Based on the iconic film starring Reese Witherspoon, the musical traces Elle’s transformation from California fashion queen to brilliant Harvard Law student, all without ever giving up her high heels, bubble gum-pink wardrobe, and, above all, the courage to stay true to herself.
While Elle is the beating heart of the show, she’s joined on stage by a talented ensemble, including the young and dynamic Tabitha Galluccio, who takes on the role of the spirited and athletic Brooke Wyndham.
“When I found out I got the role, I was over the moon,” Galluccio shared, “Brooke is a character I’ve always dreamed of playing. I love her energy, her confidence. She’s bold, determined and never gives up - a true example of female empowerment.”
Playing Brooke requires not just vocal and acting talent but top-notch physical fitness.
“She’s a fitness guru who’s literally working out on stage while singing, Galluccio explained, “So, in addition to three weekly rehearsals with the cast, I train on my own every day to stay in peak shape.”
Born and raised in Western Australia but living in Melbourne since last February, Galluccio also has family roots in the picturesque town of Sant’Angelo di Brolo in Sicily’s Messina province, where her paternal grandparents emigrated from.
“Growing up in an Italian family was wonderful,” she said with a smile, “Italian culture teaches you the value of family, being together and sharing good times - and, of course, there’s always great food.”
Her love for her cultural heritage even led her family to spend a year living in beautiful Florence.
“We wanted to reconnect with our roots. It was an incredible experience,” she recalled.
Influenced by Italy’s rich musical tradition and drawn to music in all its forms, Galluccio discovered her passion for the stage at an early age.
“I’ve always loved singing. As a little girl, I’d make up songs and sing around the house all day. Then I discovered theatre at school and I never looked back.”
Her first role in a musical came at just thirteen, when she joined the cast of Into the Woods.
“That’s when I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” revealed Galluccio.
Determined and ambitious, Galluccio went on to hone her craft at the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, earning a degree in Musical Theatre. Fully aware of how challenging it can be to break into the performing arts, she remains undaunted by the obstacles ahead.
“You get so many rejections in this industry,” she admitted, “You have to be tough and incredibly motivated. Even when you’re not working, you keep studying, taking singing and dance lessons. You can’t ever let your guard down.”
Now, it seems her big break has arrived: Legally Blonde marks Galluccio’s professional debut. And while she’s busy preparing, her dreams remain as vibrant as ever.
“I’d really love to build a career as a performer, both in theatre and film. I studied screen acting at university too, and this year I was lucky enough to land a small role in a film. It was amazing to see how the two disciplines influence each other.”
Galluccio’s family will be in the audience at the National Theatre, cheering her on.
“They’re coming all the way from Perth just to see me. It’s wonderful knowing they’ll be there,” she said.
With courage, sharp wit and plenty of humour, Legally Blonde has already dazzled Broadway, the West End and Australian audiences.
Now it’s ready to thrill Melbourne once again with its iconic musical numbers, high-energy choreography and timeless messages: the power of authenticity, the importance of never giving up on your dreams and the truth that intelligence and femininity can absolutely go hand in hand.
