Legally Blonde The Musical

 (image source: Amazon.Com)

It's back to school season for many, many chasing their dreams, some chasing love, and some chasing after both. One of my favorite musicals of all time happens to take place in a college, a story of love, determination, not being limited by your environment or how you are viewed, and finding your way. A show I listen to all year round, whether all the way through or just a couple songs, one that has inspired me, and continues to, a show based on a movie that involves a girl, a dream, love, and whole lot of pink. A funny show that is full of inspiring moments as well as comedy, one with a powerful message that some may have never expected it to hold. So today I want to talk about the genius of,  Legally Blonde The Musical. 

The story follows our heroine Elle Woods, having been dumped by her long time boy friend, she follows him to Harvard to try and win him back. In her journey she must make new friends, prove herself, and find her way. Along the way there are obstacles involving trying to win over her ex, trying to fit in, dealing with those who label her as just a "dumb blonde", and even a high stakes murder trail. The story plays out with superb pacing and each story line is given the right amount of time to shine without a single one overstaying its welcome. Now there is some content in this show that has not aged well and I am willing to acknowledge that, but even with the dated content there is so much in here that is worth seeing and can be funny as well as inspiring. This show needs some slight tweaks to make it truly perfect, not a major overhaul.  

The comedy in this show which comes in the dialogue and the music, is expertly woven into the story, whether it is Paula, Elle's first real friend after moving to Harvard lamenting about her love life, or Elle's Greek chorus made of her sorority sisters back home that resides in her head. From protagonists and friendly faces to antagonistic forces, everyone has one or two memorable lines or lyrics that still get a laugh out of me today. I have seen this show live but the Pro shot that was put out on MTV many years ago is still a fantastic way to watch and get the full experience for this show. 

The comedy in this show is well balanced with some heartfelt and inspiring moments, some of which come from my favorite character, Emmitt Forest, someone who actually helps Elle and befriends her instead of just judging. Sharing his own reasons through a late act one song "Chip On My Shoulder", he details how he had to struggle and fight to where he is in life, never keeping his eye off of his dream. This mixing comedy and inspiration fires up Elle and the audience for the snowball of even larger challenges the second act has in store. 

The music of this show is so high energy that you may find yourself inspired, maybe to finish a paper, run some errands, clean, or finish a blog post. The music suits the emotional highs and lows well and is not afraid to have a more soft or somber moment, and slower moments that still carry the energy and flow of the show. Most of the music is fast paced, high energy and it really bounces but never gets tiring, with the way the show is paced, the story beats and slower songs break up the faster ones causing all of the songs to stand out. There are great solo and ensemble pieces whether for pieces of or for an entire song, the cast is well utilized and has great moments where each member stands out. 

This show means the world to me, the music, seeing it live, or watching the pro shot alone or showing it to friends has brought so many good memories. The characters real and relatable with struggles and stories the audience can see themselves in. The music super fun and memorable, while still giving room for great story telling moments, and the messages about rising above, not giving up or settling into what others thing of you, and finding your way are so well executed. I have very few qualms with this show and they are products of their time, that can easily be fixed. The majority of this work, yes based on a popular film changes enough to stand on its own and even in my opinion, surpass its source. The show doesn't quit, and has inspired me in good times and bad times to do the same. 

For back to school, back to work, or any other post labor day challenges ahead, even just the soundtrack is worth a listen. But I would definitely recommend watching the pro shot to see how each song fits, as well for the great jokes and writing. Yes this is based on a film and there are speculations about musicals that lift from popular media, but the music and story prove this is so much better then anyone could have ever expected. Whether to just rock out to, or to help you knock out your errands, this show much like its lead, has more to it then you might see at a first look.