Drama and Theatre

Theatre has a long history at Punahou.

Though the Drama Department was officially formed in 1986, theatrical productions have been a part of Punahou curricular or co-curricular activities since its founding in 1841.

In K – 5, theatre is incorporated into chapel productions, with the direction of drama faculty.
In grades 6 – 8, drama, musical theatre, improvisation and technical theatre electives become available.
The Academy (grades 9 – 12) theatre courses include varied topics in acting, musical theatre and technical theatre, and fulfill the graduation requirement of two credits in the Visual and Performing Arts.

Legally Blonde: The Musical

Punahou Theatre is proud to announce this year’s Academy Theatre Production: Legally Blonde: The Musical, an award-winning, upbeat musical based on the popular film of the same name. Follow the journey of Elle Woods, a fashionable sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law after being dumped by her boyfriend. Determined to prove she is more than just a pretty face, she faces challenges as she confronts stereotypes and the rigorous demands of law school. With the help of new friends, Elle discovers her true potential and learns to embrace her identity.

Bursting with memorable songs and energetic dances, this fun-filled musical celebrates self-discovery and staying true to one's dreams, making it an experience so entertaining that it should be “illegal!”

Performance Dates
Friday, November 1, at 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 2, at 7 p.m.
Thursday, November 7, at 7 p.m.
Friday, November 8, at 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 9, at 2 p.m.* and 7 p.m.
*American Sign Language interpretation

The show will be most enjoyed by middle schoolers and up. Legally Blonde contains mature themes and language. Please use your own discretion when making a decision for your young-theatergoer.

Online ticket sales only. Ticket prices range from $10 – $20.

Ticket Information

Theatrical Productions

Each year the Theatre Department produces several mainstage and black box productions. Students in Jr. School and Academy are invited to open auditions for Junior School, Academy or All-School plays and musicals. Rehearsals generally take place after school and select weekends. Support for all productions comes from a team of professional directors and designers, as well as a robust volunteer crew.

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Special events include Senior Variety Show, Drama Workshop productions and several chapel dramatic presentations.

Drama Workshop productions are curricular Academy shows produced in an intimate theater that seats 60 people. An Academy student can be in a Drama Workshop production by enrolling in the Theatre Performance class, or by producing a show on their own, through the Independent Study Program of the Theatre Department. Every year (depending on enrollment) the Theatre Performance class produces between one and three full-length plays or musicals.