The City of Fairfax Theatre Company’s production of Legally Blonde: The Musical is a delightful, high-energy spectacle that leaves audiences feeling uplifted and inspired.
Director Maura Lacy captures the spirit of the film-turned-Broadway show while infusing it with fresh updates. The choreography, skillfully designed by Stacey Yvonne Claytor, is dynamic and engaging with standout numbers like “What You Want” and “Whipped Into Shape” showcasing the cast’s talent and the infectious energy of the show. The musical score is performed beautifully by the cast and live orchestra under the direction of CJ Redden-Liotta. The catchy pop tunes are deceptively difficult with their tight harmonies and breakneck transitions, but the cast and musicians work together to keep the audience on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Amelia Jacquat shines as Elle Woods, bringing a balance of camp and emotional depth to the beloved character. Her animated physicality and powerful vocals make her a standout, particularly in the high octane “What You Want” and the emotional ballad “Legally Blonde.” The playful chemistry between her and Daniel DeVera playing Emmett is palpable and adds a layer of warmth to the story. DeVera’s vocals are like honey to the ears and his musical moments with Jacquat are very endearing. Another strong vocal performance comes from Andreas Moffett as Professor Callahan. His smooth crooning creates an especially devious take in songs like “Blood in the Water” where he instructs first-year law students on how to think more like a bloodthirsty shark instead of acting like prey.
Olivia Clavel-Davis as Brooke Wyndham kicked off Act Two with one of the best numbers of the show, “Whipped Into Shape.” She plays the powerful yet incarcerated empress of a fitness empire. Clavel-Davis leads the impressive cardio routine while expertly belting her face off. Rose Hutchison as Vivienne Kensington effectively captures the character’s complexity, transitioning from antagonist to ally with grace. Her vocals are especially fantastic in “Legally Blonde – Remix” as she leads the charge to get Elle back in court. The comedic role of Paulette was played by Emily “EJ” Jonas with standout moments in several songs, but she truly shines in “Bend and Snap” with Elle and the talented ensemble showing her how to use her natural assets to get the attention of Kyle, the delivery guy perfectly portrayed by Philip Smith-Cobbs. Chiara Bangor-Giorgio is another comedic standout as Enid Hoops, nailing her witty one-liners and character choices.
My favorite aspect of the show was the stellar ensemble, especially the Greek Chorus led by Serena, Margot, and Pilar played by Sophia Martinese, Lilli Williams, and Monique Barnes respectively. The overall casting was a more realistic representation of the diversity within Northern Virginia and it was wonderful to see it reflected in this story.
The minimal and effective set design by Noah Beye is versatile and functional, transporting the audience to the many locations of the story through quick transitions and creative lighting by Beth Becker. Director Lacy did an excellent job using the entirety of the Katherine Johnson Middle School Theater to stage smaller scenes so that larger scenes could be set up simultaneously. The props and set dressing from Michelle Brooks were especially thoughtful and helped ground the characters to the fast-paced story.
Overall, the City of Fairfax Theatre Company’s Legally Blonde: The Musical is a celebration of positivity and resilience. Although the production ended its run on July 27, audiences will no doubt remember the message and standout performances for many years to come.
Running Time: Two hours and 20 minutes.
Legally Blonde: The Musical played July 19 to 27, 2024, presented by presented by City of Fairfax Theatre Company performing at Katherine Johnson Middle School, 3801 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA.
Legally Blonde: The Musical
Directed by Maura Lacy
Choreography by Stacey Yvonne Claytor
Music Direction by CJ Redden-Liotta
CAST
Elle Woods: Amelia Jacquat
Emmett Forrest: Daniel DeVera
Warner Huntington III: Patrick Kearney
Professor Callahan: Andreas Moffett
Paulette Buonufonte: Emily EJ Jonas
Brooke Wyndham: Olivia Clavel-Davis
Vivienne Kensington: Rose Hutchison
Enid: Chiara Bangor-Giorgio
Margot: Lili Williams
Sirena: Sophia Martinese
Pilar: Monique Barnes
Kyle/ Pforzheimer: Philip Smith-Cobbs
Kate: Emily Carbone
Leilani: Alexandra Lagos
Gaelen: Jessi Shull
Aaron/Nikos: Joshua Aaron Poole
Carlos/Kiki: Kevin Donlan
Whitney/DA Joyce Riley: Christine Connor
Store Manager/Judge: Sara Watson
Grandmaster Chad: Darien Weems
Dewey/Winthrop: Andy Shaw
Chutney: Allison Moffett
Elle’s Mom/Ensemble: Cameo Manning
Elle’s Dad/Lowell: Mike McGovern
Ensemble: Wyatt Underwood
Ensemble: Eli Nygaard
Ensemble/Stenographer: Robin Maline
Ensemble/Cashier: Emily Rhodes
Ensemble: Caitlin Carrington-Fair
Ensemble: Ben Fowler
Greek Chorus: Jaiden Hendrickson
Greek Chorus: Sydney Austin
Greek Chorus: Kendall Pomerleau
Greek Chorus: Faith Bradley
