Legally Blonde: The Musical has found itself a home at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia until July 14. This Legally Blonde: The Musical is an exciting, joyous event which can hold its own against anything Broadway can offer.

 

Legally Blonde: The Musical is based on the novel by Amanda Brown, and the 2001 MGM film, and enjoys Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, with Book by Heather Hach.  Everything is under the expert hand of John Daniels, who is the Music and Vocal Director. Richard Stafford is Director and choreographer, and he does a splendid job of both.  The musical forces are large and full, the talent onstage is formidable, and the dancing is sharp and spot on target. You can’t find a better musical anywhere about finding love and fulfillment at Harvard but at the historic Walnut Street Theatre.

 

The large and capable cast includes Kathryn Brunner in the starring role of Elle Woods, Sean Thompson as the cad Warner Huntington III, Elliott Styles as Emmett Forest, Elle’s mentor who falls in love with Elle, Paul Schoeffler as the dastardly sinister Professor Callahan, and Rebecca Robbins as Paulette, Elle’s confidante and hairstylist. Two members of the cast who upstaged every actor were Frankie as Bruiser and Myrtle as Rufus, the two four-legged stars who stole the show with every appearance. Loud “OOooHHhhs!!” from the audience often drowned out all else happening on stage whenever either dog appeared. Kudos go to the UPS man who caught every eye in the house.  Of special note as well are the pool boy and his lover who made the courtroom scene containing the musical number, “Gay or European?” a musical highlight.

Other famous musical numbers in Legally Blonde: The Musical include “Serious,” “Take It Like A Man,” “Ireland,” and, of course, “Legally Blonde.”

 

The production values were extraordinarily high. Peter Barbieri’s scenic design, Jack Mehler’s lighting, Kurt Alger’s costumes, and David Temby’s sound were all first-rate, adding so much to the total presentation. For a refreshing evening that will leave you walking on air, see Legally Blonde: The Musical.

 

Legally Blonde: The Musical ends the current season at the Walnut Street Theatre. The 2019-2020 Season begins in the fall with Young Frankenstein, followed by Shrek: the Musical. Oscar Wilde’s A Woman of No Importance is next followed by Gore Vidal’s political play The Best Man. The season finale is The Bodyguard: the Musical. For information about Legally Blonde: The Musical and the 2019-2020 Season visit www.walnutstreettheatre.org .