Mike Woody reviews Legally Blonde: The Musical, now at La Comedia Dinner Theatre in Springboro thru Oct 26
Review: Legally Blonde: The Musical at La Comedia
I’m no legal expert, nor do I even like alcohol so have no sources to even study for the bar exam...
However, I did watch a lot of the O.J Trial, plus some Judge Judy, so I have courtroom knowledge. The evidence is so overwhelming that even I can prove without a shadow of doubt that ‘Legally Blonde: The Musical’ is a must see. Don’t even think, just follow the pink.
Exhibit A…The smoking gun is Mallory Georgia Marie as the lead character Elle Woods. Case closed. She is reason enough to see the show, but my review would be too short. Marie radiates beauty, both physically and with her voice. The role was made famous in the movie by Reese Witherspoon, but Marie attacks the role With-her-whole-silverware-drawer. In other words, brings more to the table than even Reese. OMG…have you reserved your seat yet?
Marie has been one of my personal favorites for years, but this is her biggest role at La Comedia. She just finished performing at Dollywood, where she sang alongside the icon herself, Dolly Parton. Marie could fill Dolly’s….shoes.
Exhibit B….Strong supporting cast. There’s not a single hole in the case, everyone delivers. Speaking of, as the UPS guy, Tyler Hentz is in fine form and delivers some naughty laughs.
The supporting cast is lead by Eliot Handkins as Warner, a stuffed suit law student, who wrongs Elle. In the spirit of ‘Jersey Boys’ in which Handkins spewed a lot of expletives, I’ll describe this performance with a four letter word. He is supe…err…He is grea…umm. He is…good. Holy Good!
Handkins fully captures the smug, villainous characteristics of Warner like Noah Schnabel does the opposite for Emmett. Schnabel is instantly likeable as the kindhearted fellow law student who takes Elle under his wing. Brooklyn Stewart is also perfect as a catty nemesis for Elle. And Grace Whetstone delivers laughs and a mean right hook as feminist Enid.
All of the law students are seeking the approval of their professor, the ruthless Callahan, played by Craig Sherman. Sherman brings the authority needed for the role, while oozing with professionalism.
Straight out of the Delta Nu sorority is the Greek Chorus; Serena (Allison Gabert), Margot (Elyse Wilkinson) and Pilar (Lily Walton). The trio like, provides lots of spirit and many things to like.
Fitness guru, Brooke Wyndham (Brianna McVaugh) may or may not be guilty of murder, but her physique kills.
Exhibit C….Scene Stealers…I often refer to Colin Cranstoun as duct tape, because you can put him anywhere and he provides a valuable service. Like pimples on a date night, Cranstoun pops up everywhere. In Legally Blonde, he has more parts than a piece of IKEA furniture. None better than Dewey, a trailer park redneck.
A fan favorite is Paulette, played by the very charismatic Tori Kocher. She exudes brightness. Kocher will have you bent over laughing, unable to snap back up.
Exhibit D…Cute dogs. There’s two adorable dogs that will warm your heart. There’s something joyous about seeing live animals on stage. Plus, they are both looking for permanent homes. Can have a part of Legally Blonde become part of the family.
Exhibit E..Fun Songs..The age old question of is he gay or European? Is the basis of a catchy musical number about Nikos (Austin Rose). I never realized there were so many similarities between the two. Maybe the answer is both.
The Bend & Snap is also entertaining. It’s beyond 98% effective at at least getting your toe tapping.
Exhibit F…Jump roping. Maybe it’s because jumping rope is just one of the many physical tasks I’ve never been able to do, but several cast members did some impressive jump roping.
Exhibit G…Perm…For every role she plays Meghan Slowik finds a way to stand out, with Chutney, it’s her horrendous perm and whole frumpy demeanor.
Exhibit H…Quick Changes. If one has ever wondered if a woman can get dressed in 30 minutes or less..Don’t even think. Just follow the pink. I was awed by the number of quick changes through the show, and how quickly they were done. Marie changes from one pink outfit to another, in the time it takes me to put on my socks. One change occurs right in the center stage, I was watching close and still don’t know how they did it.
Cranstoun goes through more wardrobes than I have clothes in my closet. He often changes in less time than it takes to ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. finish
this sentence.
Exhibit I…The food. We normally go in the evening, but attended a Sunday matinée this time. The buffet was equally as filling. I especially enjoyed the Lemon Caper Chicken and the biscuits & gravy. Though I was considerate and didn’t take time in line to crumble up my biscuit(s).
Probably wish now I would have stopped way back at Exhibit A. Due to the preponderance of evidence, the only logical conclusion is, ‘Legally Blonde’ is a must see. Don’t even think, just follow the pink.
