By JESSICA NEU

Oh my gosh, you guys! Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center concludes its 2025-26 season with Legally Blonde The Musical. Written by Heather Hach, with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, this infectious musical, directed by Justin Fortunato, is based on the Amanda Brown novel and the 2001 hit film. 

Midway through her senior year, UCLA fashion merchandising major and Delta Nu president, Elle Woods (Linnea McKinney), is convinced that longtime boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Brecken Newton Farrell) is going to propose. Anticipation of the major milestone is supported by the adorably kitschy opening number “Omigod You Guys,” where Elle’s sorority sisters get her ready for her big date night, and scenic designers Christopher and Justin Swader highlight their savvy and detailed sets that accentuate every scene and are brilliantly designed for fluid set changes. 

What is supposed to be the best night of Elle’s life turns into the worst as Warner declares that he is breaking up with her instead of proposing. Warner explains that, since he is headed to Harvard Law School after graduation, he needs a girlfriend who is more serious than Elle, especially if he is going to be a Senator by age 30. Distraught and confused, Elle decides that the only way she can win back Warner’s love is also to attend Harvard Law School. After a unique admission letter and a 175 LSAT score, Elle shocks everyone and makes her way to Massachusetts to attend the prestigious institution. However, her signature blonde hair, pink outfits, and perky disposition make her an easy target for mockery by the other “more serious” law students.

To make matters worse, Warner is dating Vivienne Kensington (Anna Byers). Elle’s persecution furthers as she is kicked out of her first class led by the infamous Professor “C minus” Callahan (Allan Snyder). Elle finds support in Callahan’s fourth-year TA Emmett Forrest (Carson Bruce) and salon owner Paulette Bounufonte (Lara Hayhurst). With their help, Elle ventures on a journey marked by self-discovery, conviction, confidence, and love. 

As Elle, McKinney is poised, polished, and positive, setting the tone for the large ensemble cast. She leads the ensemble through flashy numbers with up-tempo jazz routines (“What You Want,” “Omigod You Guys (Reprise)”) but also proves her depth as an actor and vocalist during solo numbers (“Legally Blonde”). Her Delta Nu sisters match her energy in every scene and serve as her conscience throughout the show. McKinney’s bubbly personality is perfectly juxtaposed against Bruce’s sheepishly innocent portrayal of Emmett and Snyder’s scrupulously chauvinistic Callahan. Bruce and McKinney have an indelible chemistry that strengthens as the show continues. Hayhurst is the perfect Bounoufonte and delivers a show-stopping “Bend and Snap” in Act 2, and her show-stopping Irish dance feature brought the house down. Also in Act 2, Mandie Patsy whips audiences and the ensemble into shape as fitness instructor Brooke Wyndham, who is on trial, accused of murdering her husband. Patsy delivers a dynamic and relatable Wyndham, and her ability to jump rope while singing on key was nothing short of spectacular, especially considering I am still sore from the workout I did two days ago. 

Each character’s distinct personality contributes to the show’s commentary on the unattainable standards that women continue to face in the professional sector, specifically in corporate America. Because Elle was sorority president, a fashion major, and dressed well, she was immediately disqualified not just from being a successful attorney but from being serious at all. As he breaks up with her, Warner declares that she “is not a Jackie,” implying that Elle’s appearance and disposition somehow make her less-than when compared to the likes of Jackie Kennedy. Even when Elle tells her parents that she wants to go to Harvard, they ask why she can’t “buy a Birkin bag instead,” as if purchasing a 5-figure purse is an equal, if not better, outcome to attending law school. We see the stereotypical feminist (Lucai Williams) who is ridiculed for being “angry,” and hear all of the other accomplishments from incoming Harvard students as they attempt to claw their way to the top of the corporate ladder, or in this case, Callahan’s highly sought-after internship, which can lead to a partner position in his law firm. 

As the show continues, we also see the importance of sisterhood. Elle confronts Vivienne early in their time at Harvard about the importance of one woman not knocking another down to promote herself. In this moment, and throughout Legally Blonde the Musical, we see how recognizing and uplifting all women, regardless of their attitude, appearance, talents, or shortcomings, can only serve to strengthen your own community; a notion that is especially true when the patriarchy still tries to subjugate women despite their achievements. As Patsy proudly declares, “always be the best you can be – even in jail.” With its large cast, impressive sets, ensemble dance numbers, and a perfectly delivered “I Want” song (“What You Want”), Legally Blonde: The Musical is reminiscent of traditional Broadway musicals while delivering undeniable Gen-Z energy. Regardless of your gender, what you’re wearing, or your hair color, you will walk away from the show with an appreciation for sisterhood, community, and perhaps an awakening of confidence in yourself to be the best version of you you can be. 

TICKETS AND DETAILS

Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center productioin of Legally Blonde The Musical! has remaining performances June 21 & 26 to 28, 2026 | Tickets at https://www.lincolnparkarts.org

Categories: Arts and Ideas