When Harvard’s Asian Student Arts Project decided to perform 'Legally Blonde' with an all-Asian cast, it was something of a joke. But by the time the musical sold out, it had become a reflection on white privilege, class and the model minority myth.
But by the time the musical sold out last month, it had become a reflection on white privilege, class and the model minority myth.
“There are no musicals that talk about Asian American identity in a way that is not slightly offensive, tropey or relies on stereotypes,” she said. “They’re honestly pretty racist.” ASAP redesigned the musical’s original set and costumes, and made changes to the script to reflect an Asian American experience. For instance, Elle’s neighbor was no longer Richard Simmons, but Mindy Kaling. Elle’s pink style included a Hello Kitty obsession, and Paulette’s salon was set in Chinatown. To get inspiration, the set designer visited Boston’s Chinatown, and added traditional Chinese characters to the sign on the salon that says “The Hair Affair.