Legally Blonde the Musical

The Bushnell, Hartford
through December 14, 2008
by Rachel White

In a time where all that's seen or read on the TV or in papers are grim and depressing accounts of the troubled economy and world affairs, Legally Blonde the Musical debuts in Hartford just in time. Bringing the fabulous movie to life with peppy, fun, toe-tapping songs and wonderful 21st century humor, Legally Blonde is sure to get audiences laughing out loud from start to finish.

Elle Woods, played by Becky Gulsvig, is a sorority girl who ends up at Harvard Law after chasing her ex-boyfriend there in the hopes of proving that she is serious enough for him and win him back. Instead, she encounters a world vastly different than her California fun and sun, and has to learn that glitz, glam and fashion do not always equal happiness. Gulsvig, originally the understudy for Elle in the Broadway cast, seems born for this role. Her natural perkiness and fabulous voice captivate and command attention while on stage. Throughout Elle's journey through her first year of law school. She meets a colorful cast of characters, notably Emmitt Forrest, played by D.B. Bonds, who is not only talented, but exceptionally charming in this role. Great chemistry is obvious between Gulsvig and Bonds, which makes songs and dialog even more believable and enchanting.

Award winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell delivers a smash hit for Broadway audiences with this energetic and colorful tale. The cast performs beautifully and delivers this hilarious and high-paced performance that sparkles just as much as the costumes. The music and lyrics are funny and creative, sure to have audiences humming and singing well-after leaving the theatre.

Legally Blonde the Musical is a delight and breath of fresh air. The Bushnell continues to offer the latest and best with their Broadway Series and this debut is proof of that.