By Jane Peterson
Omigod, you guys—Legally Blonde has landed at Workshop Theatre, and it’s every bit as pink, peppy, and powerful as you'd hope! With performances continuing over the next two weekends, this high-energy musical comedy is an absolute must-see for Midlands theatergoers.
Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the 2001 Reese Witherspoon film, the stage version features catchy, clever tunes by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, paired with a witty script by Heather Hach that stays true to the film’s spirit. Under the sharp direction of Sheldon Paschal, this production is a charming whirlwind of laughter, girl power, and unexpected triumph.
Leading the charge is Camryn Cothran as Elle Woods, whose effervescent energy and powerhouse vocals make her a standout from the moment she steps on stage. She captures Elle’s transformation from an underestimated sorority queen to a confident legal eagle with heart and humor. And she’s not alone—the Delta Nu trio of Serena (Inaara Jadavji), Pilar (Kaeleigh Miller), and Margo (Raven Smith) are an absolute delight, adding sass and sparkle to every scene.
Other notable performances include Jessica Roth’s lovable Paulette, Bella Coletti’s poised Vivienne, Taylor Dively’s charming Emmett Forrest, and the hard-core professor played by Josh Dively. Brooke Blythe’s performance as the accused murderer, Brooke was another that stood out. Her vocals and breath control on “Whipped Into Shape,” was absolutely incredible. Each member of the ensemble brings depth and individuality to their roles, creating a vibrant, cohesive, and funny ensemble.
Paschal’s direction makes excellent use of Patrick Faulds’ dynamic multi-level set, with seamless transitions and clever staging that keep the momentum lively. Stephanie Wilkins’ choreography is terrific—especially the jump rope-intensive “Whipped Into Shape.” The dancing was expertly choreographed. No small matter with the large cast who were nearly flawless in their precision. Andie Nicks’ costume design adds a final layer of fun, with vibrant and era-appropriate looks for the entire cast. The musical direction by Kathy Seppamaki brilliantly blended the voices of this talented cast.
While the sound mix occasionally favored the recording over the vocals—a common hiccup in some older venues—it didn’t diminish the cast’s stellar vocal performances or the production’s overall charm. If anything, it is a reminder of how vital it is to continue supporting local theaters and the hard-working artists who bring these stories to life.
In all, Workshop Theatre’s Legally Blonde is a feel-good, high-energy celebration of resilience, friendship, and self-belief. It’s exactly the kind of uplifting experience that reminds us why community theater matters.
Catch the show May 15–17 and May 22–24 at 8:00 p.m., with a matinee on May 18 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are available at workshoptheatreofsc.com. Don’t miss your chance to bend and snap your way to a fabulous night at the theater.