Like Vivienne, Jamee Perryman Stands Up For Herself

Jamee Perryman plays the multifaceted Vivienne

Legally Blonde, the Musical, has the high-octane energy of a cheerleading competition, but while many characters fit sorority girl stereotypes, there’s more depth to some than meets the eye.  Other than Elle Woods, the character that changes the most during the play is Vivienne Kensington, who starts out as Elle’s rival for Warner’s attentions.

Jamee Perryman plays Vivienne, who she describes as “one of the strongest, most independent women I have ever had the privilege of playing.  She knows what she wants and goes for it, never giving thought to who she is stepping on in the process.  I really enjoy playing a strong woman, especially because she goes on a journey to discover her more sensitive side.”   While Jamee also loves Vivienne’s cynicism, she finds it a challenge to “keep a straight face during her sarcastic moments, which happen quite often.  I am sarcastic naturally, so that helps, but it will definitely be a struggle to stay in character, especially with this hilarious cast!”  (One of my favorite zingers is when Vivienne asks Elle, “Aren’t there girls going wild somewhere without you?”)

On a more personal note, Jamee can really relate to the play’s lessons about first impressions and female empowerment:  “My entire life I was judged on how I look.  I wasn't blonde, just big.  I got looked over for parts, jobs, even dates because of my size.  Elle's journey in this show should be a real empowering thing for many women.  I have since developed a healthier style, but the way I felt back then has stuck with me, and has made me a much better person.  I also think that the idea of getting backbone applies to my life.  Paulette spends the whole show gaining confidence and finally stands up to the person that has been walking all over her.  I was a lot like that when I was younger.  If you ask my friends and family now, I am the exact opposite.”

Jamee has wanted to do Legally Blonde for years, and although it has some “intense, emotional moments, as a whole, the show is pure fun.  If you don't leave dancing out of the theatre, we are doing something wrong.”  Jamee works as a middle school choir teacher in St. Clair Shores and lives in Clawson with her husband Scott.  Some of her favorite roles include Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Rusty in Footloose, and Golde in Fiddler on the Roof. 

The Farmington Players' production of Legally Blonde, the Musical is sponsored by TruVista Wealth Advisors.  The show opens April 26 and runs through May 18. Tickets can be purchased online at www.farmingtonplayers.org or by calling the box office at 248-553-2955.