Book-in-Motion

Introducing Elle Woods

“OMIGOD you guys!” Grab your pink because Legally Blonde: The Musical has come to La Mirada Theater for a night filled with fun, music, and of course, ‘Bends and Snaps!’ Complete with themed drinks like the “Harvard Law Punch” or “Pink Brief” from the Elle-vated Menu, this production delivered a comedic, yet thought-provoking commentary on gender, identity, and societal expectations. With clever staging and energetic performances, the show captures Elle’s transformation from an underestimated sorority girl to a confident legal powerhouse. 

First premiering on Broadway in 2007, Legally Blonde has been reimagined under the direction of Cynthia Ferrer, who brought a fresh and energetic cast to the La Mirada stage. Ferrer adds a modern flair by incorporating projections to simulate texting between characters—a creative choice that enhances the fast-paced nature of the show, though occasionally feels excessive. The musical cleverly expands on the film’s setting, spending more time at UCLA before shifting to Harvard, grounding Elle’s journey in familiar territory. Elle is seamlessly admitted to Harvard — ‘what, like it was hard?’ — in a cheeky nod to the film, showcasing her charm through flashy, over-the-top application sequences filled with dance breaks and confident flair. Eventually, Elle overcomes her struggle to make an identity where others will take her seriously.

Acting, Singing, & Flipping Dancing

When one sees a musical, the audience expects outlandish singing that gets a character’s point across. While surpassing expectations, choreographer Dana Solimando deserves the first spotlight as the dance numbers did not simply include moves that connected to the lyrics. Instead, the audience experienced standout moments of flips, splits, and synchronized moves on trampolines to carry the show. Oh, and in the meantime, the actors can belt out their songs without losing breath!

Taking on a role with big shoes to fill, Kathryn Brunner delivered an outstanding performance as Elle Woods, balancing charisma, vulnerability, and strength in her portrayal. Demanding the center of attention, Brunner’s acting, singing, and dancing were believable in adding depth to the character as the show progressed. Similar to the movie and original Broadway debut, Brunner revealed to the audience that while Elle Woods had moments of “Blondeness,” she was not a stereotypical Blonde woman. Instead, her performance matures along with her character, showing Elle’s shift from chasing love to discovering her power. Her chemistry with both Warner and Emmett feels authentic, while her friendships with Paulette and her Delta Nu sisters give the characters additional depth. As a result, she gave meaning to the idea that one could be beautiful and smart with a pink stylistic flair!

As a favorite in the movie and now the musical, Anthea Neri-Best brought humor and heart in an outstanding performance as Paulette. Leaving the audience laughing and engaged, Neri-Best channeled Jennifer Coolidge’s personality while belting powerhouse vocals that were a clear audience favorite. As we saw, even brunettes can have a little fun!

While the ensemble is usually mentioned as a unit for their talent supporting the lead characters, Rianny Vasquez deserved an individual mention. Having acted in numerous La Mirada Theater performances such as Grease, Waitress, and now Legally Blonde, Vasquez skillfully embodies similar roles that make them seem entirely different. She is that one friend that brings logic to a situation, while dancing her heart out that you can not help but notice through a crowd. Her seriousness towards the craft makes her acting believable in supporting and lead roles. 

And yes, Bruiser the Chihuahua, played by Little Ricky, earns his own special mention. It is no easy feat to make this spunky personality bark on cue, participate in wardrobe changes, and allow multiple people to handle without growling. Cheers to the trainer for seamless performance.

Dazzling Design, Direction and Pacing

Photo Credit: Destiny Lynn

Upon first entering the theater,the design immerses you into Elle’s world by having a stage decorated in pink and sparkling around the title: Legally Blonde: The Musical. Costume and lighting choices are equally intentional, helping the audience navigate various scene changes and character roles. 

The story transitioned well throughout the first half of the show without the audience getting restless by balancing character development and ensemble routines. The dinner date scene between Elle and Warner was well-executed in developing a smooth shift from an upbeat musical number to intimate heartbreak. The use of projections was also creative to showcase texting scenes while allowing clever timing for wardrobe changes and backstage transitions. Though, at times, the projections distracted from the acting taking place. 

Meanwhile, the second act of the show felt rushed. In the climax —when Elle won her first legal case— there was a lack of time to build up the scene. The resolution came too quickly, making the audience want some more of that “aha!” moment before Elle fully reveals her true power. 

Themes and Takeaways

Beyond the catchy tunes and bright visuals, this production highlights important themes about self-worth, breaking stereotypes, and female empowerment. Elle’s journey from being defined by her relationship to discovering her identity as a lawyer is inspiring. Throughout the show, the audience saw Elle Woods transition from a young, naive woman navigating her life around love to one who uses her wits to persuade a jury in her favor. Elle challenged stereotypes that one can be beautiful and intelligent. While discovering what love was through building meaningful friendships, she successfully counters sexist and doubting behaviors along the way. With the help of supporting characters such as Paulette, Emmett, and her sorority sisters believing in her, they add depth to Elle’s character and strengthen what it means to love. Even antagonists from Vivianne evolve in satisfying ways and reflect the power of understanding a situation from multiple perspectives before developing a verdict.