Student Reviews 'Legally Blonde' Performance

WASHINGTON D.C. - From The Cappies: By Helen Ganley of McLean High School: Is it better to be a Marilyn or a Jackie? Choosing between a glamorous sorority life and the hallowed halls of Harvard Law School can be difficult, but Woodrow Wilson High School's production of Legally Blonde proves that a combination of the two is seriously so much better than choosing either one.

Legally Blonde has been painting the town pink since 2001, when Amanda Brown first published the novel of the same name. Legally Blonde was then adapted into a popular movie, and in 2007 made it's Broadway debut as Legally Blonde: The Musical, receiving seven Tony nominations and ten Drama Desk nominations. The show follows Elle Woods, stunning Delta Nu sorority president. When her boyfriend dumps her for not being serious enough, Elle resolves to challenge stereotypes and follows him to Harvard Law School in order to win him back, but stays true to herself throughout the process.

Clad in Elle Woods's signature pink, Joey Schulman was a vision of confidence and charisma. Schulman's bubbly personality paired effervescently with her giggling sorority sisters, while her more resolute and resolved disposition fit right into the bustling scenes at Harvard. Schulman showcased both her emotional and vocal ranges in "Legally Blonde," coupling with William Wright's gravelly baritone Emmett Forrest. Wright's awkward persona contrasted with Schulman's peppy charisma, grounding the two with authentic emotion during "Chip on My Shoulder" and "Take It Like A Man."

Sauntering across the stage, Ernesto Fritts's Professor Callahan was a refreshingly cool breeze in an otherwise warm and cheerful show. Radiating confidence and self-importance, Fritts's rendition of "Blood in the Water" was chilling. Sophie Thurschwell as Vivienne Kensington was a vision of ambition and political dreams. Beginning as a bloodthirsty scholar, Thurschwell utilized her precise emotional range to ultimately switch from Elle's adversary to become Elle's motivation, despite being her biggest competition. Characterized by her distinct and textured vocals, Sarah Desta (Paulette Buonufonte) incited raucous laughter during her spirited rendition of "Ireland." Desta's comedy was matched by the smooth-talking and charming Ben Schiffrin (Kyle) during "Legally Blonde-Remix," when they halted all action on stage just to dance an Irish jig. Sammy Solomon's and Sophia Kennedy's dancing was eye catching, from Solomon's sensual interpretation of Carlos during "Gay or European?" or Kennedy's precise steps in "Whipped into Shape." An actual drum line marched across the stage during "What You Want", led by Ashton Roberts, adding a distinct and exciting element to their production.

Despite a massive cast and countless set changes, the tech crews were definitely prepped and ready for action. The publicity team was drafted posters and programs to highlight their show's best features. Pink lights flooded the stage during Elle and Emmett's admissions of love, enhancing her character and attracting attention to those moments. Costume changes were quick and mesmerizing, transforming characters on the fly. The orchestra backed the demanding 20+ musical numbers in the show with complex piano, echoing bass guitar, and an exuberant percussion section.

Legally Blonde gives you endorphins, endorphins give you happiness, and happy people can appreciate a show packed with blondes, pink, and some real fancy legal jargon. Complete with energetic cast and talented tech, Woodrow Wilson's students will leave you saying "Ohmigod!"

Photo courtesy of Judy Licht Photography