Review of "Legally Blonde The Musical"

The current touring show at the Schuster Center is as American as apple pie, Grandma and Chevrolet. It's the over-the-top production titled "Legally Blonde The Musical."
The Schuster show could be labeled "perky," the a capital P. Remember Dinah Shore, the vivacious blonde host of her one-hour NBC variety show in the 1960s. She ended every show with a broad smile, a resonant "Good Night" and a resounding kiss that she waved to the TV audience.
Well, in some ways, "Legally Blonde The Musical" has the same karma as the best of Dinah Shore, the charming blonde with the upbeat personality.
Elle Woods, the blonde in question in the show based on the 2001 hit film starring Reese Witherspoon, effervesces in every way but cartwheels as characterized by understudy Lauren Ashley Zakrin.
Those familiar with the film version know that Elle Woods, a bouncy UCLA blonde viewed by many as a ditz with a great personality, is dumped by her handsome boyfriend Warner, an ambitious student with designs on a top-of-the-line law career. His destination is the Harvard Law School.
Elle Woods, naturally, bones up on her studies and eventually gains admission to the Harvard Law School in order to win back the love of her life. It doesn't work. She barely manages to get passing grades and Warner finds another girlfriend.
In the end, however, strange things happen as Elle Woods blossoms into an A student who helps her client gain freedom from an almost certain murder conviction. Its all pretty convenient in story terms but the singing and dancing help carry the day.
By the end, everyone is happy, in their own special way.
Remember the film? Well, the cast of "Legally Blonde The Musical" could have jumped right off the screen. Zakrin, a bit adenoidal at times, effuses charisma at the drop of a hat and displays a find singing voice, especially in the "So Much Better" number at the end of Act I. Ken Land, who delivers a solid performance as Professor Callahan, could pass for Victor Garber's characterized0n in the film, especially if you close your eyes a moment and listen closely to his melodious voice.
Natalie Joy Johnson, the "Bend and Snap" hair dresser Paulette, offers a convincing portrayal as the introverted portly gal who finds true love with the UPS guy, nicely played by Ven Daniel. Jeff McLean plays Warner and Megan Lewis plays Vivien, the new girlfriend. D. B. Bonds, who recalls Luke Wilson's role in the film, is just as nice and trusting in his stage portrayal.
The ebullient Delta Nu Sorority girls and their male counterparts offer several lively dance numbers. The entire show is an entertainment package, a red-white-and blue piece of fluff for sure, but one that wins over the audience with its sheer zestiness and good charm.
Incidentally, the role of the woman professor played in the film by Holland Taylor, has been cut from the stage show. The stage show, unlike the film, adds a nice bit in the murder trial by adding a shower scene.
A footnote: Bruiser, a star in the movie, is seen all too briefly in the stage production. Likewise, Rufus the Bulldog has a brief cameo.
"Legally Blonde The Musical" concludes the 2008-09 Chase J. P. Morgan Broadway Series with its run at the Schuster. The production continues through Sunday, with two performances on Saturday and Sunday. For ticket information, call 228-3630.