In Legally Blonde: The Musical, being true to yourself never goes out of style. In fact, knowing your strengths and differences may just be what helps you achieve your dreams — even when the status quo fights to keep you in line.
These are the lessons UCLA Delta Nu sorority president, Elle Woods, learns as she attends Harvard law school to win back her lawyer-aspiring ex-boyfriend, Warner Huntington. Studying, readings and getting on the professor’s good side? All optional. That is, until Elle learns about the positive influence of law on people’s lives.
With music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin and a book by Heather Hach, the story is based on Amanda Brown’s novel of the same name, and the 2001 Reese Witherspoon-starring comedy film.
The unapologetically spunky and stylish story shines on stage in flashy group numbers and earworm tunes. In Carleton Musical Theatre Society’s recent rendition, which ran at the Kailash Mital Theatre Feb. 27 to March 1, the electric performances and popping production colours are anchored by the heart of the show: Elle Woods, whose character journey is both stylish and heartfelt.
As the lead, Charlotte Thompson masters Woods’ magnetic persona. Whether donning pinkalicious suit blazers or dazzling, layered dresses, Thompson is confident and poised. Brynn Burchill’s brilliant costume design elevates characters’ individual personalities, while remaining cohesive through colours and style.
In the preppy opening number “Omigod You Guys,” Thompson flits with glee and powerful vocals among her Delta Nu sisters. Her assurance then falls away to a trembling voice of despair during quieter moments as her out-of-the-box legal methods are questioned; especially under the scrutiny of Alexandru Simion’s immoral Professor Callahan.
As the elusive but legal realm-respected professor, Simion stays convincingly evil with articulate, matter-of-fact pronunciation during “Blood in the Water,” warning his new students of the work and dedication required for law school.
Contrasting Callahan’s conniving, cold-blooded nature, Kaylee Reid’s Emmett Forrest becomes a trusting and positive influence on Elle.
Reid’s “Chip on My Shoulder” gives insight into Emmett’s humble beginnings and motivations. Some notes were strained and unconvincing due to the numbers’ instrumental tracks sitting in an uncomfortable range for Reid’s otherwise steady and smooth vocalizations. However, Reid’s chemistry with Thompson was a joy to witness on stage. With endearingly nervous dispositions and fleeting glances, the two characters chipped away at Emmett’s hardened exterior while also encouraging Elle’s pursuit of law without shedding her classy self.
Elle’s exploration of self-acceptance and belonging is a central focus in Legally Blonde. While songs are rife with fun and exciting character moments, the musical carefully weaves funny elements into Elle’s wider legal journey.
As the murder suspect and fitness queen Brooke Wyndam, Marlayah McLeod leads an excellent jump rope group number with athletic and vocal prowess in “Whipped Into Shape,” before Elle is the only person on the Callahan’s legal team who Brooke shares her alibi with.
Alana Malanga’s Paulette, a hairstylist friend to Elle, is then hilariously spunky in the frivolous group number “Bend and Snap,” a trick that Elle teaches hair salon patrons, which later helps Elle make a breakthrough in her team’s court case.
Elle also learns that her self-worth is not dependent on male validation — it’s a pleasure to watch her confidence blossom outside of her relationship with Warner. Salem Valentine’s portrayal of Warner is pompous while breaking Elle’s heart at the dinner table in “Serious,” then wickedly cruel with a maddening smirk and condescending tone when shaming Elle in front of her peers.
Meanwhile, Kay Sinclaire tackles a complex exploration of Warner’s new girlfriend, Vivienne Kensington. In “Legally Blonde Remix,” Sinclaire’s vocals jump to satisfying highs that ring out among the outstanding backing vocals of the large ensemble.
Legally Blonde ultimately speaks to a wider conversation about the intersection of femininity and academia: specifically how hyper-feminine stereotypes do not equate to lack of intelligence. Elle sparkles in magenta outfits and luscious locks of curly blonde hair while carrying her unparalleled knowledge of fashion and fabrics into every department store she enters. Her note-taking pen has a fluffy pink pom-pom on the end, and her resume is printed on rosy, scented paper.
Much like the themes woven throughout Carleton Musical Theatre Society’s Legally Blonde, everything Elle does is with spirit and glamour. Without losing sight of herself, the most applicable lesson that Elle learns in law school is that her greatest strength is how she uses her unique talents to help others.
Featured image by Alex Henkelman Photography.
