What You Want

Legally Blonde

The jury has returned with a verdict and Music Theater Works closes their 2024 season with a hit. LEGALLY BLONDE is a joyful, contemporary twist on the always popular Cinderella story. This peerless and polished production, which would make a wonderful holiday gift (especially for fans of the Reese Witherspoon film, on which this musical is based) is a pure delight. It’s “What You Want” when it comes to a hilarious, highly spirited musical comedy that’s just plain fun. The show is also a celebration of Girl Power and promotes a positive message about perseverance, self-confidence and being true to who you are. In addition, the musical features some comical and unforgettable characters, a multitalented and hard-working ensemble, plenty of entertaining songs and lots of kinetic choreography. And, despite it’s two-and-a-half hour length, including an intermission, the time seems to fly by.

Director Mandy Modic is a talented and well-known Chicago actress/choreographer who proves again that she really knows what she’s doing. Onstage, Mandy was recently seen in Drury Lane’s production of GUYS AND DOLLS, but she also boasts a long and impressive Directing resume. Ms. Modic has staged and steered this musical with the finesse and empathy that shines throughout the entire production.

LEGALLY BLONDE opens on a covey of young sorority coeds crooning “Omigod You Guys,” a catchy, oft-reprised number that becomes a musical ear worm that’s impossible to get out of your head. It also sets a high bar with its energy and establishes the kinetic pace for the rest of the show, transitioning into numbers like “Serious,” “Take It Like a Man,” and “What You Want.” A live cardio workout video entitled “Whipped Into Shape” opens Act II. It’s a perfect example of Mollyanne Nunn’s inventive and lively Choreography. The number incorporates aerobics, jumping rope and contemporary movement that leaves the audience breathless just watching it.

“Legally Blonde” came out as a movie in 2001 and was adapted for the stage six years later. It features a book by novelist and screenplay writer Heather Hach, an infectious score by Laurence O’Keefe (BAT BOY and HEATHERS) and clever lyrics by Nell Benjamin (MEAN GIRLS). Tony Award-winning choreographer Jerry Mitchell chose the show for his Broadway debut as both the director and choreographer. As it has for Ms. Modic and Ms. Nunn, the musical offered Mitchell an excellent opportunity for showcasing his signature, fast-paced and high-spirited style and fresh, innovative dance moves. The musical has had four National Tours, transferred to London’s West End where it also toured, and has been performed all over the world.

Mandy Modic’s cast is as strong as any seen at Music Theater Works. Returning to the MTW stage after her outstanding portrayal of Audrey in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, talented Kayla Shipman makes a pretty and playful Elle Woods, the Malibu Barbie sorority blonde-with-brains, determined to win back her boyfriend, Warner Huntington (played by gifted newcomer Daniel Rausch), by attending Harvard Law School with him. Khaki Pixley is both comical and lovable as Paulette, Elle’s bodacious new beautician friend who, like Elle, is simply looking for love and a little respect. She dreams of Ireland and her own RiverDance Romeo. Elle and her sorority sisters, who keep returning as a Greek chorus, teach Paulette how to be confident and use what God gave her in the show-stopping number, “Bend and Snap.” Audiences will adore these two good friends, who create a bond of support and Feminine Friendship that becomes the heart of this show.

Another newcomer to Music Theater Works is handsome and talented David Moreland as Emmett Forrest, Elle’s charming young mentor at Harvard Law School and, eventually, her love interest. As the young Harvard attorney, Mr. Moreland possesses a smooth vocal style, lots of charisma and a winning smile. No newcomer to Chicago audiences, Crystal Claros, who plays Warner’s new pedigreed girlfriend Vivienne Kensington, was last seen at MTW as Gingy in SHREK: THE MUSICAL. She displays beauty, brains and some powerful high notes along with an appropriate icy disdain for Elle Woods.

A veteran of Music Theater Works, the incredibly gifted Korey White solidly portrays Harvard’s hard-nose Law instructor, Professor “C-Minus” Callahan. Seen in MTW’s RAGTIME and THE LITTLE MERMAID, Mr. White reminds us that he’s a strong and talented character actor and an accomplished singer. Amanda Handegan is a powerhouse of talent as Brooke Wyndham, the Jane Fonda-inspired exercise guru who, in Act II, is on trial for murder. This multitalented actress impresses with her comic timing, physical dexterity and powerful vocal styling. Isaiah Engram also makes his MTW debut with LEGALLY BLONDE. Seen recently in Black Ensemble Theatre’s THE TIME MACHINE, he’s hilarious here as Kyle O’Boyle, the UPS deliveryman whose package inspires the “Bend and Snap” number, instantly winning Paulette’s heart.

The entire ensemble are all incredibly gifted and impressive, particularly Elle’s energetic sorority sisters. They’re led by Selena Robinson, Morgan Schoenecker and Sabrina Bowen as the core of her supportive Greek Chorus. However, in spite of the talent demonstrated by this huge cast, the show is often stolen by two lovable, perfectly-trained canine actors named Kandi and Nosi, who play Elle’s iconic Chihuahua, Bruiser and Paulette’s perfect pup, Rufus.

The huge production team who bring this show to life include Scenic Designer Shane Cinal, incorporating impressive set pieces from Front Row Theatrical Rental. The stage is dominated by several Grecian pillars and a triple proscenium, the edges of which continually change, thanks to Chelsea Lynn’s colorful Lighting Design. Additionally, Kristen Brinati and Alice Salazar have Designed an array of colorful and superbly crafted Costumes, Wigs, Hair and Makeup, which provide the icing on this theatrical confection.

Mandy Modic has brought Music Theater Works’ 2024 season to a glorious close with this entertaining, heartwarming and inspiring story. Featuring an awesome thirteen-piece pit orchestra, Conducted by the always brilliant Linda Madonia, this show’s produced with plenty of professionalism and polish. It features some high-powered choreography, catchy pop tunes with witty lyrics, and played full tilt by a large, topnotch cast. For something different during this holiday season that’s festive and a lot of fun, LEGALLY BLONDE is guaranteed to make you laugh, set your toes a-tapping and put you in the pink. You might not know it, but “Omigod You Guys,” this show’s exactly “What You Want!”

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented December 20-29 by Music Theater Works at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 N. Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the theater box office, by calling 847-673-6300 or by going to www.MusicTheaterWorks.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.