Current McGlashan drama student, Eli Gepte, and former drama and music students, Ariana Gepte and Samuel Leaper, are all involved in the upcoming production of Musical Theatre Dunedin's Legally Blonde: The Musical.
BOOK NOW at mtd.org.nz/legally-blonde
Ensemble – Eli Gepte
Elli is beyond thrilled to be joining the cast of Legally Blonde - their first show with Musical Theatre Dunedin. Previously, Elli was seen in Taieri Musical Society’s season of Moana Jr (Chief Tui) in 2021. Growing up watching classic Disney films and golden age musicals ignited their passion for the creative arts which set them on the path of performance. Elli is currently a Year 13 student at John McGlashan College where they study drama with Kimberley Fridd. Outside of school, Elli takes vocal lessons with Ben Johnson at The Voice Lab nz. In 2024, Elli plans to move to Wellington to pursue animation at Massey University.
Samuel Leaper - Musical Director
Samuel, a local Dunedin musician, is delighted to have the opportunity to work with Musical Theatre Dunedin as musical director for Legally Blonde. Having been consistently involved with musical theatre since his high school days, this will be Samuel’s second show in the role of musical director, coming off of a sold out run of shows in 2022, working with East Otago Musical Theatre to bring to life ‘Chicago’, a show in which he was nominated for Best Musical Director at the Otago Southland Theatre Awards.
Having many accolades to his name, Samuel has spent time with his band touring New Zealand, living in 660 Castle Street as an inaugural recipient of Six60’s scholarship, and now works as a live sound engineer, mixing both local and touring bands as they perform throughout Dunedin. As well as this, Samuel is completing a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Otago (although he enjoys part time study so he can fit everything else in!).
Samuel can’t wait to start working with the talented members of the creative team, cast, crew, and band to put one of his favourite shows together and has been getting stuck in to navigating the hundreds of key changes through the score!
Ariana Gepte as Elle Woods
Ariana is ecstatic to join the cast of Legally Blonde in her Musical Theatre Dunedin stage debut as Elle Woods. Her passions have never strayed from performing arts and she is currently pursuing it at University of Otago studying for Bachelor of Performing Arts. Previously, Ariana has appeared in shows such as Annie, Fiddler on the Roof, The Highlights, The 128th Capping Show and most recently, East Otago Musical Theatre’s season of Chicago (Mona/Roxie Hart Understudy). This year she made her Choreographer debut as well as playing Doc in the 129th Capping Show - Back to the Flat.
BOOK NOW at mtd.org.nz/legally-blonde
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