It used to be that sororities were the antithesis of feminist forces. A herd of Stepford Wives, most definitely Caucasian, perfectly coifed and peddling the virtues of sisterhood and husband-hunting. Ditsy. Superficial. Elitist. Catty. But pretty!

On the totem pole of female power brokers, post-college, they were the lowest. Except for Condoleeza, an AXO, who, despite the odds, was Secretary of State.

That was B.E. — Before Elle, the perky, pink-clad protagonist of “Legally Blonde” and Bainbridge High School’s spring musical.

The former Delta Nu president is not some bimbo. She’s kind, persistent and hella smart. But that’s not how everyone sees her, including her boyfriend Warner, who doesn’t think she fits in with his Harvard Law School path.

Determined to win Warner back, Elle snags a spot in his 1L class to prove she’s serious. But through the course of the semester, her priorities change, as she learns to be true to herself — and crushes it in the courtroom.

These feminist underpinnings are what sold theater director Karen Polinsky on the production.

“I was attracted to how it established stereotypes only to challenge them and then expose them,” Polinsky said.

It’s a message that speaks to high schoolers, in particular, she added.

“They’re thinking a lot about how we use our image to get what we want and to tell the world who we are, and what are the pros and cons of that and when do you need to show the world your other side.”

Early on in the rehearsal process, Polinsky posed a question to her cast: How was “Legally Blonde” a feminist play? The discussion lasted 40 minutes and would have gone longer, had she not stopped them — they had rehearsing to do.

“They wanted to talk about the part where Elle’s teacher takes advantage of her and kisses her and she feels demeaned by that. She wants to give up but doesn’t. That means something to the kids, so they really believe in the play.”

They also like the sassy script and the snappy choreography, which incorporates cheerleading, tap, even River Dance courtesy of Scott Breitbarth.

A 16-piece all-student orchestra, directed by choir teacher Pat Dalrymple, amps up musical numbers like the booty-poppin’ “Bend and Snap” and “Legally Blonde,” Elle and Emmett’s pivotal duet.

Sophomore Tori Konig and junior Maddy Garfunkel share the leading role, playing Elle on alternating nights.

Polinsky said nearly double the normal amount of students auditioned, which is one of the reasons she decided to double-cast parts.

“We wanted to give as many kids as much opportunity to learn,” she said.

That decision turned out to be a little more controversial than she anticipated, and several students dropped out. But the chaotic arrangement keeps with the spirit of the show, Polinsky said.

“We work together and we’re better and we’re pink!” she said.

Protagonist in pink

What: “Legally Blonde,” the BHS spring musical.

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from April 28 through May 7.

Where: Bainbridge High School LGI.

Admission: Tickets, $10 for adults and $8 for students, are available at the door.