LEGALLY BLONDE

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER: 5/20 – 6/19

L-R: Ryan Bueller, Rachelle Wood and Dayle Extrell

“Legally Blonde, the Musical” is the screen to stage version of the 2001 movie that starred Reese Witherspoon. It’s fluffy, feather-weight escapism speaking to the 21^st century version of young female empowerment. If there be any substance here it’s in a thinly veiled homage to that time honored truth that substance is more valuable than image.

     So at the top of the show all Elle Woods wants to do is to become the wife of the well-heeled, well-dressed, self absorbed Warner Huntington lll. The balance of the show is about Elle finding her way through the train wreck of her infatuation for this arrogant cad to the realization that a kind and supportive love would be LOTS better.

     It’s a pink, frothy (Did I say pink?) evening of musical theatre that’s a HUGE hit with younger audiences. One must be totally candid in saying that mature theatregoers may find the book for “Legally Blonde,the Musical”  to be about as interesting as time travel back to your high school pep rallies. Nevertheless, I’m told that this production of the show is practically sold out for the run.

      One reason to go is that the multi-talented Nick Sugar directed and choreographed this lightweight ball of fluff. Sugar, who can turn dross into gold, does it again with this show. Why do I say that? Because he knows how to cast!

     He’s cast Rachelle Wood as Elle Woods (Is there an echo in here?). Ms. Woods, who was an enchanting Mabel in the recent production of “Mack and Mabel,” is a musical theatre firecracker as Elle.

     As Paulette, Dayle Extrell, Elle’s (There is an echo in here!) supportive hair stylist friend, is outstanding!    

      Tim Oakes does a fine job creating arrogance and narcissism as Warner Huntington lll.

      Carter Edward Smith turns in an affectionately drawn and very well sung portrayal of Emmett Forrest.

       Zach Stailey (a brilliant Professor Callahan) does a remarkable job singing “Blood in the Water.” (This description of the realities of becoming a shark of a lawyer at least makes us think of a different color than pink momentarily!)

     Ryan Buehler is a stitch as Paulette’s hot UPS step-dancer boy friend. This actor had the audience in hysterics whenever he strutted onto the stage.

     The supporting cast is full of the names of superb musical theatre actors. Among them are: Taylor Nicole Young, Rebekah Ortiz, Gabriel Morales, Chelley Canales, Jenna Moll Reyes and Olivia Beyette.

     Other reasons to go are Donna Debreceni’s magical musical tracks and  Nicole Harrison’s very fine costume design. Tina Anderson’s scenic design is superb.

For tickets call:303-794-2787   townhallartscenter.orgMarlowe's Musings