Amelia Musical Playhouse Makes a Case for Fun with 'Legally Blonde'

Legally Blonde has arrived at Amelia Musical Playhouse, bringing with it a flurry of pink, passion and empowerment. This exuberant musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods, a seemingly naive sorority girl from Malibu, chasing after her ex-boyfriend to Harvard in an attempt to win him back, only to find herself mastering the law and redefining her life’s purpose. What starts as a quest for love transforms into a journey of self-discovery.

Olivia Lynch captivates as Elle Woods, embodying the character’s effervescent spirit and determination. Lynch captures the essence of Elle Woods with a sparkling vitality that lights up the stage. Her performance weaves layers of complexity into Elle’s character that defy the usual tropes. In her hands, Elle’s journey from lovelorn college student to triumphant lawyer is depicted with both depth and dazzle. With a mix of poise and resilience, Lynch charts Elle’s journey from vulnerability to victory, captivating the audience and drawing them deeply into her narrative triumph.

Will Wiley is charming as Emmett Forrest, the teaching assistant who helps Elle navigate the challenges of law school. Wiley brings a warmth and sincerity to the role, creating a believable and endearing connection with Lynch’s Elle. His portrayal is heartfelt, creating a character that not only aids Elle in her academic pursuits but also supports her personal growth.

As Paulette, Allie Kangas commands the stage, bringing a dynamic mix of humor and heart to her performance. Kangas infuses the character with a delightful quirkiness, delivering her lines with impeccable comedic timing. Her rendition of ‘Ireland’ is a standout moment, showcasing her vocal prowess and stage presence. Kangas turns Paulette into a scene-stealer, ensuring that her moments on stage are as entertaining as they are memorable.

The Greek chorus, consisting of Sarah Perkins as Serena, Samantha Andersen as Margot, and Keeli Bean as Pilar, injects a continuous surge of energy into Legally Blonde. The trio brings a sense of fun and camaraderie to the production, creating a vibrant and engaging ensemble that elevates the show’s overall energy.

Among the supporting cast, Amelia Underwood as Brooke and Danielle Gamble as Vivienne stood out with their compelling performances. Underwood was particularly impressive, bringing a rock-solid presence to her role. Gamble’s portrayal of Vivienne was equally excellent, adding a nuanced layer to her character’s transformation. On the other hand, Alex McClurkin’s Warner, while adequate, lacked the charisma needed to fully convince as Elle’s smarmy ex-boyfriend. Jimmy Galaviz’s Callahan was notably less effective; his performance failed to deliver the depth and vocal confidence required to portray the character’s inherent arrogance and authority leaving his portrayal of the manipulative professor feeling somewhat lacking in impact.

While the leads and supporting actors in delivered standout performances, the ensemble and band faced challenges that impacted the overall cohesion of the show. The ensemble appeared somewhat under-rehearsed, missing cues and singing with noticeable hesitancy, indicating they were just beyond the off-book stage and suggesting a need for additional practice. However, the ensemble’s energy and enthusiasm were undeniable, and when they hit their stride, they brought a lively and engaging presence to the stage.

Similarly, the band stumbled out of the gate, struggling in the beginning with pitch and dynamics, particularly in the horn section. However, as the show advanced, the band displayed significant improvement, with their performances becoming more confident and assured.

The creativity of the set design adds a unique charm to Legally Blonde. Utilizing double-sided, wheeled sets allow for a fluid and dynamic use of the limited space, ensuring that the stage is always perfectly and rapidly set for the next scene. This is especially effective during the opening number ‘Omigod You Guys,’ where the clever positioning of windows along the stage edge brings an exhilarating sense of space and movement to the lively song.

The lighting design effectively enhanced the production, creating distinct atmospheres for each set and adding depth to the stage. However, precision of cue timings was off, with transitions occurring up to a half bar too early. This mis-timing left cast members in unintended shadows or waiting awkwardly for darkness, slightly undermining the overall visual impact.

Amelia Musical Playhouse’s Legally Blonde dances on the tightrope of theatrical challenges and triumphs. Despite its imperfections, it delivers a very entertaining evening of theatre. It is a gem with facets both flawed and exquisite. The show’s spirit is undampened by the occasional missed cue or dimmed note, shining through a prism of powerful leads and creative stagecraft. This rendition of Legally Blonde celebrates the beauty of embracing both the art and its imperfections, leaving us all the richer for it.

Legally Blonde runs Friday, July 5 through Saturday, July 20 at the Amelia Musical Playhouse.

For more information, full cast and crew credits and links to tickets, visit the Legally Blonde page here on JaxPlays.