THEATER REVIEW
‘Legally Blonde – The Musical’ - Produced by: Theatre Three – Port Jefferson
Reviewed by: Jeb Ladouceur
Rachel Greenblatt, Brittany Lacey, Jenna Kavaler, Amanda Geraci Photo by Peter Lanscombe‘Legally Blonde’ opened on Broadway in 2007, and promptly garnered seven Tony nominations … only to disappoint its fans, with zero wins. Had the American Theatre Wing been judging the production currently playing at Theatre Three in Port Jeff, the show would probably have been victorious across the board. It’s that well-constructed.
The endearing comedy about a UCLA coed, Elle Woods (Brittany Lacey) who’s been jilted by a career-obsessed Harvard law student, Warner Huntington III (Chris Brady) … though she won’t give up without a fight … is based on the novel of the same name by Amanda Brown. Movie aficionados will likely recall the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon in the lead role of Elle.
‘Legally Blonde’ was a commercial success in every genre in which it was presented. Indeed it proved to be a moneymaker as a book, play, film, and television offering! Add to its prowess at the box office, the show’s three Olivier awards during its run in London’s West End (as well as a long list of movie and TV prizes) and one can readily see why this comedy has been labeled a producer’s dream.
The cast in the Port Jeff production is a large one … there are no fewer than 28 roles performed by 24 different actors … and regular Theatre Three attendees will recognize veterans like the versatile Brett Chizever (Emmett), Rachel Greenblatt (a winning Pilar), Amanda Geraci (Margot), and the aforementioned, Chris Brady (who plays a convincing Warner). Also notable are the duo of Alex Esquivel and Dylan Robert Poulos (hilarious as Nikos & Carlos respectively in their brief show-stopper), Sari Feldman (Paulette), Emily Gates (tough-as-nails gal Enid), and Steve McCoy (as the despicable Callahan).
Seasoned players and newcomers alike all acquit themselves well in ‘Legally Blonde,’ and we expect nothing less in a play directed by major domo Jeffrey Sanzel. His reputation as a demanding task-master … and a patient teacher of the young … has proven a veritable magnet that has drawn any number of fledgling players to Theatre Three’s celebrated stage. And the legend continues.
One of the second act scenes from ‘Legally Blonde’ that bears Sanzel’s unmistakable imprint takes place in a courtroom, and is a classic example of comedic timing. That segment alone is worth the modest price of admission. It is the funniest bit of theater since the classic piece of legalese farce in the film ‘My Cousin Vinnie.’ You’ll laugh yourself silly!
There are no memorable songs from ‘Legally Blonde.’ But then, not every show is ‘Oklahoma.’ What was on display when this reviewer took in the show last weekend was a musical that highlighted the talents of energetic actors who sang and danced their hearts out. In the process they earned their standing ovation when Jeffrey Hoffman led his seven-piece orchestra in the musical’s final reprise.
Two other points are in order in this critique. Though it may not seem necessarily germane to the proceedings, the slow-motion changes of scenery on the Randall Parsons set contributed greatly to the easy continuity of the otherwise rapid-fire Whitney Stone choreography. A fine touch.
Also, Robert W. Henderson, Jr.’s clever pastel lighting of the proscenium was absolutely inspired. In one number ‘Ireland,’the stage was framed in orange, green, and white … while frequently in those where the indefatigable Brittany Lacey was singing (it seemed she was always on stage!) ‘hot pink’ was the order of the day.
Last word: By all means get on over to see ‘Legally Blonde’ at Theatre Three sometime in the next month. Rarely has a Long Island musical offered so many virtuoso performances in a single show. The result was more than a delightful two hours in the theater … it was a downright thrilling phenomenon to behold.
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Award-winning writer, Jeb Ladouceur is the author of eleven novels, and his theater and book reviews appear in several major L.I. publications. His newest book, THE GHOSTWRITERS, explores the bizarre relationship between the late Harper Lee and Truman Capote. It maintains that each actually wrote the other’s most acclaimed work. Ladouceur’s revealing website is www.JebsBooks.com