Legally Blonde” at Ocean State Theatre Company

By Richard Pacheco

            “Legally Blonde” at the Ocean State Theatre Company is a merry musical romp that’s loads of fun, marked by some  sassy dance numbers and solid singing. Based on the book by Amanda Brown and the 2001 film of the same name. with the music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin and book by Heather Hach. It received seven Tony nominations and ten Drama Desk nominations but failed to win any. It opened in London in 2010 and was nominated for five Olivier awards and it won three including Best Musical.

It tells the tale of Elle, full of verve and energy, the poster girl for cheerleader and sorority girl. At the end of her senior year in high school, her boyfriend, Warner,  dumps her when he heads off to Harvard Law to pursue a more respectable and “serious” girl. Not being one to let that stop her, Elle works her tail off to follow him to Harvard Law and makes it. When she arrives, she ends up in a top notch class that selects a scant four interns to work with a well known lawyer The only friendly face she encounters there is from a young law teaching assistant, Emmett. But it is not an auspicious beginning in his class and the trouble seems to ride as Elle get kicked out when Vivienne, Warner’s new girlfriend, turns the tables on her. Elle decides it is because she is blonde and goes to get her hair dyed when she meets a new best friend, Paulette, a beautician. Everything comes to a head when the law professor is chosen to defend a female fitness guru and selects Elle for his vaunted team.

It’s a merry romp always underscored by the note to be who you are no matter what and no matter what it takes.

Alyssa Gorgone is Elle the epitome of the sorority girl, the mold for the mold, who transforms into who she really is, smart, spunky and determined. Ms. Gorgone is perky, poised and energetic in the role, eminently likeable, someone to cheer for.  She delivers a wonderful performance, full of sass and spunk

Adam Ryan Tackett is the young legal assistant, Emmett, who support and encourages Elle when it seems like no one else will. Mr. Tackett is energetic and effective in the role, convincing us of his sincere concern for Ell and brining out the best in her. He is sheer delight in his duet with Elle, “Legally Blonde” and the song when Elle is getting him a classier suit, “Take it Like A Man.,” another great duet.

Nicole Paloma Sarro is Paulette, from the hairdressing salon, who from the first supports Elle to be who she is with down to earth observations and humor. Ms. Sarro is a comic delight in the role, a solid singer and someone with impeccable comic timing. He is wonderful singing “Ireland” and later in “Bend and Snap.”

Christopher Swan is the ruthless Professor Callahan, a lawyer determined to win at all costs, all else be damned. Mr. Swan oozes sleazy in the role, making your skin crawl when facing such a nefarious creature. He really shines in his song, “Blood in the Water.”

Laura Scherf is Vivienne, Warner’s new, more serious girlfriend. She is poised, snobbish and confident with a streak of nastiness when it comes to Elle. Ms. Scherf is poised and oozes a venous streak when it comes to Elle with rare flair and style.

I have to mention here Michael J. Borges who plays multiple roles but really shines as Kyle, a UPS guy who ends up interested in Paulette. He steals any scene he is in with his exaggerated comic, “I’m too Sexy” strut and mannerisms. He is a hoot.

Several other standouts include Maria Logan as fitness guru Brooke, Sean Maddox as pool boy Nikos and Meghan Lydon as Brooke’s stepdaughter, Chutney.

There is a large supporting cast and they are a delight too, from the Greek Chorus to various salespeople who prance through the play. There are many fun songs along the way here, from the opening fun number, “Omigod You Guys” sung by Elle and a host of others, “The Harvard Variations” Emmett, Elle and many others to “The Scene of the Crime” sung by Elle and company.

Director choreographer Russell Garrett keeps everything gliding merrily along at a cheerful pace. He keeps the dances perky and fun, keeping it all lively and enjoyable. It is a very merry romp that cavorts cheerfully along.

Musical director Justin P. Cowan keeps the music brisk, bright and fun with no dull spots. Scenic designer Brett Scott delivers a simple yet highly effective set, deftly able to do multiple duties. Costume designer Brian Horton keeps everything fresh, fun and appealing.

Through July 18. Tickets: $39 to $49.

OCEAN STATE THEATRE COMPANY

@ 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, WARWICK RI

1(401)921-6800