By Marilyn Jozwik
What a great time of year to sit in air-conditioned comfort and watch the non-stop energy and joy that is “Legally Blonde The Musical,” presented by Sunset Playhouse. Opening night featured a full house, loudly cheering the cast’s efforts.
Taking advantage of several college students on break, director and choreographer Abby Bloomquist has assembled a stellar youthful cast headed by Erin Fricker as the indomitable Elle Woods, who trades fashion for law. All for love.
Elle doesn’t know a tort from a muffin, but is determined to show her boyfriend Warner that she is a serious student and a serious marriage prospect for his ambitious political plans.
Elle is a study in pink and popularity as she stays bonded to her like-minded Delta Nus, especially the trio of Serena (Amanda Mahlum), Margot (Kate Olson) and Pilar (Jenesis Wesley), as well as her pup Bruiser (a rescue named Conan Cook).
Paulette (Sarah Cunningham) sings her heart out in “Ireland,” in a scene from Sunset Playhouse’s “Legally Blonde The Musical.” Photos by Rebeka Schmieder
She gets into Harvard Law School, but has a rough start dealing with the tough law teacher, Professor Callahan (Kevin Gadzalinski). She is mocked by fellow students, but standout student Emmet (Jordan Daniel Paullin) takes her under his wing and soon has her on the list to work with their teacher on a big murder trial. But Elle soon finds that she has been replaced in Warner’s heart by a fellow student, Vivienne (Kendall Syslack), who Warner finds more suited to fulfill his career ambitions.
At the murder trial, Elle uses her specific skill set to save her client, but her success is clouded by her unscrupulous professor. By this time, Elle has found her true calling and has proven that persistence pays.
Fricker steps into her Elle role like it’s her favorite slippers. Several years with the Kids from Wisconsin have honed her strong, pitch-perfect vocals, crisp dance, and indefatigable spirit that keeps a high level through more than her 15 song and dance numbers. The spotlight loves her and so did the audience.
Brooke (Emmeline Buesing), center, a popular fitness celebrity, works out in a video in a scene from Sunset Playhouse’s “Legally Blonde The Musical.” Photos by Rebeka Schmieder
The audience also loved Sarah Cunningham as Paulette, a beautician who becomes Elle’s friend and confidante. Paulette is a great character and Cunningham nails her with her Brooklyn accent and great comic timing. Her “Ireland,” where she sings about her past and dreams of meeting a handsome Irish sailor, is a hoot.
Another highlight is Emma Buesing as Brooke, a popular fitness guru accused of murdering her husband. In “Whipped into Shape” Buesing as Brooke puts a group through a workout that includes jumping rope, while singing the tune. Try it sometime. It’s not easy. The audience is treated to a piece that includes some nifty rope work and dance moves,
Cash C Campbell as Warner has a suitably arrogant, pop-star quality while Paullin’s Emmet contrasts nicely with his sincerity and humility. Syslack’s Vivienne transitions effectively from Elle foe to fan and shows off her pipes in the “Legally Blonde Remix.”
The cast of Sunset Playhouse’s “Legally Blonde The Musical.” Photos by Rebeka Schmieder
The Delta Nus, especially Elle’s close trio (played by Olson, Mahlum and Wesley), are great fun to watch and don’t miss a beat of their many song and dance opportunities.
Joyce Garbaciak, semi-retired from Channel 12 News, follows up a successful turn as Berthe in Sunset’s “Pippin’’ with several parts in “Legally Blonde.” it’s apparent the audience loves seeing her on stage as she manages her roles with aplomb.
Mark Mrozek directed the seven-piece orchestra that kept up the pop music through the nearly two dozen numbers.
“Legally Blonde” checks all the boxes for great entertainment – a likeable heroine, a charming love and underdog story, memorable characters plus fabulous song and dance. A great night or afternoon at the theater.
If you go:
Who: Sunset Playhouse
What: “Legally Blonde The Musical”
When: Through Aug. 9
Where: 700 Wall St., Elm Grove
Info/Tickets: 262-782-4430; SunsetPlayhouse.com