BWW Reviews: Don't Miss LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL at Midvale Main St. Theatre

There's no mincing words here. If you've never seen LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL, you owe it to yourself to get to Midvale Main Street Theatre this week before its production of the show closes. It is the first, and at this point the only planned, non-student presentation of the musical in Utah, and there is little reason to believe there will be other opportunities to see it in the future. Thankfully, this production is more than worth the ticket price.

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL (music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, book by Heather Hach) is based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the MGM film starring Reese Witherspoon. The show is filled with catchy tunes and a satisfying combination of humor and heart. Elle Woods is a California sorority girl who crosses the country to become a Harvard Law student in a quest to reclaim her true love. In doing so, she discovers she is capable of more than she, or anyone else, ever thought possible.

In a short window of time, Utah fans of contemporary musicals have been blessed with productions featuring three of the very best pop-Broadway scores. In addition to LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL at Midvale Main Street Theatre, Disney's TARZAN is playing at Hale Centre Theatre in West Valley through September 28, and IN THE HEIGHTS will be presented at Hale Center Theater in Orem from October 3 through November 23. Of the three, LEGALLY BLONDE's music may be the most infectiously sweet and the most exhilaratingly joyful. It is non-stop fun from beginning to end but with moments of real pathos that bring the characters to life in unexpectedly grounded ways.

Midvale Main Street Theatre's production of the musical is a cut above the average community theatre show. The most impressive element is the performances, which are strong across the board.

Amelia Rose Moore as Elle Woods has a fantastic singing voice, and she projects a sparkling personality that carries the weight of the show. Other great vocalists playing leading roles include Michael Anthony Howell as Emmett Forest, Leah Jacobs as Paulette Buonofuonte, Megan Lyon as Brooke Wyndam, Tia Galanis as Vivienne Kensington, Jason Campbell as Professor Callahan, and Russell Watters as Warner Huntington III. Supporting players that shine include Kristina Rene Stone as Enid Hoopes and Nathan Reo as Kyle.

Special mention goes to the Delta Nu sorority girls, especially Katy King as Serena, Allie Duke as Margot, and Kimiko Morris as Pilar. The contemporary music is not easy to sing, and they make it sound easy (with the assistance of music director Jason Campbell). With the exception of a few missteps, their dancing also looks effortless as they execute Aaron Ford's enjoyable, complex choreography.

Sean McLaughlin's set design makes good use of the space, and director Aleksndr Arteaga fills it to great effect in his staging. Jan Harris' costume design and Jennifer Hairr's lighting design are always sufficient and sometimes outstanding.

Occasional issues with lighting and music timing at the reviewed performance marred an otherwise wonderful evening. This late in the run, these kinds of things should be ironed out. It is also important to note that the venue is general admission and does not have great sightlines, so plan to arrive early to avoid an obstructed view of the stage.

Regardless of these minor quibbles, this production is more than worth your time to see. It is not recommended for children due to its PG-13 content, but adults and teenagers will find it to be an incredibly entertaining night out.

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL plays through August 31. For more information or to buy tickets, call the box office at 801-566-0596 or visit www.midvaletheatre.com.

Photo Credit: Amelia Rose Moore as Elle Woods

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