Legally Blonde The Musical at Act Two@Levine

by Andrew L. Baughman

Making great theatre is “all in the timing.” How could Act Two@Levine have known their
production of Legally Blonde The Musical would fall during a week of tense national dis-
cussion over women’s rights, fueled by Rush Limbaugh’s controversial comments and
delicate political posturing by primary election candidates? As a result, for perhaps the
first time in the history of this fluffy pink musical confection, Act Two’s superb production
of Legally Blonde puts a fine point on its message of the importance of “Girl Power” with
knockout performances by spirited young women who represent the next generation of
America.

Chalk “clairvoyance” up as another one of genius Act Two director Kevin Kuchar’s many
artistic gifts. He and his team of directors and designers (kudos to vocal coach Jennifer
Suess, Music Director/Conductor/Keyboardist Billie Whittaker and her full pit orchestra)
have positioned Act Two as a premiere hub for training young actors in the art of Musi-
cal Theatre. His students consistently demonstrate Broadway-bound skill, and Act Two
makes them look incredible with production values on par with many professional the-
atres.

Based on the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde The Musical tells
the story of Elle Woods (played by Maya Bowman and Kelley Semple in alternating
casts), a sorority girl who follows her hunky ex-boyfriend Warner (Sean Watkinson) to
Harvard Law School in an attempt to win him back. A tough choice evolves for Elle: win
back the boy, or embrace her destiny of helping people as a high-powered attorney?

Act Two employs the technique of rotating actors through multiple roles in different per-
formances, which is a skill they need to develop to work in Broadway and National Tour-
ing Company productions. I enjoyed the Saturday afternoon cast performance so much
that I brought my family back with me to see the Sunday afternoon cast performance.

Maya Bowman leads the “Friday Night and Saturday Matinee” cast as Elle with profes-
sional-caliber musical phrasing, and a thoughtfully restrained characterization that sup-
ports a realistic transition from sorority party girl to serious law student. Casey Klein is
endearing as Elle’s unlikely love interest Emmett, and his soaring tenor duets with Bow-
man are a highlight of the production. Sean Watkinson makes the ideal Warren with su-
per-suave physicality and smooth pop-style vocals. Sophie Spencer-Zavos charms the
audience as hair-stylist Paulette, the role originated on Broadway by Orfeh. Alexander
Greenberg brings an edge of ruthlessness to his deceptively-smarmy Professor Calla-
han. Kayla Dixon steals the second act with her commanding presence and electrifying
vocals as fitness guru turned prison inmate Brooke. As Warren’s new girlfriend Vivi-
enne, Julia Bernstein also unveils powerful vocal skill late in the show. Adin Walker
demonstrates versatility through a variety of small comedic roles, most particularly the
studly UPS man of Paulette’s dreams and a pool boy of ambiguous persuasion (“gay or
European?”). Other stand-out comedic performances include Rachel Hahn as mega-
feminist Enid and young Justin Marks as the foul-mouthed Dewey.
The “Saturday Night and Sunday Matinee” cast brings the same level of talent, but char-
acterizations differ in some delightful ways, truly making this production worth a second
viewing. As Elle, Kelly Semple sets the tone for this cast by embracing the comedy of
the role, and wins the audience with a star quality performance. Eitan Mazia makes a
similarly goofy and charismatic Emmett, and together they match the vocal power of
their Friday cast counterparts. Katie Gerard is a standout in this cast as Paulette. Her
understated performance hits all of the right comedic notes, and her Earthy vocal quality
might someday land her a career as a solo music artist. Bryce Gudelski portrays a perky
Brooke, and Emily Cochrane’s Vivienne successfully captures the dour essence of
Selma Blair’s film turn. Adam Winer showcases some serious dance ability, and it’s fas-
cinating to see Rachael Schindler blend seamlessly into the ensemble after her hoot-of-
a-scene-stealing performance as party-animal Serena in the Friday cast - this young ac-
tress is a pro!

Act Two@Levine’s production of Legally Blonde The Musical is now closed, but if there
is an aspiring young performer in your household, check out Act Two for information
about upcoming auditions and productions. Click here for information.

Running Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes with intermission

5 Stars