In Luanda’s first audition as a true freshman at the University of Central Oklahoma, she landed three parts in the upcoming spring musical “Legally Blonde” taking place at Mitchell Hall on the UCO campus. Luanda will play Kate, Kiki the Colorist, the Judge, and is understudy to Pilar.
The casting was announced during winter break and Luanda was extremely happy to be cast as a Freshman. ”Everyone was so excited when the Legally Blonde was announced as the spring musical and I was so anxious and was hoping to get at least an ensemble part. When the cast list finally came out I was so so excited to have been selected! I could hardly believe it! I love working with Michael because I love dance so much and with him being both the director and a choreographer, I can’t wait to start rehearsals!”
Director
Legally Blonde is directed by Michael Lomeka, a faculty member of UCO whose credits read like a who’s who in musical theater. A graduate of Julliard, Lomeka appeared in the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival cast of “The King & I” with Lou Diamond Phillips, Donna Murphy, Faith Prince and Marie Osmond. Off-Broadway credit includes, “A Christmas Carol” at Madison Square Garden, choreographed by Susan Stroman. Michael Lomeka also toured the United States, Europe and Asia with Mikhail Baryshnikov and his White Oak Dance Project.
Michael is also the choreographer and musical theater dance instructor at UCO who has worked closely with Luanda having chosen her as one of the two dance captions in the freshman showcase. Luanda also featured original choreography by Micheal for one of her freshman showcase numbers “Adolpho“.
The musical will play from April 25-28 at Mitchell Hall and will live-stream as well for those who can’t see Luanda perform in person. The live-stream day will be announced in April.
