Legally Blonde: The Musical is coming to Melbourne’s National Theatre this July, with two Greek Australian performers taking the stage.
The show, announced by the independent theatre group, Theatrical Inc., is based on the popular film and follows Elle Woods’s journey.
After her boyfriend leaves to study at Harvard Law School, Elle enrolls herself, determined to prove her worth.
Despite numerous challenges, she discovers her own strength and intelligence.
Elle Woods has become a powerful feminist symbol, showing that women can be both smart and feminine while achieving success.
Neos Kosmos spoke with both performers about the musical’s uplifting message and the significance of representing the Greek Australian community on stage.
Greek Australian representation in the arts
Angelina Téa Sevastopoulos, 23, plays Elle’s mum, is the understudy for Paulette (one of the lead roles), and is also part of the Harvard ensemble.
“It’s very, very exciting to be a part of it,” Angelina Téa Sevastopoulos told Neos Kosmos.
One message from the show that resonated with her is “not judging a book by its cover.”
“It’s really about believing in yourself and knowing that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what your background is or what you look like, you can achieve whatever you want if you put your mind to it.”
“It’s really fantastic to see Greek Australian representation in theatre.”
“It offers me the opportunity to be able to pursue what I want to do as well.”
Family values, theatre, music is all Greek to her
Family is a core value for Greeks, and Sevastopoulos feels “lucky” to have the strong support of hers.
“It’s always great having all of my big Greek family and seeing them in shows support me.”
Growing up surrounded by Greek music and dance shaped her identity and sparked her love for performing.
She credits much of this to her father, “an incredible bouzouki player.”
“Throughout my childhood, he would be doing gigs—weddings, taverns— I’d go there all the time and love like smashing the plates,” she recalls.
“It’s been a big part of my life, and something I really enjoy and would like to continue.”
Her father’s theatrical spirit and talent passed on a deep love of music to her.
“He’s always been theatrical, and I think I’ve followed in his footsteps.”
Follow your dreams a recipe for success
Sevastopoulos’s advice to young Greek Australian inspiring performers is straightforward.
“Just follow your dreams – express yourself in the way that your heart lies and stay true to yourself because it doesn’t matter what your background is.”
“You can use that to your advantage. Take your background and the things that you love about it and put that into your performances and into your work.”
As for what audiences can expect from the show:”Expect to see a lot of energy, a lot of dancing, some beautiful harmonies. It’s going to be a fantastic show. Really uplifting. It’s something everyone can connect and relate to. And it’s a really empowering story.”
At just 19, Angelique Choukry says being in the cast of one of her favourite musicals feels like “a dream come true.”
“I’m just so grateful for this experience,” she told Neos Kosmos.
Choukry, who plays the understudy for Serena in the Delta Nu Ensemble—her first time in an understudy role—says it’s “great” to see Greek Australian representation in the arts.
“I think it’s really great, especially for other young Greek Australians to see that the Melbourne arts scene is so multicultural and inclusive … It’s an honour to be part of that representation.”
What resonates most with her in Legally Blonde is the message to “always be yourself.”
“Elle in the show isn’t afraid to be who she is … She stays true to her values and her morals and doesn’t change for anyone, not for any man, not for any of the societal pressures.”
“I really admire that about her. That’s why Elle Woods is such an iconic character.”
This mindset reflects Choukry’s own family history.
Watching her Greek grandparents “defy the odds” and build a life within their community, despite not being fluent in English, had a strong impact on her.
“I think that was kind of inspiring to, you know, be my own person and never care about what other people think of me. And that’s really why I got into the arts, I would say just following my own passions, following what I love.”
Where: The National Theatre, St Kilda, Melbourne
When: Performances run Wednesday to Sunday, starting Wednesday, 12 July 2025
