Danielle Morris Finds Empowerment as Enid Hoopes

Don't you dare insult Gloria Steinem ...

... or you'll incur Enid's wrath! (Danielle Morris)

One of my favorite moments in our production of Legally Blonde, the Musical, is when Enid Hoopes, played by Danielle Morris, defends fellow feminist Gloria Steinem. When Enid perceives that Vivienne (Jamee Perryman) has insulted Gloria’s honor, Enid chases her off stage with a voracious roar that is truly fearsome. But despite Enid’s tough exterior and rough edges, Danielle is really a gentle soul with a sensitive and caring nature. 

Danielle describes Enid as “a strong-willed lesbian feminist.  Enid is very independent, very commanding and insatiably funny.  I love her character ... her dynamics.” The audience first meets her in the Harvard Variations, where Enid sings that she’s "on the legal track, because this country’s out of whack and only women have the guts to go and take it back."  Enid also strikes up an unlikely friendship with Elle Woods (Heather Dolan), and as they bond, she “gets to be part of the pink roller coaster of fun that is Elle and creates some really great comedic moments!”

While Enid and Elle are physical opposites, they both share the common experience of being judged based on their looks.  Danielle can also relate to this, saying, “It is so easy to judge a book by its cover.  Whether we are looking at a beautiful blonde from Malibu or a butch lesbian that has climbed her way to success.  As a bigger girl in the theater community, I have had my share of disappointment.  Sometimes you stand in front of a directorial team, and no matter your artistic capabilities, you will not be considered because you do not ‘look’ the role.  It stands true even outside of this community.  We all as humans have passed judgment.  I've been told so many times, ‘I am so happy I got to know you.  You're different than what I first thought.’”   Danielle echoes the empowerment theme of Legally Blonde, saying, “the biggest lesson to take away from this show is believe in yourself. Love yourself.  Trust yourself. Do things for you.  It's okay to fall, it's how you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and face the world with your own empowering colors.” 

Danielle calls Theater her “best friend through some insanely dark moments in life.  I am able to shut out my problems and the world’s problems and embody a fierce character.  You see the smiles and the enjoyment in the audience and with your cast mates.  You build and grow relationships with people you may not normally know.  You walk away with new family, friendships you will take with you forever.”  Danielle shares her love of theater and the arts with her two children, Cadence (7) and Brayden (6). 

The Farmington Players' production of Legally Blonde, the Musical is sponsored by TruVista Wealth Advisors.  The show opened 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.