March 17, 2025 by Isabella Barrett(‘26)
In a world where pop culture often glamorizes beauty, wealth, and external perfection, “Legally Blonde” shines through that with an empowering message that defies these superficial expectations. Based on the 2001 film, this musical delivers a captivating blend of catchy songs, witty humor, and an inspiring story about self-discovery and breaking stereotypes. From March 6th to 8th, Saratoga Springs High School Drama Club re-created this production, executing yet another musical that filled their auditorium show after show.
A brief plot overview:
“Legally Blonde” follows the journey of Elle Woods; a bubbly, fashion-obsessed sorority girl who seems to have it all. When her boyfriend, Warner, breaks up with her to pursue a more “serious” life at Harvard Law School, Elle refuses to let this setback define her. Instead of wallowing in despair, she decides to follow him to Harvard and prove that she’s more than just a pretty face.
Through her time at law school, Elle faces challenges from her peers who initially dismiss her as nothing more than a “blonde stereotype.” However, her determination and intelligence begin to shine as she discovers her passion for the law. With the help of friends like Paulette, a quirky salon owner, and Emmett, a kind-hearted teaching assistant, Elle learns that her value doesn’t lie in others’ opinions of her, but in her own self-worth and ability to fight for what’s right.
My honest review:
As a student who is not involved in musical theatre, I was both excited and a little nervous to see “Legally Blonde.” Nervous because I didn’t really know what to expect, as I hadn’t seen the movie. On the other hand, I was excited, because I had seen Saratoga’s shows in the past, and I had high expectations for a fun, upbeat show with memorable songs and a strong message. After seeing it live, I can honestly say that the production did not disappoint.
From the very first song, “Omigod You Guys,” it was clear that the cast was fully invested in bringing the musical to life. The energy from the ensemble was contagious, and the excitement in the air was palpable. The lead role of Elle Woods, played by Abby Degregory, was amazing. She brought so much charisma, humor, and heart to the character, perfectly capturing Elle’s bubbly personality and her evolution throughout the show. Every time she sang, it felt like the entire auditorium was cheering her on.
What I especially loved was how the supporting cast really shined. Characters like Paulette (played by Paeton Koshgarian and Anna Bonner), and Emmett (played by Peter Brueggemann) brought charm and depth to their roles, adding a lot of heart to the performance. The chemistry between Elle and Emmett was sweet and felt authentic, making the moments between them some of my favorites. A slow burn, one might say!
The musical numbers were definitely one of the highlights. Songs like “Bend and Snap” and “So Much Better” had the audience tapping their feet and laughing out loud. The cast showed such a great range in songs and their skill level was impressive. The choreography was fun, especially in the group numbers where the cast really got to show off their dance moves. I would like to make a special shoutout to Sarah Pipino, who played Brooke, and the cast who performed “Whipped into Shape”, a song completely sung while jump roping. You all killed it! I could never jump rope and sing simultaneously. This song was a true testament to the cast’s athleticism and commitment to their musical.
Laugh-Out-Loud Moments:
So far, I have failed to mention how many times I laughed (audibly) during the show. The comedy brings the entire production to life. The timing was spot-on, especially with Elle’s character. Her bubbly and somewhat naïve nature led to a lot of funny, unexpected moments. “Bend and Snap” was a hilarious crowd favorite, full of exaggerated choreography and witty lyrics. The idea of a woman using a “bend and snap” move to attract attention might seem silly, but the performers pulled it off with such energy that it had everyone laughing, not to mention the entry of the hilarious UPS mailman, played by senior Ethan Conn.
Additionally, the dynamic between Elle and her law school classmates provided plenty of laughs. Characters like the snobbish Professor Callahan and the uptight Warner had great comedic chemistry with Elle, especially since they were initially so dismissive of her. Watching Elle stand up to them and use her “blonde” persona to outsmart them created some truly funny moments. The humor was about the absurdity of people assuming they know everything about others based on surface-level appearances, which I think is awesome, although “Gay or European” had me hysterical.
Even minor characters like the sorority sisters and the salon crew brought their own sense of comedy, making the show feel alive with humor from all sides. The contrast between Elle’s bubbly optimism and the sarcasm of characters like Emmett added another layer that kept things light-hearted but meaningful.
The Message:
The best part of the show, in my opinion, was the underlying message of empowerment and self-acceptance. Elle Woods teaches us that you don’t have to fit into a certain mold to be successful. Whether you’re dealing with high school pressures, relationship challenges, or doubts about your own abilities, this musical reminds you to stay true to yourself. The characters’ personal growth and determination to break stereotypes made the show more than just a comedy; it became a motivational story for anyone who’s ever felt underestimated.
Overall, Legally Blonde was fantastic. It brought tears to my eyes, both happy and sad. Every audience member left with a smile, and a little bit of “pink power” in their hearts, too.