Legally Blonde: The Musical is like, totally all that. Seriously.
Based on the 2001 film of the same name, “Blonde” follows Elle Woods, a blonde sorority queen recently dumped by her boyfriend for not being “serious” enough. She follows him to Harvard Law, where she ends up proving just how serious she can be. The musical is playing at the Hippodrome through Oct. 12.
Some may feel the musical doesn’t live up to the charm of the film, but the stage version is much more developed, both in characterization and plot. For example, Emmett is more likeable than the original film character, played unenthusiastically by Luke Wilson, and therefore more believeable as Elle’s love interest.
As the always-bubbly Elle Woods, actress Becky Gulsvig could do well to develop a more original character to set herself apart from comparisons to Reese Witherspoon, but all together she’s graceful and sweet. Her singing voice is adequate, but it’s her enduring perkiness that makes the audience embrace her character.
Baltimore native Natalie Joy Johnson brings pizazz and originality to her character, Paulette, the lonely beautician who befriends Elle and in turn finds her own happiness. She’s hilarious and relatable as a single woman betrayed by the man she loved, and her singing voice is quite impressive. At some parts she completely overshadows Gulsvig’s sugary sweet delivery.
There’s really nothing about D.B. Bonds’ portrayal of Emmett that stands out; he has a few funny one-liners that he delivers well, but his singing voice is a bit lacking. Nevertheless, he somehow charms his way into the hearts of the audience, enough so that when Elle winds up with him at the conclusion, you want to cheer.
The numbers “Omigod You Guys,” “Blood in the Water” and “So Much Better” are outstanding, and the choreography, created by director Jerry Mitchell, is mezmerizing.
The best supporting character, hands down, was Ven Daniel as Kyle, the UPS guy who Paulette falls for — he’s hilarious as the overly self-confident, attractive Irishman. Although China as “Rufus” the bulldog and Frankie as “Bruiser” the chihuahua come in at a very close second.
IF YOU GO
Legally Blonde: The Musical
Where: The Hippodrome, 12 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday through Oct. 12
Tickets: Starting at $22
Info: www.france-merrickpac.com/home.html
