Review By Ashlei Havili Thomas, Front Row Reviewers
Any millennial can tell you that the film Legally Blonde with Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Coolidge is a quintessential part of the early 2000s rom-com era; any millennial theater kid can attest the musical of the same name puts the energy of the movie into fast-paced, catchy tunes that will have you completely under the spell of Elle Woods. West Valley Arts’ production of Legally Blonde doesn’t miss a beat, filling the entire theater with valley girl pep and a whole lot of heart. No stone is left unturned with this killer-shark cast who belt their way through a two-and-a-half-hour performance with no missteps or dip in energy. This musical is one we don’t see in Utah very often and West Valley Arts eats it up, bringing the audience on a trip to Harvard Law you won’t want to miss.
The iconic role of Elle Woods is in safe hands with Rachel Martorana. In addition to her stunning vocals and dancing, Martorana creates distinct relationships with each of her castmates. I particularly liked Martorana’s banter with Teaira Burge’s Vivienne, turning spiteful dislike into a sisterly camaraderie. Geoff Beckstrand is so fun to watch as the gawky guy Emmett, playing into the opposites attract trope with Martorana. Beckstrand does a wonderful job supporting Martorana while letting her take center stage. This is in stark contrast to Wesley Valdez’s Warner, who does amazing triple duty as arrogant nepo-baby, mansplaining belittler, and cheesy frat boy trying to “get serious.” Valdez puts off a dude-bro attitude that is three parts machismo, one part quailing in the face of Burge and Martorana’s leading lady attitudes. It seems like playing a role originally dominated by Jennifer Coolidge would be daunting, but Madison Archibald takes it in stride, bringing her own twist (and mind-blowing pipes) to Paulette’s comedic relief. Martorana and Archibald are the show’s Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, taking Boston and Harvard by storm in this fantastic show. This show is chock full of top-rate talent, and not just in the leading roles. The wonderful ensemble eats up every inch of this show’s figurative (and the theater’s literal) real estate with a distinct and memorable cast of characters. This is especially true of all the girls of Delta Nu and the Greek chorus; even with “valley girl sorority sisters” being a specific stereotype, each character is very obviously distinguishable from the others, creating a troupe of hype-girls that bring energy to each scene they grace.
Theater in the round can be particularly difficult; nothing can be hidden when there’s an audience member on every side. But this production, helmed by director Brooklynn Pulver Kohler, uses every inch of available acting space, giving the audience something interesting to see everywhere they turn. Similarly, you can’t have a heavy amount of set in this type of space, so many scene changes could become a nightmare. However, Mauri Smith (scenic designer) doesn’t sweat it, making sure all the pieces are well used, sometimes doing double or triple duty. I particularly enjoyed how Smith and choreographer Benjamin Roeling used various set pieces in the choreography of several songs to further up the visual spectacle for the audience. This was further enhanced by the light show designer Michael Gray brings to life and the fun costumes designed by Alicia Kondrick. Everyone on the cast and crew has put tremendous effort into this production, and it shows in the audience’s reactions and enjoyment from curtains up to curtain call.
West Valley Arts’ production of Legally Blonde is a spectacle unlike anything this reviewer has seen before in Utah, with so much pink glitter and glam you might forget the depth of heart underneath until you’re driving home. While this show is hilarious and heartwarming, West Valley Arts does provide a clear rating of 13+ for this production due to some of its content. This production of Legally Blonde is catchy, uproariously funny, and full of girl power, reminding us that whatever we may do with our time, being ourselves is the most rewarding. Make time in your calendar for Elle, Delta Nu and Harvard Law this month at West Valley Arts’ production of Legally Blonde.
West Valley Arts presents Legally Blonde, music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin and book by Heather Hatch.
West Valley Performing Arts Center, 3333 Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, UT 84119
August 9-10, 14-17, 22-24, 29-31 7:30 PM, Saturday Matinees 3:00 PM
Tickets: $18-25
Contact: boxoffice@wvcarts.org or (801) 965-5140
Legally Blonde promo reel
Legally Blonde promo reel two
West Valley Arts Facebook
Legally Blonde webpage
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