I’ve noticed London has a “theatre going” experience. Many start their night with dinner ordered off of a pre-theatre menu, followed by a drink at the theatre bar, and culminating with the performance itself. The experience created by Legally Blonde the Musical takes the "theatre going" experience even further. I arrived at the theatre to walk the Pink Carpet where a number of paparazzi waited for overdressed London socialites to arrive.
The entrance reminded me more of a movie premiere than a show. The carpet was lined with men in suits waiting to check our tickets and pink balloons along the way. Once inside, I realized that the entire audience came much more dressed up then in any other production I had seen in London. Further, a large number of souvenir shops lined the walls inside the theatre completed with pink accessories.
This Legally Blonde experience may seem over the top, but it fit perfectly with the musical itself. The atmosphere set the mood and people were much more excited and talkative when we took our seats.
The musical itself was hilarious and extremely upbeat. The lyrics and alterations to the original story line are really creative and clever. I enjoyed watching the musical’s version of the bend and snap and Harvard entry video, and I also really enjoyed the new additions to the story including the Greek Chorus, the “Gay or European” song, and the “Omigod You Guys” number.
In the end, the Legally Blonde Experience turned out to be a night in London that I will remember. If the argument today exists that theatre has become a commodity, focusing on making people feel good and excited, then Legally Blonde accomplishes just that. The musical excitement and selling of overpriced souvenirs may be a criticism of West-End theatre, but it was this experience that made me love Legally Blonde the Musical!
Omigod, you guys!!!
Karissa Suchil
Alright, alright, maybe I can, like you, be converted. A born-again 'Legally Blonde' groupie is something I was NOT expecting but there is no doubting that your response is enough t make even a hardened old professor like me career along the pink carpet (that definitely sounds like a euphemism even if it isn't meant to be). Well written and excitingly expressed. Dr Q
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