Emma Hammett as Elle (center), Kailyn Quince as Pilar (left), Emma Kessler as Margot (inner right), and Alayna Mall as Serena (outer right). Photo by Bella Comotto.
Oh my God, you guys! The Beth Tfiloh Community Theatre – BTCT’s production of “Legally Blonde The Musical” is full of energy, excitement, fantastic dance moves, and a lot of pink. From the moment the Delta Nu sorority girls swarm the stage, we know we’re in for a lot of fun. But Elle isn’t just about fun… after all, she did get into Harvard Law. And it’s not like it’s hard, right?
…will make you laugh, cry, smile, and most of all, root for Elle Woods…memorable.
Based on the 2001 Reese Witherspoon movie with the same name, the musical premiered in 2007 with music and lyrics by Lawrence O’Keefe and Neil Benjamin. The show tells the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl with a 4.0 in Fashion Merchandising who enrolls at Harvard Law to win back her ex, Warner. He wants someone serious so she needs to prove just how serious she can be. After a rough start, newly-graduated Emmett tells her to get a ‘chip on her shoulder’ and start studying. All that hard work pays off when Elle earns a spot in an elusive internship with Professor Callahan. But will she manage to prove herself when defending exercise queen, Brooke Wyndham (who just happens to be a fellow Delta Nu?)
One of the best things about “Legally Blonde” is the music, and this show does not disappoint. Highlights include “Keep it Positive” when the sorority girls tell Elle (Emma Hammett) to take revenge on Warner’s (Joshua Ikotun) new girlfriend, Vivienne (Ina Aquino) and “What You Want” when Elle presents her Harvard admissions essay in the form of a upbeat band. In “So Much Better,” Elle reflects on how getting Callahan’s (Paul Ballard) internship is an amazing result. In my view, the most impressive song is when exercise queen Brooke (Makenzie Emmett-Patel) is able to sing “Whipped Into Shape” while performing stunts with a jump rope (it’s difficult enough to jump rope when you’re not singing). Props also go to the orchestra (Charlotte Evans, William Zellhofer, Helen Schlach, Frank Gorecki, II, Chris Sisson, Andrew Baker, and Lisa Wood) who were able to follow along with the roughly 20 songs on offer in the musical.
“Legally Blonde” is all about personality, and each actor in the musical perfectly fulfills his or her role. Kendra Keiser is the epitome of downtrodden, heart of gold hairstylist Paulette, and it’s delightful when she describes how she always wanted an Irish man due to her 1/4 Irish heritage. Joshua Ikotun is suave and debonair as smooth talking Warner. Shahmeer Mirza is hysterical as the pool boy’s lover, Carlos. ake Stuart as Kyle somehow knows how to make a UPS man sexy. But the dogs have it in this show. The best ‘actors’ are definitely Bruiser, Elle’s adorable Yorkie, and Rufus, Paulette’s pup who was taken by her ex, Dewey.
As Elle, Emma Hammett is definitely the star of the show. She has an unbelievable singing voice, and some amazing dance moves to match. After all, no one can resist her ‘bend and snap.’ Emmett (Andrew Worthington) is a great counterpart to Elle’s energy. He has a quiet confidence, a driven attitude, and is forever in Elle’s corner.
If you’re up for a musical with a bit of everything, this is it. “Legally Blonde the Musical” will make you laugh, cry, smile, and most of all, root for Elle Woods. Between the music and personalities, this musical is memorable.
Running Time: Two hours and 30 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.
“Legally Blonde the Musical” runs through August 24, 2025 presented by The Beth Tfiloh Community Theatre – BTCT, 3300 Old Court Road, Pikesville, MD 21208. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 410-413-2417 or go online.
