A TON OF LEGAL FUN
If you’re seeking a deep, soul-searching drama that challenges your intellect and reshapes your worldview, Legally Blonde The Musical at Indio’s Desert Theatreworks may not be the ticket. However, if you’re looking for an effervescent evening of laughter, music, and toe-tapping delight, this production promises to be the perfect antidote to life’s seriousness.
Douglas Katch Gray’s musical direction brings the score by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin to life, while the book by Heather Hach remains faithful to Amanda Brown’s novel and the beloved MGM film. Directed by Geo Medina, this high-energy musical grabs the audience from the start. A chorus of ten spirited high-schoolish girls bursts onto the stage from the house executing Anthony Nannini’s peppy choreography, setting the tone for a vivacious ride.
At the heart of it all is irresistible Elle Woods, played by the magnetic Cydney Krone, who shines as the bubbly yet surprisingly determined Power Blonde. The character is presented as an airhead (even though she’s attending UCLA), but you grow to love her as she subverts the dumb blonde stereotype. In love and hoping to become engaged to her boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Julian Perez), she is stunned when he rejects her. He is heading to Harvard Law School, and now wants to date someone more “serious” to boost his reputation and achieve his dream of becoming a Senator.
Elle’s journey is both hilarious and heartwarming as she decides to follow him to Harvard. With her good grades, a high test score and a bit of finagling, she is accepted by the prestigious college, where she faces academic challenges and social snobbery. When she finally finds Warner, she learns that he has a conniving new girlfriend, Vivienne, who gets Elle kicked out of class by Criminal Law Professor Callahan (a suitably evil Jim Rogers). Elle–still wanting to reunite with Warner–studies with Callahan’s assistant Emmet Forrest, who emerges as a supportive confidant (Griffin Giboney, smartly building from almost invisible to a fountain of boy-next-door leading man charm).
Elle also meets a beautician, Paulette (the loveable Jana Giboney), who becomes a surrogate mom, offering advice and a shoulder to cry on. Giboney offers a strong solo dreaming of “Ireland,” captivating the audience and underscoring the character’s endearing vulnerability. But later, she’ll fall for UPS driver Kyle (a scene-stealing Steve Giboney, delivering a masterpiece of physical comedy). Paulette’s ex, a drunken SOB, (also Steve Giboney) refuses to allow Paulette custody of her dog (Gypsy Giboney), but Elle may be of help later on.
Callahan is hired to defend a glamorous TV fitness star, Brooke Wyndham (Phylicia Mason), who is accused of murdering her husband. The Professor enlists Elle, Emmet, and Enid (Jessica Schuler as a hilariously militant lesbian) to assist. Elle and Emmet both score powerful points for the defense during the trial and they start to see themselves as a team, and, well, you’ll find out who wins the trial in this delightful musical comedy. Indeed, when the final blackout hit, I realized my cheeks were sore from having smiled for over two hours.
Krone, a constant enchantment as Elle, triple-threats her way through the show as if there’s a 1000-watt bulb inside her (in fact, the only time she’s off is to change from one pink costume to another). Taylor Burns, Jessica Lenz and Tamra Harkley pop up at different times and places to serve as Elle’s conscience. They are so very enjoyable that I found myself thinking, “Oh good, the three funny girls are back.” Lenz also has a nice solo.
You’ve no doubt noticed four performers with the last name of Giboney. They are in fact a married couple, their son and their dog. The Giboneys are a gifted clan, adding a unique charm to the production.
The set by, yet again, Steve Giboney–is a rhapsody in pink, perfectly complementing the show’s vibrant tone, and Hayden James’s costumes are a delightful parade of color and character. A few opening weekend bugaboos–sound issues with the pre-recorded tracks and Vanity Halston’s effective lighting challenged by the wide stage and the theatre’s current lighting rig–but otherwise Nick Wass’s projections are top-drawer (as they always are). Sam Parks stage managed, assisted by Julissa Silva and Monica Sterling, Herb Schultz assisted in direction, and Geo Medina supplied the props.
In the end, Legally Blonde triumphs not just as a comedic romp but as a celebration of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery. With Krone’s sparkling lead performance and a talented ensemble, Desert Theatreworks has delivered a production that leaves audiences smiling long after the final curtain call.
In the end, Legally Blonde triumphs not just as a comedic romp but as a celebration of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery. With Krone’s sparkling lead performance and a talented ensemble, Desert Theatreworks has delivered a production that leaves audiences smiling long after the final curtain call.
photos by Tara Howard Photography
Legally Blonde The Musical
Desert TheatreWorks
Indio Performing Arts Center, 45175 Fargo St. in Indio
ends on February 9, 2025
for tickets, call 760.980.1455 or visit DTW
