photo: Moonrider Productions
The Metro Theatre season closes its Season of Joy with the joyous Legally Blonde The Musical on stage until June 7th. The feel good comedy-musical, with book by Heather Hach, based on the novel by Amanda Brown which was also adapted into the 2001 Reese Witherspoon movie, follows the story of Elle Woods, played in pink perfection by Celeste Nicholson. The effervescent sorority president who seems to have it all – perfect GPA, perfect hair, perfect clothes, perfect boyfriend. That all comes crashing down when her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III (play by Stephen Myers) breaks up with her instead of asking for her hand in marriage as expected.
Shattering her idyllic life is perhaps the best thing that could happen to her, instead of wallowing in self-pity she sets her mind to proving to Warner that she’s ‘serious’ – getting into Harvard Law School is the first step. There, she is a fish out of water but soon, with the help of student advisor Emmett (played by the charming Daniel Curalli) and salt-of-the-earth salon owner Paulette Bonafonté (Julia Halabourda) she perseveres despite obstacles like Warner’s new girlfriend, the rigid and frigid Vivienne Kensington (Jessica Lynn Wong) and hard task-master Professor Callaghan (Matt Ramer). Overcoming it all to play a pivotal role in the trial of fitness-maven Brooke Wyndham (Julia Ullrich) and win the respect of her peers and the heart of her true love. Elle and the other women find something more, self-respect and pride in being true to themselves.
Along the way the message is delivered with a bubbly, fun-filled soundtrack music & lyrics by Laurence O’keefe and Nell Benjamin. Memorable numbers ranges from big, bold, over-the-top show pieces like; Omigod You Guys, What You Want, Whipped Into Shape, Bend and Snap, or There! Right There!. Contrasting smaller narrative-driven tunes like; Serious, Blood in the Water, Ireland, Chip On My Shoulder, and Find My Way.
The large 23 member company including two dogs (Cheese as Bruiser Woods and Snoopy Piercy as Rufus) along with 8 musicians, carefully guided by director Christopher King, fill the intimate Metro Theatre stage. Darren Burkett’s creative set design does hard work to adapt to so many settings; The Delta Nu sorority house, department stores, Harvard classrooms and commons, Paulette’s salon, Brooke’s prison, the courtroom, and more. Costume designer Carson Walliser brings a pink-tastic collection of 90’s inspired but timeless costumes that require many quick changes throughout the show.
In addition to the magnetic Nicholson and charismatic Curalli who have wonderful chemistry together (Warner who?) the ensemble features other stand-out performances. Halabourda’s Paulette is the friend everyone wants by their side, while Wong’s Vivien is the one you never want to cross. Holly Bradbury, Maraya Franca and Claudine Paed as the Greek Chorus of Serena, Margot, Pilar respectively bring spirited spirits to the scene. Outstanding in short shorts, the long-legged Liam Reitsma as UPS man Kyle is a huge hit with audience, waves of spontaneous applause and cheers erupting from the full-house with each of his appearances. Just one of the many moments that bring joy and high energy entertainment to the stage.
Prepare for a pink party and experience Kyle’s short shorts with more wonderfully over-the-top campy fun as Legally Blonde The Musical continues until June 7, 2026 at Metro Theatre, 1370 Marine Drive SW. For more details, showtime and tickets visit metrotheatre.com