Tia Hawkes goes Blonde (Legally)

By Megan Goetcheus

staff writer

Hawkes as Brigitta in The Sound of Music at the
Grand Rapids Civic Theater

The Spring Musical this year is Legally Blonde, a choice that excited many people here at Northview. Sophomore Tia Hawkes was elated when she first heard the news because it is one of her favorite shows, and she never thought she would get the chance to actually be in it. Now, she is going to be Elle Woods, the lead.

Hawkes first appeared on stage at the Grand Rapids Civic Theater when she was only in 4th grade. Since then her love for theater has only grown. Her favorite character to play has been Ermengarde in The Little Princess at the Civic. Hawkes said the character “was very awkward and it was different than any role I've ever played.” She enjoyed the challenge of playing something new.

Going into auditions for Legally Blonde, Hawkes was nervous because she was struggling with a pretty bad cough, which forced her to lower her audition song a lot. Despite the unfamiliar range, Hawkes killed her audition and landed the lead role. “Everyone at auditions is really nice though, so it was a comforting environment,” she commented. 

Hawkes as Ermengarde in The Little Princess at the
Grand Rapids Civic Theater

Being Elle has pushed Hawkes even farther as a singer and performer. “She's always been a dream role of mine and I still am in shock I get to be her, “ Hawkes said. The only difference between Woods and Hawkes is their hair color. She hasn’t decided for sure yet, but it is looking like she is going to wear a blonde wig, to represent her character best.

Hawkes’ favorite thing about theater is the people she gets to be with. Whether here at Northview, or downtown at the Civic, the friendships she makes with the cast is the most lasting memory of each show. Only a few weeks into rehearsal Hawkes, “can tell already that the cast has a great bond,” and she knows that the production will be a blast on and off the stage.

Photos courtesy of Studio3Twenty

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