OMG! It's time to get pumped up to see Woodland Opera House's high-energy musical "Legally Blonde," full of a flurry of pink, passion, and empowerment.
This super fun show is written by Heather Hatch with music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and based on the hit movie from 2001.
Much like the Barbie movie, the musical follows the transformation of the pink-loving, fashionable sorority girl Elle Woods (Katie Halls) from Malibu into a person with a deeper understanding of womanhood and what she wants. In an attempt to get back her ex-boyfriend Warner (Terry Martin), she applies to Harvard Law School, only to find herself mastering the law and redefining her life's purpose. Her quest for love transitions into a journey of self-realization of her own worth, where she stays true to her core values of trust, integrity, and self-worth while supported by an imaginary Greek chorus of sorority sisters, her hairdresser Paulette (Allie McGraw) and a financially struggling upperclassman Emmett (Josie Morales).
The Greek chorus sets the mood for the show with explosive energy that continues throughout the whole show. Choreographer Staci Arriaga creates dynamic dances and visuals, including an impressive jump rope dance that shows she really whipped the cast into shape. The pace of the show was fast and sharp, which kept the audience on the edge of their seats and fully immersed in the story.
All of the actors were talented, with strong voices and a lot of sass, thanks to the wonderful direction by Angela St. Clair, who was influenced when she saw the pre-Broadway edition of the show in her youth. All sound could be heard clearly thanks to the cast's personal microphones and the excellent work of Musical Director Dean Mora, who made sure the vocals were spot on. Unfortunately, they still do not have a live orchestra which would have brought even more magic to the experience.
Katie Halls captured the essence of Elle Woods in a wonderful way. Her confidence was evident as she was so bubbly and powerful in the role. It was great to see her grow from Elle and Warner's first shocking pop duet, "Serious," to her powerful ending, "Find My Way," in the finale. Martin was great at being the stuck-up man you want to hate.
Seeing the transformation of Emmett in the department store was such a moving scene. The pride Morales showed on his face had the audience go through such powerful emotions which erupted in applause and hoots and hollers.
Elle also had a hand in changing her hairdresser's destiny with her knowledge of the law and her advice on the "Bend and snap" move so she could get back her dog and the attention of a nicer man. McGraw was larger than life and wowed the crowd with "Ireland" and her dance with Erik Catalan, who played both her old boyfriend Dewey and Kyle, the UPS man, her new love interest. I have yet to see a dance style that Catalan cannot master!
Professor Callahan (Ryan Favorite), the lecherous unethical lawyer, and his law students gave us a powerful scene in "Blood in the Water." The courtroom scenes were hilarious, and Brooke Wyndham (Maris Samsel), the defendant and fitness tycoon, had all the right moves.
As the kids go back to school, come and enjoy the higher education, high-energy show "Legally Blonde." And last but not least, be sure to watch for the adorable dogs Bruiser and Rufus amidst the many talented cast!
The show runs now through Aug. 31 on Thursdays-Sundays. Tickets are available at WoodlandOperaHouse.org.
By Jennifer Goldman, Theatre Critic
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