This high-octane musical has audiences laughing all night long!
Review by Shelby Coleman
This week, Cincinnati Landmark Productions opened Legally Blonde: The Musical at the Covedale Center for Performing Arts. This production gives audiences everything they could ever want from this remake of the classic early 2000s film.
The Story
Based on the novel and the hit-movie of the same name, Legally Blonde: the Musical follows the journey of the famously perky Elle Woods (Sara Craig), a fashion-savvy, UCLA sorority girl who finds her life turned upside down when she is dumped by her boyfriend Warner (Zach Farmer). In an effort to prove to Warner that she is more than just some blonde sorority girl, she follows him to Harvard Law, where she struggles to fit in and do well. Ultimately, she defies expectations and manages to stay true to her delightfully pink personality.
Performances
Legally Blonde: The Musical welcomes many CLP debut’s including Val Allen who portrays the iconic beautician Paulette. Allen gives Jennifer Coolidge (movie) and Orfeh (Original Broadway Cast) a run for their money with her incredible comedic timing and killer voice! Other notable debuts include Zach Farmer who portrays the misogynistic and pretentious ex of Elle Woods, Warner Huntington III. Many ensemble debuts include Clay Edwards (Nikos, ensemble), Lindsey Fetter (Kate, ensemble), Kate Sexton (Ensemble), and Way Wagoner (ensemble). Wagoner provides memorable dancing and acrobatics that quite literally burst off the stage. Wagoner performs tumbling passes that shock and awe audiences. A true delight to watch onstage with complete and total dedication to each of the many ensemble roles she portrayed.
Legally Blonde: The Musical also features many CLP regulars, three of which portray the iconic trio of Elle’s Delta Nu sisters, Margot (Elena Boyd), Pilar (Tate Clemmons) and Serena (Emma Hunt). They create the perfect trio whose lighthearted antics enthrall audiences with a story that they already know so well.
Elena Boyd yet again shows off her abilities as a character actor. Her quirky one liners throughout the production keep everyone in the theater on their toes. Another stand out performance comes from Royce Louden as Emmett. Louden captures our attention as the stereotypical hardworking Harvard TA with a chip on his shoulder. Louden (formerly seen in comedic roles such as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast) brings an authenticity and depth to the show, contrasting with the kooky antics of all the Delta Nu sisters. It is delightful to see Louden taking on these emotionally substantial roles and winning over the hearts of audiences. More is sure to come from this well-rounded performer!
You Must See This Elle Woods
Now the performance that everyone in the Tristate has been talking about–Sara Craig as Elle Woods. Craig is an absolute powerhouse from the moment she steps onto the stage. While we have seen Craig across many stages in many other productions and roles, this is our first time having the opportunity to see her in a title role. After this performance it’s mind-blowing that we haven’t had the chance to witness her craft sooner.
Craig somehow manages to capture the zany attitude of the iconic Elle Woods while bringing a soft authenticity to the roles that allows audiences to see the true depth and determination that fills the veins of this blonde queen. Although Legally Blonde: The Musical has been seen in the Tristate many times in the last few years, it is without a doubt that Craig’s portrayal of this role knocks them all out of the park. An audience favorite by far, Craig blows audiences away multiple times throughout the evening. She easily hits the infamous ending note in “So Much Better,” perfectly captures the utter heartbreak in “Legally Blonde” and shows off her flawless dance abilities in “What You Want.” Sara Craig is a true triple threat and we can’t wait to see the many roles she is sure to take on in the future!
Production Team Does Not Disappoint
The nods to the iconic 2000s film are undeniable in this production. From the language to the costumes, there is a memory on the stage for every Reese Witherspoon Elle Woods lover.
Choreographer and Co-Director, Cassidy Steele, has created some visually stunning moments throughout this production that take it to the next level. A favorite being the eccentric ensemble number What You Want. Steele showcases hip hop, lifts, classic musical theatre dance, and a nod to stepping, all in this lunge bursting marathon of a number. The visuals created through movement further accentuate the nonstop party is this show. This, combined with hilarious moments created by Co-Director Tim Perrino, truly draws audiences into the world of Elle Woods. Perrino creates fabulous moments with eccentric handshakes, notable character tics and legendary slaps. Music Director Greg Dastillung ensures the harmonies blend and soar with the tracks.
The choreography and direction are further elevated by the costuming of this show, which is in one word: perfection. The sheer numbers of costumes used throughout this production rival what you would see on a Broadway stage. The costume shop team (Jenny Herndon, June Hill, Jesselee Whitson, Jenny Partridge, Karen Haggis, Susan Hinnefeld) provides the best costumes in recent CLP history. These ladies perfectly capture the quirkiness of this peppy sorority party and went above and beyond even including a special bows outfit for Elle Woods.
Overall
This production is the perfect throwback and homage to the 2001 movie. CLP has created a nonstop megamix that has Gen X, Millennials and all other generations begging for more. If you love the movie, or if you are new to it, it is a great, bubbly evening of theatre.
Get Tickets to Legally Blonde: The Musical
Legally Blonde: The Musical runs through April 5, 2026, at the Covedale Center for Performing Arts located at 4990 Glenway Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45238. Purchase tickets at the box office, online at HTTPS://WWW.CINCINNATILANDMARKPRODUCTIONS.COM/, or by calling 513-241-6550.
