Legally Blonde - CM Performing Arts Center | 1.17.26

CM Performing Arts Center is currently producing the Broadway-hit-musical based on the wildly popular movie, “Legally Blonde” from January 17th to February 1st. Legally Blonde is the story of Elle Woods (played fantastically by Michelle Shapiro) who is devastated to learn that her high school sweetheart Warner Huntington III (played by Quentin Thomson) is breaking up with her in order to pursue his dream of becoming a Senator. He plans to move across the country to attend Harvard Law School and does not feel that she is serious enough to live that kind of life with him. Determined to prove him wrong and ultimately win him back, she aces her Law exams and decides to attend Harvard as well. Shapiro was a fantastic choice to play the effervescent Elle Woods, as she perfectly captured her bubbly, bright, and strong-willed nature. Her singing was unreal; Shapiro shined brightly during numbers like "What You Want", "Positive", and perhaps the most recognizable song from the musical "Omigod You Guys" and I thoroughly enjoyed her number early in Act 1 with Thomson. It was during that song - "Serious" - that we first learn of Warner's intention to break up with Elle and move away, but Thomson's smooth vocals made you feel a little bit better about it. 

Once we get to Harvard, we quickly learn that Warner is already in a committed relationship with Vivienne Kensington, played by Emily Gates. Vivienne appears to be the opposite to Elle – she wears dark, muted colors against Elle's penchant for bright pink – and appears to have a colder demeanor than Elle as well. Gates nailed this character, as expected! Once it becomes clear that Warner is not interested in rekindling their relationship, Elle decides to lean into her studies and focuses on becoming a lawyer and applies for an internship run by Professor Callahan, played by CM veteran Michael Mandato. Mandato was another awesome casting choice! He always sounds great when he sings and that was on full display during Act 1's "Blood in the Water". 

Elle quickly befriends her nail technician Paulette (played by Jess Ader-Ferretti) and settles into her new normal. Ader-Ferretti was most recently seen as Carole King in CM's production of "Beautiful" and she brings those same powerhouse vocals to this role…and it is *quite* a treat! "Ireland" was a clear standout in Act 1 where her vocals were prominently featured, as they also were with "Bend and Snap" – but I'm pleased to say that it wasn't just singing where Ader-Ferretti excelled; her comedic timing was on point as well, creating some really hysterical moments!

Another pleasant surprise came from Michael Krulder, who plays Elle’s eventual love interest Emmett Forrest. Emmett is one of Callahan’s junior partners, but he is also the person who seemed to believe in Elle before even she did and their relationship is endearing. Krulder was excellent in conveying Emmett’s encouraging spirit while still singing his face off! (He was also in CM’s “Beautiful” and received rave reviews from yours truly.) Audiences will be delighted to hear his duet with Shapiro “Legally Blonde” as well as his contributions to “Take it Like a Man” and “Chip on My Shoulder.”

Michael Mandato, Michael Krulder.

Photo Credit: Photosxbyem

I also need to shout-out Courtney Braun, who plays Brooke Wyndham. Brooke is one of the clients that Professor Callahan is representing in a murder case that eventually lands with Elle (intentionally not sharing how we get there - some things should remain a secret until you see the show) and aside from Braun being spot on with the humor of the character, her number “Whipped Into Shape” that opens Act 2 is an absolute showstopper. The way she managed to sing while keeping up with Melissa Rapelje’s choreography was astounding - and she *still* sounded great! This was easily a favorite among the roles I’ve seen Braun take on...and while we are on the topic of choreography, massive kudos to Rapelje. She is always consistent in wowing us with intricate dancing and she also manages to make every single person look great doing it too - which I know from experience is no small task. Everyone in theater comes with vastly different levels of experience, so her ability to make things look damn near flawless cannot be understated. Resident Music Director Matthew W. Surico is also back leading the pit and hits all of the right notes!

(Pun fully intended and enjoyed.)

Surico is a consummate professional, always assembling a pit that works well together and leading the cast to vocal perfection. Group numbers were strong and impressive; everything we have come to expect from a Surico production. The ensemble as a whole was fantastic as well; standouts include the three sorority sisters Serena (Courtney O’Shea), Margot (Sarah Minto), and Pilar (Steffy Jolin) whose chemistry together brings a smile to your face every time they are on stage and John Mazzarella, playing Dad/Winthrop. I continue to be impressed with how Mazzarella is not only cementing himself as a solid character actor who can switch between two characters at a moment's notice, but also as a prominent Scenic Designer. He has designed numerous sets at CM - including this one - and his creativity is unmatched. Each scene was bright and detailed; you can easily get lost in some of the scenes just trying to take it all in. 

(And the piece with Elle coming out in what looks like a giant Barbie doll box?! *SO COOL AND CUTE!)

A visual aid.

Photo Credit: Photosxbyem

Another person playing double duty is the multi-talented Sydnee LaBuda. She worked as this show’s costume designer and is a member of the ensemble - both of which are no small feats! The costumes were eye-catching and fabulous; and then knowing that she doesn’t typically costume shows *and* she did all this while rehearsing makes it all the more impressive.

(And now that I think about it…makes me wonder why she doesn’t costume shows more often?? The talent is clearly there!)

And none of this is to take away from the rest of the ensemble, because they were all extremely engaging. Too often we see ensemble members just standing on stage - literally just standing and looking around - and that isn’t what you got with this group. They were all in the moment and it added so much energy and life to each scene. It was refreshing and I’m certain Director Keith Jones is due credit for that as well. Jones' affection for the show shines through at every moment - from the smaller intimate scenes, to the huge full cast moments, right down to the smooth scene transitions that didn’t drag the show down - they thought of it all! Not only that, I appreciated the casting as well. It isn’t uncommon on Long Island to take a musical that comes from a movie and try to cast each person as a mirror image of the actors in the movie with little concern for the talent needed to *actually* play the role and that wasn’t the case in this production. I like that. I LOVEEEEEEEEE THAT. Let’s keep that energy, huh? Cast people who can do the role and excel in doing so - not just people who we think “fit” the part. The casting and direction in this production was clearly intentioned and it pays off in a big way.

No matter who you are, there is something for everyone in Legally Blonde. At the end of the day, this story is about finding yourself and your passion while singing some great music and sharing a few laughs - all wrapped up in fabulous fashion. Who can’t get down with that?! Legally Blonde is running until February 1st and I encourage everyone to get down to the theater for this one. Tickets can be purchased at the door, by calling the box office, or by visiting their website at www.cmpac.com.

You can also catch my interview with director Keith Jones as well as our extended conversation on the videos page of the website!

Not the full cast, but a good chunk of 'em.

Photo Credit: Photosxbyem

Cast:

Elle Woods - Michelle Shapiro

Warner Huntington III - Quentin Thomson

Vivienne Kensington - Emily Gates

Emmett Forrest - Michael Krulder

Professor Callahan - Michael Mandato

Paulette - Jess Ader-Ferretti

Serena - Courtney O’Shea

Margot - Sarah Minto

Pilar - Steffy Jolin

Brooke Wyndham - Courtney Braun

Kate/Chutney - Melina Piervencenti

Leilani - Camilla Montoya

Gaelen - Yesenia Morales+

Enid Hoops - Emily Llewellyn

Judge - Chantele Sterling

Mom/Whitney - Tiara Solorzano

Kyle - Stone Locke

Grand Master Chad/Dewey - Eddie Martinez

Dad/Winthrop - John Mazzarella

Carlos - Ruben Fernandez+

Vlad Tepesh/Lowell - Eddie D’Atri

Aaron Schultz - Will Logan

Pforzheimer/Nikos - Bradley Berdecia

Bruiser - Lulu

Rufus - Toby Cornelius Trunz

Delta Nu Ensemble - Sydnee LaBuda, Ruben Fernandez, Camilla Montoya, Yesenia Morales, Kayla Murray, Melina Piervencenti, Chantele Sterling, Mackenzie Waite, Emily Walter

Harvard Ensemble - Lindsay Cariello, Eddie D’Atri, Kristi Kahen, Stacy Kappel, Will Logan, Eddie Martinez, John Mazzarella, Tiara Solorzano

+ Dance Captains

Creative Team:

Director - Keith Jones

MUSIC DIRECTOR - Matthew W. Surico

Choreographer - Melissa Rapelje

Stage Manager - Katy Trunz

Asst. Stage Manager - Juliana Jagielo

Scenic Designer - John Mazzarella

SOUND Designer - Silvio Sweet

PROPS DESIGNER - Heather Van Velsor

LIGHTING DESIGNER - Kevin Purdy

Costume Designer - Sydnee LaBuda

The Legally Blonde Orchestra:

Conducted by Matthew W. Surico

Trumpet - Elliot Wolk

Drums - Bill Dwyer

Bass - Shiori Chazono

Keyboards - Matthew W. Surico

Guitars - Ryan Levenberg

Violin - JJ Dumlao