As one reaches the end of high school, most logically think forward to college. It’s the land of great opportunity and a chance to truly find yourself. In American culture, it’s an experience that has been so romanticized that one can’t help but paint images in their head of what will happen. This is why it makes sense that the 2024 summer musical at Millikan High School would be the contemporary classic Legally Blonde: The Musical. Adapted from the Reese Witherspoon film, it’s a hilarious update that finds every memorable catchphrase getting a few extra comic bars through song. Thankfully, the cast of teenage actors are more than up for the game and the results speak for themselves. It’s another hit, and one that finds the cast fully in sync with their material.
The story follows Elle Woods as she navigates a life post-break-up. With many thinking that she hasn’t applied herself, she uses her early days of misery to plan an enrollment at Harvard. This quickly spirals out of control and soon the former sorority icon finds a new home practicing law and defending a very unique murder case. Along the way she meets some friends and helps her salon-working friend get her dog back. It’s a journey of self-discovery and finding clever ways to poke fun at the legal system. As a result, it delivers more than a fair share of memorable moments.
The show’s best elements come in their stage work. Much like their 2023 production of The Addams Family Musical, the sets have an impressive craftsmanship. Not only are there sprawling staircases and movable props that keep the momentum fluid between transitions, but they’re cleverly used to help convey the complexities of the story. The costume design is also excellently done with some scenes even featuring quick wardrobe changes that, again, cease to slow things down.
If there’s any fault, it’s in the limitations of a high school auditorium. The staging is usually successful, save for the occasional dialogue exchange from the aisleways. With the microphones unable to pick up everything, it becomes difficult to get a full understanding of plot. With that said, it’s another clever way to change over sets without halting action for too long. At different points, there are actors who exist more as sight gags that work better in the crowd. There are also occasional conflicts with microphones, but the cast have the enthusiasm to overcome small glitches. So long as they smile and bring the comedy to life, it will shine.
That remains the best element of Legally Blonde. No matter what flaws occurred, it’s easy to get up in the enthusiasm of the main cast. Everyone is thrilled to be putting the show on and it allows the upbeat tone to resonate. The crowd will find it easy to pick up on the witty punchlines and want to laugh along. They’ll also want to sing along with the many memorable numbers that provide pathos to the greater story.
Credit must also be given to the choreographer who manages to bring every number to life. Usually with big ensembles, the dancers intertwine with the singers in a way that packs personality and dexterity. Everything comes together and finds the youthful spirit radiating off the stage, especially in a number involving jump ropes and cross-examination. The effort shines through to the point that it elevates the cheesier moments of storytelling and creates something that feels organic and sincere. It becomes easy to root for the cast because of how likable every actor is and how sharply they deliver the infectious comedy.
Legally Blonde: The Musical may not seem like a show that promises a lot, but Millikan’s production manages to make the grade. They continue to put on work that not only excels as high school theater, but shows promise of talent that could blossom and grow as they approach their own careers. It’s a dazzling good time that includes everything one could want for a feel good evening of theater. It may have its flaws, but the cast and crew know how to work through it. The results more than speak for themselves. Even if you object to how the court proceeds, it’s not hard to lean forward and wonder what will happen next.
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