As the self-proclaimed "ultimate Broadway tribute to Girl Power!" it's no surprise that the 2019 touring company of Legally Blonde — The Musical would seek out a female guitarist for the pit orchestra. And it's even less surprising that UD alum Meghan Doyle (Music Education, '13) landed the gig.
A life-long musician, Doyle discovered guitar at the age of 9, fell in love with musical theater as a teenager, and as a student at UD she added electric bass and drum set to her repertoire. Prior to the Legally Blonde tour, she played the various instruments for productions of In the Heights, Cabaret, Next to Normal, Jesus Christ Superstar and RENT.
After graduation, Doyle kept busy with gigs while she learned the banjo and the mandolin, and she kept on eye on Facebook groups for pit musicians—which is where she saw the notice for Legally Blonde. "This is exactly what I've always wanted to do," Doyle says, and she was ready to respond immediately with her resume and website, which features a video compilation of Doyle's work that impressed Legally Blonde's music director. (check out the full clip)
Doyle is thrilled for the opportunity to take her career to the next level. "Having this on a resume is huge, and getting your foot in the door is a big deal. Knowing the right people is the most important thing in gig-world," she says.
As for what else is important? That's easy: Play well and be easy to work with. Like all ensemble work, playing in the pit means following the music director, even if you don't agree with every decision.
Life on the road has some downsides, but Doyle has found ways to manage. "The amount of trash one produces living out of hotels is depressing," but investing in reusable plates, utensils and water bottles helped her lessen the impact of constant travel.
Doyle travels back to Delaware when Legally Blonde appears at The Playhouse in Wilmington for 3 performances, February 23 and 24 (tickets are available through The Grand). The tour then continues crisscrossing the country through April. Check the tour website for a city near you.
