INDIANAPOLIS —
Blondes may have more fun, but they can also graduate as valedictorians of Harvard Law School — at least that’s the message of “Legally Blonde, The Musical,” being staged at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre.
The audience, following a superficial sorority sister from fashion major to Ivy League school, witnesses a transformation of character with laughs along the way.
Based on the novel and movie of the same name, the musical has been nominated for seven Tony Awards and 10 Drama Desk awards. As their premiere production of “Legally Blonde, The Musical,” the staff of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is particularly excited about this show, which was nearly a sell-out Saturday night.
Maggie Taylor was a wonderful choice to play Elle Woods, a knock-out with golden tresses that women would kill for. A near-constant smile and more than her share of perkiness, she quickly conveys the stereotype of a ditzy blonde concerned only with the latest fashion trend. But underneath the exterior, she has potential that has never before been tapped.
On the big night she expects her boyfriend to propose, he abruptly dumps her. On his way to Harvard Law School with ambitions of being a United States senator by age 30, he desires a bride who is more serious. Unwilling to let love die, Elle decides to enroll at Harvard Law as well, prove she can be serious and win him back.
Although the plot is predictable, the enjoyment of the show is in the ride of emotions that escorts the audience through the narrative. With energetic music, terrific voices and fantastic dance moves, the story is told with flair.
Not only is the tale humorous as a duck-out-of-water story, as Elle sticks out like a sore thumb among the snobby elite (who only dress in black and navy), it provides laugh-out-loud moments that are clever and well-played. Sometimes those moments are hugely orchestrated (such as the courtroom scene that will have patrons doubled over) and sometimes they are fairly simple (such as the exaggerated walk of UPS deliveryman Kyle, played by David G. Terry).
Dominic Sheahan-Stahl, who plays Emmitt Forrest, the male lead, is also a fantastic choice. Very believable as a likeable, down-to-earth, good-hearted man with proper ambition, Sheahan-Stahl has a rich, full voice and expresses a kind demeanor. As the friend who finally steals Elle’s heart, he is perfect.
Only one drawback mars the show. If you have an aversion to hearing “Oh my God” bantered around casually (as I do), be forewarned that this show has a great deal of it. In fact, the opening (and recurring) number is titled “Omigod You Guys” for good reason. While almost any television show or movie will have characters utter this phrase, this production is over-the-top with them.
Still, Beef and Boards has staged another great production that is a lot of fun. Adding two dogs to the cast had to complicate matters but delighted audience members. With the revolving sets, sequined costumes and perfectly-timed scores, the show is great frivolous fun.
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Elle Woods, portrayed by Maggie Taylor, finds the perfect dress as she prepares to become engaged in "Legally Blonde, The Musical." The Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre production is being staged through April 6.
Discussion
Legally rising to the top
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre succeeds with 'Legally Blonde' musical adaptation
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