Janelle LoSciuto, who’s playing the lead in the upcoming musical, “Legally Blonde,” is hitting all the right notes.

Windham native Janelle LoSciuto, who grew up in the performing arts community in Windham and is a 2002 Windham High School graduate, is playing the lead in the upcoming production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” which takes the stage this weekend at Windham Town Hall.

LoSciuto will play Elle Woods, the Reese Witherspoon role in the movie version of “Legally Blonde.” Woods, LoSciuto says, is portrayed as someone who desperately seeks the approval of her boyfriend and grows into a self-confident woman who realizes she has the right stuff to make it in the world on her own.

LoSciuto will be joined on stage by a cast that includes many local performers, such as Tony Ennis, Dillon Bates, Beth Gaudet and Shelbi Wassick. It will be directed by Rob Juergens.

The Lakes Region Weekly recently caught up with the busy LoSciuto as she prepared for her leading role to inquire about the upcoming show and her many years in Windham’s performing arts scene.

Q: You’ve been involved in theater and singing in Windham for much of your life. Can you remind us what groups you’ve been a part of through the years?

A: It’s true. I grew up on the Windham stage. My first shows were at Windham Center Stage Theater, where I played a variety of characters from a fluffy tailed squirrel to a ladybug with four small baby bugs. Being a part of the WCST family got me interested in all things music, theater and dance. After 17 years performing all over, I’m very excited to be returning to the WCST Stage this week.

In addition to performing at WCST, I was a member of the Windham Chamber Singers and the Windham High School Drama club. Recently, I’ve been able to give back to both of these groups by assisting in the planning of the Windham Chamber Singers’ 25th anniversary concert, coordinating the Richard Nickerson Scholarship Concert, and sitting on the audition panel for the high school musical. It’s been fun to watch these programs grow year after year.

Q: How did you first get involved in the performing arts, and did you have any mentors growing up?

A: We are blessed with a rich performing arts community. I don’t think I could pick just one person. My very first musical experiences were at the North Windham Union Church with children’s choir director Joyce Whidden. Looking back now, many future Windham Chamber Singers were a part of that ensemble. Joyce also directed the WCST children’s show at that time. Now that I’m back on the WCST stage, I can’t help but think of my first children’s show, “Elves and the Shoemaker.”

Quick story: I was 7 and a snow dancer. Every time it “snowed,” six first-graders came on to do a snow dance. The costume and makeup were very sparkly. That’s when I knew I was hooked.

Over the years, the Windham school system’s music department has been full of people I would consider mentors. Nancy Cash-Cobb, Donna Hurd, Barbara Quinn, Betty McIntrye, and, of course, Rick Nickerson. They bring such passion and knowledge to the classroom. Also, Rick Lawson and Jon Miele really paved the way for our current high school theater program. That’s a long list of names, but they all made a lasting impression.

Q: What motivates you to continue to take part in community theater?

A: Community theater is so important. It enriches the lives of those who take an active part in it, as well as those in the community who enjoy and learn from live theater.

It also takes a community to pull together a show. Our WCST volunteers represent a wide variety of ages and life experience, but they come together because of a strong appreciation for the arts. I love being a part of something that builds such wonderful connections.

Q: The upcoming musical, “Legally Blonde,” in which you play the leading role, sounds like a fluffy topic for a production. Is there a deeper message to the story?

A: It’s easy to think of “Legally Blonde” and its lead character, Elle, as “fluffy.” In fact, that’s what the show is all about. You can’t judge a book by its cover, because what’s inside might surprise you. “Legally Blonde: the Musical” is a story of growth and empowerment that will inspire audiences to be true to themselves and never give up.

Q: By the way, has WCST ever considered performing at the Windham Performing Arts Center in the Windham High School, a space that seems appropriate for community productions, not only high school productions?

A: We are certainly interested in performing at the Windham Performing Arts Center. Our community is lucky to have such a beautiful auditorium. The WCST board has looked into it a few times, and we are hopeful that we will produce a show there soon.

Q: Where do you work now? And does that work impact your desire to give back to the community?

A: I spend my days coordinating volunteers and events for the Maine Chapter of the March of Dimes. In the evenings, I teach voice lessons to a studio of 30 students, all from the Lakes Region area. Both positions place a high value on children and families. I am particularly interested in national studies that show that children who participate in performing and visual arts programs have higher self-esteem, excel in academics and are creative thinkers.

Volunteering with local arts organizations like Windham Center Stage Theater impacts young people in our community. I can’t think of a better way to spend my time.

Q: What are your long-range plans with the performing arts in Windham?

A: There’s so much opportunity for growth in our already strong performing arts community. I hope to continue promoting local arts that foster confidence, lifelong learning and community spirit. I think the lyrics of the “Legally Blonde” finale say it all:

“There’s still so much to learn,

So many dreams to earn.

But even if I crash and burn

10 times a day,

I think I’m here to stay.

I’m gonna find my way.”

Janelle LoSciuto is playing the leading role in Windham Center Stage Theater’s upcoming production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical.”