The Cast Photo by Jason Niedle

MTV filmed the 2007 Original Broadway cast production, and this production's direction by Ferrer, music direction by Ryan O'Connell, and choreography by Dana Solimando does not markedly differ. In order to set the production in the present day, there are TikTok dance references in some of the Delta Nu sorority choreography, updated lyrics and scripted lines, and emojis and text messages incorporated into the projection design by Jonathan Infante. Instead of calling her mother when she gets the coveted internship during the song, "So Much Better," Elle uses FaceTime.

Ferrer's direction keeps the musical comedy about Elle's journey from lovesick and lost college girl to Harvard Law graduate clipping at an appropriately energetic pace that provides plenty of moments of laughter and heart. The entire cast is winning, displaying charm, versatility, and powerhouse vocals. Kathryn Brunner is the driving force of the production, using endless energy and a gorgeous voice to embody the uncompromising Elle. She is well-matched by her Greek chorus and Michael Thomas Grant and Nicholas McDonough as her love interests.

Anthea Neri-Best finds nuance in the role made famous in the movie by Jennifer Coolidge, clearly relishing the updated lyrics to Paulette's "weird Enya song," "Ireland." Edward Staudenmayer has a rich baritone as Professor Callahan, though the sound mix on opening night interfered with the clarity of his lyrics in the song, "Blood in the Water." As befits the source material, at UCLA there is a plethora of vibrant colors and pink (Elle's "signature color") in the costume design by Adam Ramirez, with the Harvard students wearing autumnal colors.

The cast is clearly having an absolute blast, and they had the audience in the palm of their hand opening night, with a standing ovation that began almost before the final blackout. The two and a half hour production flies by, and at the end, my cheeks hurt from smiling. If you're looking for a feel good night of musical comedy complete with witty lyrics, visual gags, and feminine empowerment, this Legally Blonde the Musical is for you.

Legally Blonde the Musical runs through June 15, 2025, at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Ordway Music Theater, 345 Washington St, Saint Paul, MN. For tickets and information, please visit ordway.org or call 651-224-4222.