SAN FRANCISCO — “Legally Blonde: the Musical” burst onto the Golden Gate Theatre stage with a non-stop high energy tempo featuring Elle Woods(Laura Lee Bundy) clothed in her signature pink outfits who totally dispels the _dumb blonde_ theory. Aided by her Delta Nu sorority sisters in the flesh and later as a _ghost Greek chorus_ when the going gets rough, Elle proves that she can make the grade at Harvard while pursuing Warner, her egocentric boyfriend, for the sake of love.
She is befriended by Emmett, a teaching assistant in the Law School; is aided by Paulette, a beautician; has Bruiser, a chiuaua as her constant companion; uses her Delta Nu networking skills to win a legal case; and learns how to prevail against the passes made by Professor Callahan by being true to herself, which never goes out of style.
Bundy not only can act with conviction, but she also sings and dances with gusto as spectacular scene changes are constantly occurring. From the opening song in the sorority house, _”Omigod You Guys_,” and her personal video essay, which turns into a full dance number with a marching band; through Professor Callahan”_s advice in the classroom, “(You”_ve got to smell) _Blood in the Water”_ and Emmett”_s advice. ”(You”_ve got to have a) _Chip on Your Shoulder”_ to Elle_”s graduation finale, “Find My Way_,” the music and vocals by Laurence O_”Keefe and Nell
Benjamin plus Tony Award-winning Director/Choreographer Jerry Mitchell capture the spirit and sweep the audience into the action based on the book by Amanda Brown and the MGM movie.
I agree with Heather Hach who wrote the book for the musical that _Elle is a wonderful role model, especially to young girls and teenagers. She constantly marches forward with the message that whatever you want to be, just be it. You can be feminine and wear head-to-toe pink and pretty shoes and still be strong.
The World Premiere of “Legally Blonde: the Musical” plays through Feb. 24 at the Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco, through February 24 before opening on Broadway in late April. Tickets ($30-$90) are available online at shnsf.com, ticketmaster.com or phone Ticketmaster (415) 512-7770.
