Kristi Schwartz Plays Her Opposite as Elle’s Dumb Blonde Mom

Kristi Schwartz puts on the ditz as Elle's Mom, but they couldn't be more different.

Similar to Elle Woods, Kristi Schwartz is no dumb blonde!  Kristi grew up a “blonde cheerleader in the advanced math class” who sought her own glass slipper before learning to stand on her own two feet.  As Kristi says, “Many people assumed that because I was blonde, and a cheerleader, I didn't have much going on upstairs.  However, I was in the advanced math class program in my high school and did well academically.  I actually relate to the theme of "Following a Man", too.  Growing up, I always wanted a "Prince Charming" to sweep me off my feet and rescue me.  Looking for that glass slipper was a goal from when I was a little girl.  However, this led me to a marriage when I was too young to know the difference.  Seven years ago, I had a divorce, which really shaped who I am today.”

Also like Elle, who learned that self-reliance could be “So Much Better,” Kristi now knows that “a man will never complete me. I complete myself!  I have always been a pretty independent woman; however, this taught me that I do not NEED a man.  I knew in my heart that I wanted one for companionship, but I did not need one to survive.  I have since been remarried to Keith (the most wonderful soul around).  Together now for over five years, we are a partnership of individuals who compliment each other and bring out the best in both of us.  I needed that alone time as a single mother to realize that I could be complete on my own.”

As a member of the Blonde ensemble, Kristi has several roles, most notably Elle's Mom; she also plays a dancer/band member in "What You Want", a customer/bookish client in the salon and during "Bend and Snap".  While she is “most comfortable” playing Elle’s Mom because she is a mother of three children – Colin (14), Allie (11), and Drew (3) – Kristi finds it challenging to play a character who is so “very different from me.  She is a rich, possibly drunk, mom who is very superficial.  Elle's Mom would probably still follow a man around. She hasn't probably learned that lesson that Elle has about self- discovery. This is so hard because I am a very independent woman who has had to take care of myself in a lot of ways.  Also, my children always come first in everything that I do, so it is difficult to imagine that superficial part. I've always had to work extremely hard for everything that I have.”

Despite these challenges, Kristi wanted to be in Legally Blonde (her first onstage role in over three years) “because I really wanted to be back onstage at the Barn.  The Barn Family is extremely important to me. Part of being in a show is about the crew and cast you are working with at the time. These people are fabulous!”

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.