The more plays my wife and I see at Barter Theatre, the more we love it. However, I must admit my apprehensiveness when it came time to see Legally Blond: The Musical on May 22nd.  However, I should have had more faith that a theatre of Barter caliber could turn something barely tolerable on the movie screen in to a hilarious stage production.

 

The musical tells the story of Elle Woods (Ellie Mooney), a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner (Justin Tyler Lewis). She discovers how her knowledge of the law can help others and successfully defends exercise queen Brooke Wyndham (Hannah Ingram) in a murder trial. She finds love unexpectedly in her law partner, Emmett (Sean Campos) and fights back against her conniving instructor, Mr. Callahan (Nick Koesters).

 

Remembering his equally evil and domineering role in 9 to 5, my wife summed Koesters up best when she said to me, “He plays a really good sleaze ball.”  We both also loved Tricia Matthews who played several roles of both genders brilliantly, as did a number of other cast members.  English bulldog Spud and Chihuahua Penelope were also show stealers as Rufus and Bruiser respectively. 

 

However, in our opinion, it was the gorgeous and talented Lacretta Nicole as Elle’s insecure hairdresser friend that owned the stage. With an episode of Law and Order: SVU already under her belt, this girl will definitely go places. As Paulette in Legally Blond: The Musical, she proves herself as modern day Chaka Khan with a singing voice that easily rivals her acting ability. My wife and I both consider her a favorite among Barter alum.

 

On the whole, Legally Blond: The Musical is yet another winner from Barter Theatre.  I would even recommend it if you’re a guy like me who could barely tolerate the film. I should know by now that talent at Barter Theatre is never to be underestimated.

 

I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to share my Barter experiences with you and hope you will seize any opportunity you may have to see this production, which runs through August 19th.

 

Also, be sure to check out Barter’s YouTube page for some great previews of shows and more at http://www.youtube.com/user/BarterTheatre. You may also visit their website at www.bartertheatre.com 628-3991 for more information.