BWW Reviews: Cute and Charming Production of LEGALLY BLONDE

Based on the enthusiastic patrons in attendance, it's clear to me that the musical adaptation of the 2001 Reese Witherspoon vehicle, Legally Blonde, has a pretty strong following, and seems to have struck a chord with audiences. I can understand why, since it's a lively and entertaining show filled with catchy tunes, that also manages to deliver a positive message about female empowerment. The current touring production playing the Fox Theatre (April 8 - 11, 2010) is certainly a cute and charming delight.

The plot revolves around a well to do, pink clad and pampered girl named Elle Woods, who's blissfully in love with the man of her dreams. But, then he dumps her and heads off to Harvard Law School. A determined Elle follows, surprisingly, as a fellow student. Once enrolled, she actually begins to excel, thanks in part to the interests of third year student Emmett Forrest. In addition to the obvious romantic entanglements, there's also a courtroom drama to contend with, and this subplot allows Elle to display the unique assets she brings into a court of law.

Becky Gulsvig delivers a pretty solid performance as Elle, and her reactions to Jeff McLean, as former boyfriend Warner Huntington III, during the breakup song "Serious", are alternately touching and funny. McLean does solid work as her ex, and this ballad is probably the strongest song melodically in the show, but the funky "Bend and Snap", which describes a move that shapely girls can utilize to instantly grab a man's attention, is easily the most memorable. D.B. Bonds impresses as Emmett, performing sweet duets with Gulsvig on "Chip on My Shoulder", "Legally Blonde" and "Take it Like a Man".

Natalie Joy Johnson amuses as Paulette, a salon stylist that Elle spills her guts to. Her own tale of romantic woe is spelled out in the frivolous, but funny tune, "Ireland". Michael Rupert does fine work as Professor Callahan, the teacher who inspires as much fear as he does respect. His view of the law is summed up in "Blood in the Water", an interesting jazz-tinged selection. Megan Lewis is also good as Vivienne Kensington, Elle's rival for Warner's affections. Ven Daniel steals the show as the strutting UPS man, Kyle, although he's given a run for his money by Elle's diminutive doggie Bruiser, played by Frankie.

Jerry Mitchell directs and choreographs, and keeps the action moving at a brisk pace. David Rockwell's scenic design is splendid, with pieces flying in from above, and a nice array of backdrops on display. Ken Posner and Paul Miller's lighting features a multi-colored border that illuminates in various ways to fit the mood, or make a statement. Gregg Barnes's costumes are eye catching and perfectly suited to the characters. The score by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin nicely complements Heather Hach's reworking of the original screenplay.

 

 

Legally Blonde continues through April 11, 2010 at the Fox Theatre.

 

 

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