By Doug Iden
The laws of proper etiquette, hair style and legal matters are properly adjudicated as Legally Blond, the Musical enters court at the Covedale Theater.
Plot and Characters
The show is based upon a book followed by a non-musical movie starring Reese Witherspoon. After being rebuffed by her pompous college sweetheart Warner (Zach Farmer) as being too frivolous, Elle Woods (Sara Craig) decides to follow him to Harvard Law School to prove that she is serious enough for his consideration. Elle is again dismissed as shallow by students in a study group headed by Vivienne Kensington (Savannah Boyd) who, unbeknownst to Elle, is Warner’s new girlfriend.
Elle wants a hair refresh and meets beautician Paulette Buonufonte (Val Allen) who convinces her that personal qualities supersede physical ones. Vivienne plans to further humiliate Elle by inviting her to a “costume party” which proves to be a normal get-together where she is inappropriately dressed.
As part of a legal internship, Elle witnesses a trial with fitness expert Brooke Wyndham (Jules Breslin) accused of murdering her wealthy husband. Using her natural intelligence and acute knowledge of hair styling techniques, Elle solves the crime to the eventual approval of Vivienne, mentor Emmett (Royce Louden), and other classmates Enid (Lizzy Travnik), Margot (Elena Boyd), Serena (Emma Hunt). Christopher Wells plays a “trailer trash” boyfriend and then a UPS deliveryman Kyle whom Paulette falls for. And don’t forget the dog Bruiser (played pawfully by Coco Braddock).
Themes
This is a satire of manners and class consciousness, spoofing the “dumb blond” paradigm. Women’s empowerment is a central theme, but the story also addresses class entitlement, snobbery and self-worth. Elle recognizes the shallowness of many of her classmates and teachers and learns to trust her instincts and inner sense of right and wrong.
Musical Numbers
The show opens with the rousing chorus number “Omigod, You Guys” but quickly turns “Serious” as Warner breaks off with UCLA grad Elle. Then, the I Want song (“What You Want”) is sung in two iterations covering the desires of several characters. After her acceptance at Harvard, Elle is warned by hardnose instructor Callahan (Ryan J. Poole) that, to be an effective lawyer, you need to smell “Blood in the Water.” Paulette dreams of a man from “Ireland” augmented by Denny Reed’s green lighting. Emmet and then Elle realize they need a “Chip On My Shoulder” to finish law school.
Act Two opens with an enthusiastic chorus number including mp rope dancers channeling Brooke’s fitness program. Brooke and Elle bond because both are sorority sisters in “Delta Nu Nu Nu”. To attract Kyle, Paulette instructs the hair salon customers on the technique of the “Bend and Snap” which plays a key dramatic role later. Brooke’s legal fate plays out when Elle recreates the “Scene of the Crime.” Elle can finally “Find Her Way” in the finale.
Production Team
Co-Directors Tim Perrino and Cassidy Steele craft a seamless production. Steele also choreographs an extraordinary series of dances which run the gamut from gymnastics to hip hop. Brett Bowling’s set includes a stairway, door and balcony supplemented by numerous props including tables, chairs, sofas and a significant toilet. The Costume Shop Team of June Hill, Jesselee Whitson, Jenny Partridge, Karen Haggis, Susan Hinnefeld and Jenny Herndon kept busy with many different outfits. They cover student grunge, cheerleading uniforms, Elle’s fancy pink dress, UPS garb and business suits.
Overall
This is an Elle of a show with excellent singing and dancing throughout.
Sara Craig carries Elle through a significant character arc from self-absorbed romantic to a serious person who cares about others in excellent fashion with a powerful singing voice. Louden as Emmett is solid and believable as Elle’s guide and potential partner. Farmer’s Warner is entitled and weak and Boyd’s Vivienne matures convincingly. Wells, Allen (Paulette) and Breslin (Brooke) provide comic relief. Poole (as Callahan) is sufficiently gruff and oily to provide the conflict.
So, grab your law books and head to court at the Covedale Theater for Legally Blonde, the Musical. Running now through April 5 at The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts. Get tickets ONLINE HERE or call the Box Office at 513-241-6550 (open Monday through Friday, 11am – 5pm).
