Legally Blonde The Musical

I just got back from the opening performance of Legally Blonde The Musical at the Beck Center for the Arts.  Wow that was fun!   I have my doubts about movies made into musicals.   I really liked Legally Blonde as a movie with Reese Witherspoon, and I was afraid that the show wouldn't meet my expectations.  However, once the show started, my qualms disappeared and I really enjoyed myself!

I had seen the lead actress, Caitlin Elizabeth Reilly, in the Marvelous Wonderettes! at the Beck.  She does a smash up job as Elle Woods.  The character evolves from a stereotypical sorority girl with a heart pining full of love for her ex-boyfriend, into a mature, sensible woman and serious law student. 

There are changes between the movie and the musical, but all of them really add something to the storyline.  My only criticism is that Elle initially is so bent on winning back her ex that she neglects to study, while in the movie she is studious on her own.  However, the main male lead, Emmett, Forrest, encourages Elle to delve into her books, as well as deepening their relationship early on in the first act. 

The Delta Nu sisters appear as themselves at UCLA, but also appear as a "Greek chorus" in Elle's imagination to help advance the story.  This imaginary chorus is distinguished from the real girls by their entirely white wardrobe. 

Watch for the Brook Wyndham exercise video!   I was impressed at the singing while working out!   Also, that girl has some serious muscles going on.