Strom Thurmond Theatre’s fall production of “Legally Blonde, Jr. (The Musical)” wraps up this upcoming weekend with its final two performances on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 16 at 3:30 p.m.
This season marks a new era for Strom Thurmond Theatre under the direction of Clare Henry, who stepped into the role following the retirement of longtime director Steven “Peanut” McKinney.
McKinney, a beloved figure in the Edgefield County arts community, retired after more than four decades of teaching and directing, leaving behind a legacy of sold-out productions such as “Mary Poppins” and “Frozen.”
Henry, who previously taught at Merriwether Elementary School, said the decision to take the position required serious thought.
“When you’re employed at a school, it’s not just about the one class and the students you teach,” she said. “It’s about the school environment, the staff, and the administrators you work with. All of that plays an important part in any decision.”
Having assisted McKinney for years on productions like “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King,” Henry said those experiences prepared her for this moment.
“With each show I just learned more and more, and that’s exactly how Steve had learned, too—just by getting out there and doing it,” she explained. “Working with someone like him who really is, truly, a mentor, was really helpful in making this transition.”
While Henry plans to maintain many of the traditions McKinney established, she’s also bringing her own creative flair to the stage, according to a press release from the Edgefield County School District (ECSD).
“Of course it won’t be the same in the sense that I cannot replace Steve McKinney,” she said. “There are aspects of his shows that made them so good, like making the story believable. Anything you can do to help make the story believable is important.”
That same emphasis on authenticity shaped her work with younger students.
“We performed ‘Willy Wonka’ this year, and teaching elementary school students how to make it believable was a challenge,” she said. “Keeping the shows believable is the most important thing. Another thing I love to put into a show is really clean choreography and strong vocals.”
Henry said Strom Thurmond High’s state-of-the-art theater, funded by a 2018 bond referendum, offers unique opportunities for students to learn and perform at a professional level.
“There are only a handful of high schools in the state who have facilities like that,” she said. “Between the lighting, sound, and design, we can do some pretty amazing things—even some community theaters struggle with these days.”
For Henry, taking over the program feels both exciting and deeply personal, according to a press release from ECSD.
“I do not do things half-heartedly,” she said. “When you’re really passionate about something, you put your whole entire self into it—and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
“Legally Blonde, Jr.” will end this weekend at Strom Thurmond Theatre, with shows Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 16 at 3:30 p.m.
Tickets are available at sttheatre.ludus.com
