***** My regular readers have heard me say, on many occasions,” A play can be different every time you see it!” Each director sees the script in a different way. Every actor takes their character in a direction that the director leads them and adds to it something from their own interpretation. The stage makes a difference as well as the set and all the technical aspects of putting a show together. Regulars of Music Theater Works, know that they work very hard in bringing uniqueness to each and every productions, and once again, they have hit the nail on the head with their production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” now onstage at The North Shore Center For the Performing Arts in Skokie!

“Legally Blonde: the Musical” is based on the cult classic film of 2001 ( hard to believe that this film is over 20 years of age) and has a book by Heather Hatch and music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Neil Benjamin, follows the story fairly close. It is the story of Elle Woods ( not to be confused with the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant in Lincolnwood) as she travels from the sunny west coast to Harvard to make her way in the legal world ( and to follow her male friend who is there. Directed by Mandy Modic on a set designed by Shane Cinal, this is a smooth running play that makes 2 hours and 25 minutes ( one 10 minute intermission) go quickly.

Elle is played to perfection by Kayla Shipman and the man she follows, Warner ( deftly handled by Daniel Rausch) ends up not being the man for her. Instead, she teams up with Emmet Forrest ( played to perfection by David Moreland). Theirs is a love story that is not made in heaven, but one that truly falls into place as Elle becomes a different person. We watch her learn about friendship, love, self-respect and of course the topic that is the thrust of the story, the law!

While there are some key roles in this play: Crystal Claros as Vivienne ( Warner’s Harvard love), her manicurist/friend Paulette ( a dynamite performance by Khaki Pixley), Amanda Handegan as defendant Brooke Wyndam ( man can she dance) and an ensemble that shows their love of what they do! They are: Korey White, Sabrina Bowen, Morgan Schoenecker, Selena Robinson, Riley Dominiak, Ava Stovall, Lanja Andriamihaja, Michael Davis Arnold, Ibrahim Khan, Alex Villasenor, Kiana Beverly, Eric Amundson, Matthew Millin, Madison Jaffe-Richter, Isaiah Engram, Connor Ripperger, Lili Galluzzo, Will Leonard, Victor Lopez, Connor Crumley and of course, this show has two lovingly adorable dogs- Kandi playing Elle’s “Bruiser” and Rufus played by the adorable Nosi.

The choreography by Mollyanne Nunn was absolutely amazing. In particular the jump rope numbers- flawless rope jumping, never missing a beat. This is not easy and the ensemble members in this one “nailed it “The sound (Matthew R. Chase) and lighting (Chelsea Lynn) were also spot on and the costumes (Kristin Brinati) terrific. The orchestra led by Linda Malone brought the music to life with three keyboard players ( Madonia was joined by Kevin Disch and Eugene Dizon) and then Allison Tatum ( violin), Cara Strauss and Jonathan Golko ( reeds), Chuck Parrish and Gregory Strauss (trumpets), Matt Flanagan (trombone), Michael Lockler (guitar), Eric Von Holst (bass), Justin Akira Kono (drums) and Tina Laughlin (percussion)- they brought this music to life.

The North Shore Center For The Performing Arts is a perfect venue for this production. Every seat is a good one. The theater is located at 9501 N. Skokie Blvd. in Skokie. Parking is FREE. There are ONLY 8 performances left, so I suggest you look at your calendar, pick a date and call the box office to make sure you get to enjoy a wonderful evening ( or afternoon) of theater.

 

“Legally Blonde: the Musical” will continue thru – Dec 29th with performances as follows: