to interlock so beautifully, creating something that is greater than the sum of its parts.”

A huge thank you to the creative team who built the world around our students. Director William Torney joined the IGS stage for the first time this year, working alongside Producer and Director of Music Darren Kuilenburg. In the pit, The Ensemble drove forward with precision and energy under Music Director Nathanael Primrose-Heaney. Assistant Musical Director Kirsten Allison, choreographers Olivia Enright and Moniku Griffith, Stage Manager Logistics Coordinator Madison Holness and Wellbeing Manager Katie Roberts rounded out a dedicated and talented production team. Cailtin Elliot, returning to IGS as the Assistant Stage Manager gaining invaluable experience behind the scenes. Kate Beere’s set design transported audiences between sun-drenched California and the imposing halls of Harvard Law School, Anna Jacques’ costumes were joyful and precise and Aron Murray’s lighting gave every scene its emotional register. Thanks also to Sound Engineer Emma Snellgrove and the team at Loud and Clear Audio for keeping every performance sounding its best.

This show is always a community effort. Costume Assistants Glenda Fisher, Giovanna Trenoweth, Cathy Randall, Belinda O’Connor, Imma Matias Ortego and Katherine Earle, Properties Assistant Catherine Sky and the West, Leblond, Taylor and Imber families for their generous donations, it showed in every detail on stage.

Thank you to Allison Lee for capturing the show so beautifully through her photography.

The curtain has come down – but for many of our students, this is just the beginning.

 

A group of performers on stage, with cheerleaders in blue uniforms holding pom-poms and two central characters in dramatic poses. The colourful set has stairs, railings, and people cheering in the background.
A woman in a pink graduation gown kneels and holds hands with a man in a dinner jacket on stage, as a group of people in colourful costumes watch in the background.
A young person with brown hair stands on stage under pink lighting, wearing a checked shirt over a white t-shirt and holding papers, with a cross-body bag over their shoulder and a dark background behind them.
A woman with long hair and glasses, dressed in black, stands under dramatic pink and purple lighting, holding a phone to her ear with a surprised or concerned expression. A red diagonal rail is in the background.
A group of women on stage, some in colourful tracksuits and one in a white dress, perform energetically under bright lights during a theatrical production.
Two people sit on chairs under three hanging paper lanterns. The person on the left wears a dark suit and tie, whilst the person on the right wears a bright pink dress. The background is red, creating a dramatic scene.
A vibrant stage scene of a musical, with cheerleaders in blue uniforms dancing at the front. Actors in various costumes stand on and above a set resembling a school library, under bright, colourful lighting.
A group of cheerleaders in blue uniforms perform an energetic routine on stage; a woman in a bright pink marching band outfit stands in front, holding pom-poms. The background features colourful set pieces and more performers.
Three young people in costumes stand on a brightly lit stage, talking. One wears a patched jacket and cap, another has a loose tie and waistcoat, and the third wears an argyle jumper and cap. Pink and red set in the background.
Four people in suits stand in a row on stage under colourful lighting, dramatically pointing their fingers forward, as if accusing or emphasising something in unison. A lamp and a purple background are visible behind them.
A group of young women perform on stage in colourful costumes, with a blonde woman in a pink suit striking a dramatic pose at the front. The background is lit with purple and pink lighting.
Six young women in colourful tracksuits perform energetically on stage, singing and holding hands under bright lighting with a pink and red background. The central performer wears a red tracksuit.
Six young women in white dresses stand on stage, forming a triangle shape with their arms and smiling. They are brightly lit against a dark background, standing behind a pink-railed structure.
A man in a dark suit and a woman in a bright pink outfit stand face to face on a dimly lit stage, holding hands and looking at each other under a spotlight.
A woman in a pink checked skirt and blue jacket stands on stage with arms raised. Behind her, five people in white hoodies stand on a balcony, pointing upwards under pink lighting. Large red E and red curtains are in the background.
A person in a dark suit and tie stands against a plain red background, holding one hand out and looking upward with an expressive facial expression, as if passionately speaking or performing.
A young woman with long hair, dressed in red, smiles as she leans out of a small door in a brightly lit pink and white wall, holding a large pink envelope labelled “Elle”.
A person in a blonde wig and 1980s-style clothing performs on stage under colourful lights, with a sign reading HAIR visible above them.
Two young women in white dresses smile and lean on a bright pink railing against a vivid blue and purple lit background, suggesting a lively or staged environment.
A young woman in a dark top, scarf, and white boots dances centre stage, while other performers in colourful outfits move and pose in a brightly lit, vibrant theatre set with arched backgrounds and pink lighting.
A young woman in a bright pink outfit raises her hand whilst seated on a bench with three others; a man in a suit and grey wig stands in front of them, all on a stage set for a theatrical performance.
A person on stage in costume with a short wig, glasses, a microphone headset, a textured jacket, and an argyle jumper, stands under purple lighting, speaking or singing with arms raised.
A woman with long blonde hair wears a denim jacket, white top, and pink checked skirt. She stands on a blue stage with red curtains, pointing both hands outward and striking a confident pose.
A group of women in colourful, 1980s-style workout clothes pose on stage with skipping ropes, under vibrant pink and purple lighting. The set behind them features arches and a dramatic red curtain.
A performer in a white crop top and red trousers poses dramatically with a stick on stage, while six people stand and watch from a balcony above, against a vibrant set with red curtains and arches.
A group of performers on stage, led by a person in a pink suit with their hands on their chest. The scene is brightly lit in pink and purple hues, and the performers appear to be singing or acting passionately.
Two performers are centre stage in a colourful, retro-style theatre set with a neon sign reading “The Hair Whirl” above them. Three other cast members stand in the background, watching the scene. The lighting is bright and vibrant.
A young woman in a grey and black dress sings passionately on stage with her eyes closed and hands raised, surrounded by other performers and dramatic purple lighting.
Five young people in costumes perform a play on stage. Two are dressed as police officers, one as a judge in a black robe, one in a black suit sitting, and one in a curly wig and checked shirt stands to the right. Colourful backdrop is visible.
Three actors perform on stage. One wears a police uniform and holds a truncheon, while another with curly red hair and a checked blazer appears alarmed and is being led by the officer. A third person stands behind, looking surprised.
A man in a dark suit and a woman in a bright pink dress stand under a spotlight on a dark stage, facing each other and holding hands, with a blue and purple-lit background.
A young girl with long dark hair, wearing a bright yellow outfit, stands in front of a colourful set holding a pink and white envelope, appearing to sing or speak energetically.
Three people sit behind a desk in front of a staircase. The person in the middle is gesturing animatedly and smiling, whilst the other two, seated on either side, look on—one with a neutral expression and the other appearing serious.
A man in a suit and a woman in a blazer stand on opposite sides of a white door frame on stage, each touching the door as if reaching for each other. The background features vibrant red doors and arched shapes.
A young man stands on a brightly lit stage, holding a hat above his head as if about to throw it. Several other people stand nearby, watching him. The background is a solid blue, and everyone appears to be performing in a play.
Three young men wearing baseball caps and varsity jackets lean over a brightly lit railing, looking down. The scene is bathed in vivid blue and pink stage lighting, creating a dramatic atmosphere.
A woman in bright pink clothes holds a small dog in a matching pink bag, standing next to a young man in a jacket and cross-body bag. Both are on stage with red curtains in the background.
Three people on stage: one wearing a police uniform and sunglasses, one in an orange jumpsuit with hands on hips, and one in a suit looking down and touching their neck; a staircase and red lighting in the background.
A group of women pose confidently on stage in colourful outfits, with one woman in a bright pink dress standing at the centre. The background features pink lighting and simple stage set elements.
A lively stage scene with cheerleaders in blue uniforms, a woman in a pink outfit and hat posing confidently, and other performers celebrating with raised arms and pom-poms under bright stage lights.
A large group of performers in colourful costumes stand on a brightly lit stage, striking dramatic poses with one arm raised. The set features stairs and arches, with vibrant lighting and a cheering ensemble in the background.

Photography credit: Allison Lee and Ted Pearson.

In Other News

A school band performs on stage in front of an audience. Four pupils play guitar, bass, and drums while one sings into a microphone, with wooden panels as the backdrop.

School of Rock and Roll

14.05.26

A student pushes a weighted sled on a purple mat labelled IGS GRAMMAR SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL in a gymnasium, building joy as other students exercise energetically in the background.

A Renewed Fitness Centre for Healthy, Active Students

1.05.26

Two men stand side by side, smiling at the camera. One wears a grey blazer and checkered shirt, while the other sports glasses, a white shirt with rolled sleeves, and khaki trousers. They appear at a State of Play digital gaming event with a black background behind them.

A Busy and Promising Start to Term 2

1.05.26

Directory