Review: LEGALLY BLONDE at Theatre Three

Omigod, you guys! Broadway's most fashionable lawyer is currently holding court at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson, Long Island. Tony nominee Legally Blonde, The Musical, based on the 2001 Reese Witherspoon movie, had an exciting opening weekend complete with a stellar cast and a very enthusiastic audience. Truly, I can't say enough about this wonderful incarnation.

Running through October 29th, Theatre Three's Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel superbly directs this production starring Brittany Lacey as Elle Woods. Elle is a UCLA college student, President of UCLA's chapter of the Delta Nu sorority, and initially on a mission to win back long-time, self-important boyfriend Warner Huntington III, portrayed by Chris Brady. When a dinner date results in them actually breaking up - as opposed to the marriage proposal Elle thought was imminent - the fashion merchandising student follows Warner to Harvard Law School where she realizes a dream she didn't know she had and achieves more than she ever imagined.

Ms. Lacey is a natural choice for the role of Elle; great voice, pretty, and actually looks/acts like a college student. Her voice particularly shines on the shows emotional title song and the super fun and sassy "So Much Better". Overall, Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin put together a very catchy score that you are sure to be humming the music for quite some time after you've seen this show.

Another highlight is a hilarious performance by Sari Feldman who portrays nail salon owner Paulette, one of Elle's first friends when she arrived at Harvard. In addition, Theatre Three staple Steve McCoy gives a rousing and intense twist as Professor Callahan. Furthermore, you'll notice that Ms. Lacey makes a fantastic team with Brett Chizever who superbly portrays Emmett, an upper classman and Professor Callahan's assistant.

Everyone in the extensive company is truly extraordinary and Mr. Sanzel's creative team is also top-notch.

Randall Parsons helms the clever bi-level set. In particular, the seamless scene changes easily keep the busy and jubilant flow of the show. This is enhanced beautifully with Robert W. Henderson Jr's stunning lighting and Su Jung Weaver's costumes are exquisite featuring Elle's signature color pink. Additionally, it is apparent that everyone is having fun with Whitney Stone's sensational choreography.

Legally Blonde, The Musical is presented by Theatre Three of Port Jefferson, Long Island, through October 29th. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Starring MELANIE ACAMPORA, CHRIS BRADY, ED BREESE, KYLE BREITENBACH, MEGAN BUSH, BRETT CHIZEVER, ALEX ESQUIVEL, SARI FELDMAN, Brian Frank, LISA GANZ, Andrew Gasparini, EMILY GATES, AMANDA GERACI, RACHEL GREENBLATT, ERIC HUGHES, HEIDI JAYE, JENNA KAVALER, BRITTANY LACEY, Steve McCoy, P.J. MOLLOY, CAITLIN NOFI, DYLAN POULOS, NICOLE RAMPANELLI, ARIA SALTINI, STEVEN UIHLEIN

Score by Laurence O'Keefe & Nell Benjamin, Book by Heather Hach, Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, Musical Direction by Jeffrey Hoffman, Choreography by Whitney Stone, Scenic Design by Randall Parsons, Costume Design by Su Jung Weaver, Wig Design by Ronald Green III, Lighting Design by Robert W. Henderson Jr., Properties by Linda May, Stage Management by Peter Casdia

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