Omigod! Omigod You Guys!  Just like Elle Woods’ famous Bend and Snap move, Glen Burnie High School’s production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” was charming, delightful, and entertaining 99.9% of the time.

“Legally Blonde: The Musical” is based on the original novel by Amanda Brown and the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon.  With a book by Heather Hach and music and lyrics by Nell Benjamin and Laurence O’Keefe, the musical premiered on Broadway in 2007, running for 595 performances, garnering multiple Tony and Drama Desk nominations.  London’s West End production opened in 2010, winning three Laurence Olivier awards including Best New Musical.  Its success spawned several US and international tours.  It tells the story of Elle Woods, president of the Delta Nu Sorority, who follows her ex-boyfriend Warner to Harvard Law School with hopes to win him back.  Along the way, she makes several realizations about herself, defies expectations, and finds love where she least expects it.

Sami Peterson authentically portrayed Elle Woods’ bubbly and spirited persona, showing her character arc transformation from a pampered Malibu fashionista to a plucky and resilient legal graduate.  She consistently delivered the same  high-octane energy as her favorite Red Bull drink, especially in songs such as “Omigod You Guys” and “So Much Better.”  At her opposite was Nathan Montingy as Emmett Forrest, the earnest teaching assistant, who handled a small XYZ wardrobe malfunction with comical grace.  Peterson and Montingy played well off of each other with believable chemistry, showcasing Elle and Emmett’s growing mutual affection.

A clear standout in the cast was Patience Reick (Paulette) who captured the essence of Elle’s sassy, brassy, and loyal best friend in a delightful and entertaining way, delivering her accented one-liners with superb comedic timing.  Her deep, orotund voice was especially memorable in “Ireland.”  Paulette’s love interest was played by Gene Mamaril (Kyle the UPS Guy), who pranced onstage and executed a theatrical wipeout when struck by an ill-executed Bend and Snap.  While Elle revered pink, orange was definitely the new black for Brooke (Kayla McDonald), who energized her fellow inmates onstage in the number “Whipped into Shape”.  One person left unaffected by the Bend and Snap was Brooke’s pool boy, Nikos (Brian McCarty), whose physical movement and verbal inflections left everyone wondering if his character was gay … or European.  Occasionally the ensemble lacked synchronized energy, but it did not mar the overall production.

Technically, scenes were enhanced by Samuel Frank’s lighting.  The stage was tinted red during the number “Blood in the Water,” and gobo effects flanked the stage – Greek Delta Nu symbols, jail bars for Brooke’s prison, and trees depicted Harvard’s storied campus.  Sound hit a few bumps with inconsistent balancing of microphones resulting in cut-outs, but the actors did not allow this to disrupt their performances.

Glen Burnie High School proved that it’s OK to be Legally Blonde.  As witnessed by Elle Woods, sometimes the thing that sets you apart is what makes it possible to accomplish the unexpected.

by Erin Jack  of Glenelg Country