THE SECOND Legally Blonde Post in a row!!! It's like we're throwing up pink and glitter all over the UC program!!

As everyone in the class has gathered by now, I loveeee Legally Blonde! I have watched the movie dozens (if not hundreds) of times and I have seen the musical production twice: once in Salt Lake and once in San Diego. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to fork out the cash to see it a third time, but I decided it would be worth it at least to see the production differences in the U.S and the U.K. Plus, in my eyes, Elle Woods is worth anything!

First of all, I think the Savoy Theatre did an amazing job with décor. The entire place is decked out in pink, and you better believe Karissa and I OWNED that pink carpet. Photo proof below, sorry it’s blurry. There were Legally Blonde posters and pink décor everywhere, and it really helped set the mood of the play. I bought myself a souvenir before the play began because I was literally drawn in to the merchandise booth. They set up pink furry boas to reel in people like me!

My favorite part about this musical is that it follows the movie almost exactly, but it’s a million times more hilarious and more lively due to the musical numbers. “Gay or European” makes me laugh sooooo hard every time and it was interesting seeing this scene with a European audience – I wasn’t sure if they would laugh or be offended, but the audience seemingly loved it. The UK production was particularly funny because some of the actors were trying to imitate American accents and every once in a while they would just sound so absolutely ridiculous I had to laugh. Overall, I was impressed though because the accents were surprisingly believable most of the time.

Sheridan Smith, who plays Elle Woods, did an amazing job but I honestly wondered if she had even seen the movie to see what Elle actually is like. She was hilarious, but sometimes she was so dramatic that it didn’t really seem like Elle on stage anymore. Elle Woods is dramatic of course, but she still retains a certain sense of calm and poise to her, which I felt the actress sometimes didn’t capture. The audience absolutely adored her and many gave her a standing ovation at the end of the production.

I hope I am not sounding overly critical, because overall it was a delightful performance that definitely meets the quality of the U.S. production. My favorite part was the little British innuendos that replaced the American ones. For example, in the song “Serious,” Elle’s lines in the American production are: “Warner I’m from Mailbu, I’m not exactly trailer trash here! Richard Simmons is our neighbor!!” In the British production however, Simon Cowell is the name inserted into that line. Also, some of the rules of the United States judicial system that are referred to in passing have been changed to similar British laws. It’s just fascinating to see this production adapted to British audiences!

Legally Blonde is so uplifting, I recommend this musical to anyone – even the guys! You’ll laugh, I promise. I can’t wait for Dr. Q to try out for the part of Callahan so I can come back to London and watch it again!

Harvard & LB Love

UC’s own Elle Woods aka Tanya

Sorry for posting right after you Karissa we just have brain waves! And I also love the background choice!!