ShowBizRadio

We are still in a recession, Election Day is around the corner, and school is starting once again. Life and stress are in full force, but Milburn Stone Theater has found an amazing way to make you forget all that. At least for 2 hours and 15 min. What is this phenomenon you may ask? Well, it’s the second show of their exciting and beautifully structured 2012-2013 season: Legally Blonde the Musical.

Legally Blonde is a musical with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin and book by Heather Hatch. The story is based on the novel Legally Blonde by Amanda Brown and the 2001 film of the same name. It tells the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner. She discovers how her knowledge of the law can help others, and successfully defends exercise queen Brooke Wyndham in a murder trial.

The production is extremely well done and so much fun. With its witty set that practically occupies every corner of the theater, gorgeous backdrops, and an overwhelming number of fun and creative costumes. Choreography is by veteran Bambi Johnson, and it is absolutely one of her best works ever. After flawless dance number after dance number in Act One, when you think it can’t get any better, she blows the roof off the theatre with the spectacular “Whipped Into Shape” number. There is also amazing and practically pitch perfect vocals, musically directed by Marji Eldreth, and creative staging and masterful, witty, fun, subtle and perfectly appropriate over the top direction by one of the region’s best local directors S. Lee Lewis. Two adorable and practically professionally trained animals join a very, very talented cast that ranges from veteran actors, Milburn stone regulars and hungry, passionate and talented high school students.

Sam Emerson (Elle Woods) tackles the difficult triple threat required role of the leading lady, and does it beautifully. Her Elle is so real, natural, honest, funny, touching and strong that you practically fall in love with her immediately and root for her all the way. Anthony Vitalo (Emmet Forest) is perfectly cast as the dashing yet fashionably awkward leading man. Vitalo possesses a beautiful voice, great understanding of the role, perfect comic timing, and a very honest chemistry with Emerson.

Russell Mathews (Warner Huntington the 3rd) is spot on as Elle’s ex. Amelia Luchy (Brooke Wyndham) is spectacular as the accused Exercise queen. Chris Cahill (Professor Callahan) is physically perfect for the arrogant, full-of-himself law professor. Though equipped with a decent voice, he unfortunately does not bring the necessary villainous talent, charisma, or passion that is desperately needed. Barbara Walker (Vivienne Kensington), Sydney Hastain (Margot), Meagan Valle (Serena), Tiara Whaley (Pilar), Lauren Gates (Enid Hoopes), Caroline Colino (Chutney Wyndham), and Tyler Bristow (Dewy/Kyle) are all in supporting roles although the word “supporting” does not give justice to the amazing and individual creation of their characters and talent each one of them served up.

Last, but most definitely not the least, is the brilliant Rebekah Latshaw (Paulette). Nothing can be said of Latshaw’s performance except flawless. And not once did she ever upstage any cast member or play into the howling screaming audience who demanded more and more.

Once again, Milburn Stone Theatre outdoes itself and gives a wonderful professional, extremely entertaining evening of theater. So get “Serious” and go see this production. Milburn Stone Theatre has exactly “What You Want!”

Cast

• Elle Woods: Sam Emerson
• Emmett Forest: Anthony Vitalo
• Warner Huntington 3: Russell Matthews
• Paulette: Rebekah Latshaw
• Professor Callahan: Chris Cahill
• Vivienne Kensington: Barbara Walker
• Brooke Wyndham: Amelia Luchy
• Margot: Sydney Hastain
• Serena: Megan Valle
• Pilar: Tiara Whaley
• Kate: Sarah Sickles
• Gaelen: Jennifer Huovinen
• Leilani: Colleen Scott
• Aaron Scholtz/Carlos: Chad Michael Jervis
• Sandeep Padamadan/Nikos: Dominic Santos
• Enid Hoopes: Lauren Gates
• Dewey/Kyle: Tyler Bristow
• Winthorp/Elle’s Dad: Dr. John Mulvey
• Ell’s Mom/District Attorney: Justine Quirk
• Chitney Wyndham: Caroline Colino
• Ensemble: Austin Barnes, Tucker Barnes, Patricia Egner, Eyvo, Steve Flickenger, Terrie Goins, Courtney Gardner, Kyla Holden, William James, Kendra Keiser, Chris Latshaw, Shannon Lynch, Jamie Millison, Kashana Roberts, Melanie Slusar, Tigga Smaller, Erik Williams, Chris Woerner, Christy Wyatt.
• Diva as Bruiser
• Summit as Rufus

Production

• Director: S. Lee. Lewis
• Misical Director: Marji Eldreth
• Choreographer: Babmi Johnson
• Technical Director/Design: C.Justin Stockton
• Costume Design: Patricia Egner
• Assistant Director: Maren Lavelle
• Sound Engineer: Bob Weir

Disclaimer: Milburn Stone Theatre provided two complimentary media tickets to ShowBizRadio for this review.