Theater Review: 'Legally Blonde' by WCSU Department of Theatre Arts

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

“Omigod, You Guys!” The always talented students in the Western CT State University Department of Theatre Arts have put together a shiny, uplifting production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” The musical adaptation of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion film (and the novel by Amanda Brown) is a relatively accurate transfer of the beloved movie.

“What, like it’s hard?” Actually, it often is, but the musical’s book written by Heather Hach does not stray very far from what the WCSU director/choreographer Russell Garrett describes as “a delightful but slight fish-out-of water story of a young Malibu-bred woman pursuing her ex-boyfriend to Harvard (Law School,) and through some fun and exuberant music and crafty tweaking of story and characters, have given audiences an energetic and moving tale of female empowerment and self-discovery.” That pretty much sums it up, and thankfully, many of the catch phrases remain.

Garrett, who was also a guest director for last year’s big “Something Rotten,” adds that the two shows share “some thematic DNA,” namely “to thine own self be true.” Elle Woods strives to be a better version of herself, “a terrific message for all who struggle to find their place in the world–wrapped up in a big, pink bow.”

So WCSU junior Amanda Seery leads the large cast in the role of Wood, Elle, the legally (and not-so-dumb) blonde who become empowered as her story unfolds. Seery, who reprises the role of Elle, does well with the iconic character.

Junior Jessica Ragucci of New Jersey plays sorority sister Margot (and understudies Elle,) with senior Sophie Belkin from New Jersey as Serena and junior Chanelle Jaime-Guzman from Lawrence, MA as Pilar.

Junior Javen Levesque (“Next to Normal” at WCSU) from New London is the handsome but vapid Warner Huntington III, “the worst boyfriend of the year” as co-dramaturg Miss Colonna, Annabelle writes. Far more likeable is Emmett Forrest, played with plenty of charm by Johan King, a senior from Rhode Island. The booming voice of junior Carlos Perez from Trumbull works well for the role of the “Blood in the Water” loving Professor Callahan.

Zayda Greer, a WCSU senior, is wonderful in the role of the hairdresser Paulette, who dreams of “Ireland.” She deserved the cheers at the curtain call.

Junior Cleo Fiedler (from Beacon, NY) does well in the role of Vivienne Kensington in her WCSU musical debut. Junior Yazmin DeJesus (Portia in “Something Rotten”) from Hamden shines in the role of accused murderer Brooke Wyndham and Shandi and senior Sierra Cummings from Maine plays the Harvard student Enid Hoops and Veronica.

Sophomore Alex Lee from Old Lyme, gets to cover the roles of Grandmaster Chad and Kyle, the handsome UPS guy.

In canine roles, Lizzie Bogden-Cowan plays Bruiser Woods and Benedict Konidaris appears as Rufus.

Sixteen WCSU students cover a myriad of roles in the ensemble, while serving as understudies of the leading roles. The eight swings include the lovely first year student Mireya Trelles.

The music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin demand non-stop singing from the performers, super-quick costume changes, often kooky characters to embody, many splashy dance numbers to choreograph, oh, and a second act opener with jump ropes (“Whipped Into Shape.”) Of course, the cast makes it all look easy. Dr. Justin P. Cowan serves as music director and producer, conducting the pit on keys 1 with Emily Lungarini on keys 2.

The scenic design by Adjunct Professor Clifton Chadick works well for the various locations, including Paulette’s hair salon, a department store and a courtroom for “Gay or European?” The sorority sisters appear through windows in a set piece for a part of the overture and a Elle’s parents ride in on a golf cart. Lighting by Oliver Wason works well, with technical coordinator Kori Hansen in charge. Costume design by Brenda Phelps are sparkly at the right points and Harvard Law when necessary.

“Legally Blonde” is presented in the beautiful Mainstage Theatre at the VPAC on the Westside Campus and it runs approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. Performances continue through October 20. Click for tickets.

The packed Sunday matinee