The musical comedy is a crowd-pleasing summer confection

The sky has turned bright pink over the PACE Center in Parker with the arrival of Legally Blonde, the musical based on the 2001 Reese Witherspoon film. Early in the first act, our heroine, Elle Woods (Kayleigh Bernier), proclaims that pink is her favorite color, and the production is awash in various shades of hot pink. Presented by Parker Arts, it’s a rousing, audience-pleasing production with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe & Nell Benjamin, book by Heather Hach and directed by Piper Lindsay Arpan.

As the story opens, we are introduced to Elle’s boyfriend, Warner (Ethan Walker), who is attempting to break up with her as he departs for Harvard Law School. However, Elle, with her unwavering determination, immediately applies and is also accepted to Harvard. She follows Warner in hopes of rekindling their relationship, much to his chagrin.

Upon her arrival at Harvard, Elle is immediately humiliated and dismissed from Professor Callahan’s (Carter Edward Smith) class. This moment, rather than breaking her, marks the beginning of Elle’s inspiring transformation. She buckles down to ensure future success in law school, while Emmett (Andy Ray), a recently graduated law student, takes her under his wing with hints of a possible romantic relationship.

Having focused on her studies, Elle is now committed to becoming a lawyer and has become good at it. Much to the surprise of her classmates and professor, Elle refuses to change her ways. She is solid and steadfast, always following her instincts.

We follow the Harvard law team through a trial that seems impossible to win; however, with Elle on the team, chances begin to look good. Elle perseveres as the trial progresses with many twists and turns, but victory is at hand. In a last-minute attempt to woo Elle back, Warner asks her to marry him; however, Elle doesn’t see that fitting into her newfound life. The curtain falls with Elle proposing marriage to Emmett and is victorious, having never changed her ways.

Kyra Archuleta as Margot with Pepper as Bruiser in ‘Legally Blonde’ | Photo: Becky Toma

Optimism and grit

In the role of Elle, Bernier creates a character with just the right amount of optimism and grit, with solid vocals and solid dance moves. As noted in the program, Bernier’s career began in Las Vegas, and she brings to her performance the vigor and thrill of that city.

Smith, as Professor Callahan, is the perfect foil for Elle. Being somewhat uptight and unwilling to pander to Elle, Smith’s performance is first-rate. In the role of Emmett, Ray is appropriately enamored by Elle and provides a solid characterization. And, of course, the two dogs, played by Pepper and Porsche, are adorable and perfectly cast.

Director/choreographer Piper Lindsay Arpan has assembled a vibrant cast and uses them to their fullest. The staging and choreography are well-devised and make for an exuberant two-and-a-half hours in the theatre. One hitch is that the overall production seemed overly designed with moveable scenery pieces. At times, the scene changes did not flow smoothly and were distracting.

Legally Blonde is a big Broadway musical with a plethora of songs appropriate to the storyline. Although they are snappy and upbeat for the most part, none of them are very memorable. There is one standout song in the second act that questions the ethnicity and sexuality of a witness in the trial. It is a showstopper. And a live orchestra, conducted here by Heather Iris Holt, is always good.

Legally Blonde is a love letter bathed in pink to Elle Woods and her determination to remain true to herself — a valuable lesson. It’s another successful big musical from the team at Parker Arts that’s a real crowd-pleaser.