BWW Reviews: Arizona Broadway Theatre's LEGALLY BLONDE Is High Style Staging With A Deep Message

"Being true to yourself never goes out of style." STYLE, in big capital letters, is the key word for Arizona Broadway Theatre's staging of Legally Blonde, and the message is the driving subtext of this lighthearted but incisive musical comedy about self-esteem and empowerment.

The message belongs to Vivienne (Sarah Ambrose), the erstwhile nemesis of Elle Woods (Leanne Smith), the bright-eyed Delta Nu sorority sister whose journey from jilted girl friend to law school firebrand is chronicled in this upbeat production, smartly directed and choreographed by Carl Rajotte.

It's a long way from Elle (2001 movie, 2007 musical) to Amy Schumer, but the challenge to be taken seriously and to establish one's persona in the face of well-established and annoying stereotypes remains the same. Self-esteem is, in part, a function of the trips others lay on you. Rising above those trips requires a combination of personal grit, tenacity, and a support system. Ms. Schumer's voyage steers a different course than Elle's, but both end up in the same place ~ at the top of their game.

For Elle, with a 4.0 in fashion merchandising, it's the camaraderie of her sisterhood that buoys her spirits and encourages her to apply to Harvard Law School in the hopes of winning back her self-possessed Richie Rich-ish boyfriend, Warner Huntington III (Glen North). Her optimism is undaunted by Harvard's stiff admission requirements, and after numerous test runs on the LSAT, not only is she ready to present herself as a candidate but she does so in a thoroughly unorthodox and robust manner, in full cheerleader regalia. Of course, she is admitted, proving that What You Want can be what you get.

Her next battle is to overcome the snobbish judgmentalism of her classmates and to realize just how unworthy Warner, who has befriended Vivienne, is of her love. Not all is lost, because, in the wings is Emmett Forrest (Jesse Michels), the teaching assistant, who comes to her rescue all the way through to the Act II showdown in a trial where Elle displays her deductive brilliance in defense of Brooke Wyndham (Lynzee Jaye Paul 4man), a fitness queen accused of murder.

And, beyond the wings, in a salon called Hair Affair, is Paulette (Abigail Raye), a spunky beautician with a different kind of style and character who persuades Elle to rise above her doubts (Ireland).

With all the good mojo surrounding her, how can Elle not prove, both in the court of law and in the court of audience opinion that blonde can be both beautiful and brainy, that hair color and dress is not identity, and, yes, that "being true to yourself never goes out of style!"

Ms. Smith is an energetic presence, playing Elle with a perfect balance of vulnerability and moxie.

Mr. Michels radiates a marvelous warmth and sensitivity and captures not just Elle's heart but the audience's as well.

Ms. Raye is a powerhouse of talent and character, delivering show-stealing turns in Ireland and Bend and Snap and her saucy interactions with her beefcake fancy, Kyle the UPS guy (Adam Shaff).

The entire cast goes full throttle in this upbeat and delightful show, wrapped in a splendid mix of costumery (provided by FCLO Music Theatre), sets and props (provided by The Music and Theatre Company), wigs (Amanda Gran), the robust musical direction of Adam Berger, and a cornucopia of jewel performances, including ~ Ms. 4man and an incredible ensemble masterfully whipping it with jump ropes (Whipped into Shape); Jesse Berger as the prototypical law professor; Trisha Ditsworth, ever a source of artistic finesse, as Enid, the feminist law student; and Carly Grossman (Serena), who is sterling in whatever role she performs.

Legally Blonde continues its run through August 9th ~ a delightful summertime repast at this terrific dinner theatre in Peoria, AZ. All STYLE!

Photo credit to Arizona Broadway Theatre.

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