Geelong actor to Legally Blonde role

ONE Geelong local is heading to the big stage in Melbourne when he takes on the role of one of the main characters in Legally Blonde: The Musical.

Based off the first movie, Jackson Cross will play the role of Emmett Forest in the Theatrical production, a surreal role for him.

This is not the first time Cross has portrayed this character on stage, as he played Emmett in his first production while he was in high school.

Originally, he was tricked into auditioning by his singing teacher at the time, and although he had a love for acting and was part of bands, musicals weren’t really something he was into.

“He singing teacher told me that I was going to have my class in this special room one day because they hired this lovely piano and I showed up and there was a panel of the drama teachers in the room,” Cross said.

“It was the audition for the musical and I did it and it’s the reason I’m where I am now, doing this show with Theatrical, it’s just a really beautiful, lovely, full circle moment for me.”

Now playing Emmett for a second time, Cross said his singing and acting skills had definitely improved and he was finding himself and finding the humour in the dialogue.

The actor said people heading along should be prepared to be wowed at the show.

“They can expect a really fun, colourful experience about a strong woman’s journey about being yourself and being enough and the story of friendship, empowerment.”

Rehearsing three times a week since the end of May, Cross is feeling confident and excited to set foot on the stage for opening night.

“Everyone’s working so hard and the balance of hard work with the lovely people we have in this show is just so admirable, especially with how many people are in there and how strenuous a lot of the work is.

“It’s beautiful and lovely and I’m so excited to share this show with people, I think it’s a version of this that people haven’t seen before.

“I’m confident in the work that I do and I know I’ll be ready to show up and just have a good time because that’s what it’s all about.”

Curtains will open on Legally Blonde: The Musical at the National Theatre in St Kilda on July 12.

For more information, head to theatrical.com.au