Showing posts with label Susan Hennessy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Susan Hennessy. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Theater Review: Tickled Pink by Legally Blonde, The Musical


By Susan Hennessy

The case at hand:  Do you want a blonde Delta Nu Fashion Merchandising major who performed her way into Harvard Law dressed as a majorette backed by the UCLA marching band representing you in a murder trial?

You do if her name is Woods, comma Elle.  She has the stuff!  Complete with a Greek Chorus, this girl who gets kicked to the curb by her corporate ladder climbing boyfriend, Warner, digs in, and after someone commits an indiscretion she ends up flying solo for their client.  Elle is a tender and true friend who challenges those around her to embrace their own individuality, just like she did for her sorority sisters.  And all the while, dressed in pink!  OMG! 

If you want to be stuck with a smile on your face and a giggle in your throat for over two hours, then hurry to the Arvada Center to see Legally Blonde, The Musical directed by Gavin Mayer.  This ensemble cast fills the stage with high energy dance numbers and splendid singing.  The book, written by Colorado’s own Tony nominated writer, Heather Hach, is humorous with the right touch of pithy repartee that is highly entertaining with a touch of naughty.  Costumes by Project Runway’s Mondo Guerra (fun lyrics added to this point) cleverly pump up the volume for each character rather than their disappearing within the group.  Pink is subtlety introduced in costuming for the non believers of Elle’s gift for law, ultimately reflecting pink as a color of power rather than cutesy.  This helps this seemingly “pink” story on the outside carry some sweet meaning, especially for the teenagers in the audience.

During its first year on Broadway in 2007, Legally Blonde the Musical earned seven Tony Award nominations, 10 Drama Desk Award nominations and an Outer Critics Circle Award.   Not to mention the Best Musical of 2011 Olivier Award.  Don’t be a blonde about not taking this show seriously – the joke might be on you! 

Legally Blonde, The Musical plays through July 1 at The Arvada Center. Click here for tickets or more information.