Legally Blonde

     

I Object!

    Welcome back to another musical review! This week I'll be covering the Legally Blonde musical, which is based off of the movie of the same name. This show follows the story of Elle Woods as she chases her ex-boyfriend off to Harvard Law School in an attempt to win him back. 

    If you've seen (and enjoyed) the original film, I guarantee that you will enjoy the musical version. The plot remains iconic, but the added energy from live performing is unmatched. This review is based off of the MTV pro-shoot featuring many actors from the OBC. Without further ado, let's get right into Legally Blonde: The Musical! 

Legally Blonde: The Musical

Legally Blonde: The Musical

History

    Legally Blonde was a film created in 2001 starring Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods. It was first adapted as a stage version and made its Broadway debut in April 2007. In September that same year, a pro-shoot was filmed, and it was released a month later in October. This pro-shoot is what this review is focused on. After the pro-shoot, a TV contest called Legally Blonde: The Musical -The Search for Elle Woods began, which selected the next actress to play Elle Woods, until the show's closing in October 2008. A national tour was launched in late 2008 and ended in 2010. A West End version of the production opened in January 2010. A UK tour subsequently followed in 2011. 

Who's in the Cast?

    Laura Bell Bundy tackled the iconic roll of Elle Woods. Christian Borle played the role of Emmett Forrest, and Orfeh starred as Paulette. Kate Shindle portrayed Vivienne Kensington, and Richard H. Blake took on the role of Warner Huntington III. Michael Rupert played Professor Callahan, and Nikki Snelson portrayed the role of Brooke Wyndham. Margot, Serena, and Pilar were played by Annaleigh Ashford, Tracy Jai Edwards, and Asmeret Ghebremichael, respectively. Andy Karl portrayed Kyle, among other characters. 

Overview

    The show opens with the girls of the Delta Nu sorority at UCLA celebrating an anticipated engagement between their president, Elle Woods, and her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III. Elle buys a new dress for her dinner date with Warner, where she expects him to propose (Omigod You Guys). Their date seems to bet going well. Warner tells her he needs to be more serious and focus on his future career in law. Elle agrees, saying she'll support him, but he tells her that she's not serious enough for him. He doesn't believe she is smart enough for his prospects in life. Instead of proposing, he breaks up with her. Elle is heartbroken, because she is so in love with him (Serious). 

    Elle decides that she is going to attend Harvard Law School, where Warner will be going, to prove that she's smart and serious enough for him. Her sorority sisters, including her best friends Margot, Pilar, and Serena, help her study for the LSATs, and after lots of hard work, Elle passes the exam. She applies to Harvard, and instead of writing an application essay, she arrives in person (with a marching band!) to impress the admissions council. She tells them that she's pursuing her true love, and argues her way to admission as though it is a court case. After some hesitant deliberation, she is admitted to Harvard Law School.

    On the first day of school, Elle meets other students, including Enid Hoopes. These students are hardcore invested in law careers and disapprove of her lack of focus. The only person who helps her navigate Harvard is Emmett Forrest (The Harvard Variations). Elle has her first class with the sexist and snobby Professor Callahan, who tells the students that Law School is ruthless. He also tells his students that he will later be selecting four students to assist him in his law firm (Blood in the Water). A student in the class, Vivienne Kensington, recommends that Callahan remove Elle from the class, upon seeing how unprepared for class is. Elle tries to catch up with Warner after class, but freaks out after learning that Vivienne just so happens to be Warner's new girlfriend. Elle panics, and her imagination summons apparitions of her sisters at Delta Nu, who call themselves "The Greek Chorus." They tell Elle they're not really there, but that they're cheering for her to win back Warner (Positive). 

    Elle believes that Warner thinks she's dumb because she's blonde, so she heads to the hair salon to dye her hair brown. Her stylist, Paulette, realizes that Elle is going through something, and Elle spills her story to her. Paulette won't dye her hair, because she believes love is the #1 cause of bad hair decisions. She plays calming music for Elle, and tells her about her own love life. Her ex-husband took her trailer and her dog in their divorce. She tells Elle to have hope for her own love (Ireland). Vivienne is at the salon, and Elle overhears her talking about a party. Vivienne invites Elle, and tells her its a costume party. Paulette tells her to go get her man back (Ireland (Reprise). 

    Elle arrives at the party dressed in a skimpy bunny costume, and discovers that the party is not actually a costume party, but a classy one. Warner finds her reminisces about their time at UCLA together, and Elle tries to win him back, but Warner still thinks she isn't serious enough. He insults her intelligence by laughing off her belief that she'll get a spot as one of Callahan's interns. Elle insists that they both got into the same law school and are in the same classes, so she has an equal chance and she's just as smart (Serious (Reprise)). Elle runs from the party crying, and runs into Emmett. She cries about not fitting in and how her efforts to win back Warner aren't working. He's shocked that she's at Harvard for love and not law. He struggles to empathize with her and she realizes she needs to focus on her studies. As the months pass by, Emmett and Paulette help her study. She starts to spend more time invested in her schoolwork and less time invested in Warner. As a result, Callahan requests Elle's resume as a candidate for his internship. Emmett is pleasantly surprised with Elle's development (Chip on My Shoulder). 

    Elle helps Paulette get her dog back from he ex-husband, using legal jargon. She and Emmett are excited to realize that she's finally got a good grip on law. It's announced that Callahan will need the interns to help with a murder case against a fitness guru named Brooke Wyndham. He posts the list, which comprises of Enid, Warner, Vivienne, and Elle. In excitement, Warner proposes to Vivienne, and she accepts. Elle is heartbroken once again, but only momentarily, as she reads her name on the list and instantly feels better. She feels as though she is finally finding her place, not with Warner but with law (So Much Better). 

    Act II opens with Brooke Wyndham performing her fitness routine, on a video being watched by Callahan, Emmett, and the interns for the purpose of the case. The court case alleges that Brooke shot and killed her husband, and her stepdaughter found her covered in his blood. Her fitness video shows not only fitness tips but also ways to protect against attackers. Many of the legal team believe Brooke is guilty, but they need to get her alibi in order to attempt to prove her innocence (Whipped into Shape). Brooke refuses to give out her alibi, even though it could prove her innocence. She doesn't want to trust a team that believes she's guilty. When she discovers that Elle is a Delta Nu sister like herself, she decides to tell Elle her alibi, although she swears Elle to secrecy. Brooke's alibi is that during the time of her husband's murder, she was getting liposuction, but she doesn't want this information public, as it would ruin her career as a fitness guru. The legal team is enraged that Elle won't tell them Brooke's alibi, and Callahan is frustrated that Emmett couldn't get the alibi. Emmett is mad at Elle because he wants to win the case in order to secure a job at Callahan's law firm, but Elle refuses to tell Brooke's alibi because she doesn't want to betray a client's trust and jeopardize their integrity. Elle decides to cheer Emmett up by giving him a "makeover" and buys him new clothes (Take It Like a Man). 

    At the salon, Paulette falls head over heels for a UPS delivery man named Kyle. She panics and doesn't know how to talk to him. Margot, Pilar, and Serena from the Greek Chorus show up and teach Paulette about the "bend and snap," a tactic to make men fall for women. It seems to be going well, until Kyle shows up again, and in the bend-and-snap process, Paulette hits him in the face (Bend and Snap). 

    In court, Brooke's pool boy testifies and claims they were lovers. Brooke denies this, and Callahan is mad because he feels like Brooke is keeping information from him. Paulette calls Elle during the trial to say that the bend and snap worked and she got to spend lots of time with Kyle. Struck with inspiration, Elle attempts the bend and snap on the pool boy, and when he gives no reaction, she realizes he had to have been lying about his relationship with Brooke because he's gay. The legal team doesn't really believe her, but Elle is insistent. Emmett examines the pool boy on the stand, and he accidentally reveals that he is gay and has a boyfriend (There! Right There! (Gay or European)). This proves that he didn't have a relationship with Brooke. 

    After that day's victory in court, the legal team celebrates Emmett and Elle's success. Callahan praises Elle and declares to be more competent than most people on his staff. After their celebration, Callahan asks to speak with Elle privately. He forces himself on her, kissing her, and she slaps him. At her refusal, Callahan dismisses her from the case. Vivienne watches the whole thing through a window. Warner believes that Elle kissed Callahan to "move up the ladder," but Vivienne defends her, having seen the whole thing, and the two leave. Elle, upset, prepares to head home. She tells Emmett what happened and that she's leaving. He begs her to stay, and realizes he loves her (Legally Blonde). 

    Elle visits the salon to say goodbye to Paulette. She tells Paulette that although she thought she was making a difference, everyone just sees her as a dumb blonde. Unbeknownst to her, Vivienne is in the salon, and she encourages Elle to return to the trial. Elle agrees and dons her classic pink business attire. The girls of Delta Nu arrive to surprise Elle and watch her at trial. Brooke fires Callahan from her case and hires Elle as her primary lawyer (Legally Blonde (Remix)). 

    Callahan protests, saying a law student can't be a lawyer without licensed supervision, and he refuses to supervise Elle. Emmett announces that he will no longer work for Callahan and that he will supervise Elle, being licensed. Elle calls her first witness to the stand, Chutney Wyndham, Brooke's stepdaughter. Chutney says that on the day of the murder, she had gotten a perm, and then showered before coming down the stairs and seeing Brooke covered in her father's blood. Elle sees a flaw in the logic, and asks Paulette to give Enid a perm, as a demonstration. She does, and Elle has Enid wet her hair, which makes the perm fall flat. Elle announces that Chutney could not have been telling the truth about being in the shower after getting a perm because the water would have deactivated the ammonium thioglycolate in the perm. Angered, Chutney yells that she shot her father, thinking it was Brooke, who she hated for being her step-mom although Brooke is younger in age. Elle wins the case. She goes to celebrate with Emmett and her sorority sisters, but she is interrupted by Warner. He apologizes for the way he treated her, and proposes, having been dumped by Vivienne. Elle rejects him, realizing she's been able to discover herself without him. 

    Three years later, Elle is the valedictorian of her graduating class. Enid practices family law. Vivienne is working for the Peace Corps. Warner quit law school and became a model. Callahan lost a race for governor, and his (ex)wife hired Emmett to handle their divorce. Paulette and Kyle got married and had kids, and Paulette owns her own salon. At the end of Elle's graduation speech, she proposes to Emmett, and he accepts (Find My Way/Finale). 

Thoughts

    Time for my personal thoughts! I've always been a fan of the film. I knew some songs from the musical, but it struck me that I hadn't actually sat down and watched it yet, so I finally took some time. What can I say? I loved it. I was a little nervous about the adaptation, because the original film is so iconic and I was worried about a stage translation, but I think it was paw-some.

    The energy was unreal. The opening number had a ton of spirit, and I was assuming it would die down as the show went on, but the energy just. kept. coming. I thought it would get exhausting, but it was honestly such a thrill to watch. Even the solemn scenes had so much life. I honestly really enjoyed it. If you're looking for a chill or laid-back show, this isn't for you. 

    I have to talk about Laura Bell Bundy as Elle Woods. She was perfect. I know that I had some qualms about how Elle would be portrayed, given as I'm so comfortable and familiar with Reese Witherspoon's version. Bundy brought her own interpretation while still building up Elle as the iconic blonde we know and love her to be. And her VOCALS. I was honestly blown away. Not only can she bring the house down, but she can bring the house down after huge dance breaks. Her endurance is astounding. Her name should be up there with the greats. I have so much respect for her as an actress. Skills, vocals, dancing, acting, she can do it all. She was perfectly cast as Elle Woods.

    I also want to give some props to Orfeh as Paulette. I thought she did a paw-some job as the stylist. Her mannerisms and comedic timing were hilarious My favorite part, however, was when she sang "Ireland." My little cat jaw dropped. Her voice is so rich and powerful. I loved it. 

    I would totally recommend this musical to everybody. Don't worry, you don't need to have a strong understanding of law and legal jargon. This musical is so empowering, especially for girls. It shows that no matter who you are, you can achieve anything with hard work and dedication. It also says you don't need to be reliant on anybody to reach your dreams. It has the breaking of stereotypes, which is super important to me. It follows the movie pretty closely, and combined with fantastic music and dance numbers, Legally Blonde: The Musical is an incredible show for all ages. I strongly recommend everyone to watch the MTV pro-shoot.

    Unfortunately, there weren't any cats in the production! Elle and Paulette both have dogs. Hmm. They should have been cats. Enough said. 

Ratings

Find the rating scale here.

Soundtrack          ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Acting                  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lighting               ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Set                        ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overall                 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cat rating             ⭐

Best song: So Much Better 

Best actor: Laura Bell Bundy

Best set: The Sorority

Fun Facts!

• The actors for Paulette and Kyle (Orfeh and Andy Karl) are married in real life.
• The song "Positive" actually replaced a song called "Love and War" in the original production. 
• Legally Blond: The Musical became the first fully staged Broadway performance to appear on TV (the pro-shoot) while still playing on Broadway.