PERRY — With a bend and a snap, Heritage Theatre’s production of Legally Blonde: The Musical hits the stage with confidence and a spicy kick. The musical, based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon, first debuted on Broadway in 2007. With a book by Heather Hach and music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Neil Benjamin, Legally Blonde adds new twists and toe-tapping numbers while giving nostalgic nods to the beloved movie. Heritage Theatre’s production directed by Lindy and Mike Combe is an absolute riot.
Show Overview
A beloved girl-power story, Legally Blonde follows Elle Woods, a beautiful and bubbly blonde from Malibu. On the night she thinks her boyfriend Warner is going to propose, he dumps her instead, saying he needs someone more “serious.” Determined to prove she’s the one for him, Elle follows him to Harvard Law School. After a creative (and unconventional) admission essay, she’s in. But at Harvard, Elle’s met with skepticism—her pink outfits and sunny demeanor don’t exactly scream “serious lawyer.”
Despite the rocky start, Elle finds her place with the help of new friends, Paulette and Emmett, and begins to realize her own worth. Elle learns that being different is a strength and that she doesn’t need to change for anyone—not even Warner.
Performances
Left to Right: Zachery George as Emmett Forest, Hannah Atkinson as Elle Woods in the “Bruiser” Cast. LEGALLY BLONDE; THE MUSICAL plays through May 10th, 2025 at the Heritage Theatre in Perry, Utah.
Hannah Atkinson shines in the role of Elle Woods. With dazzling vocals and a charismatic smile, Atkinson brings Elle’s sass and heart to life. Atkinson’s comedic timing is sharp, especially during “Harvard Variations” and the iconic moment she declares, “I need a salon.” Atkinson shows depth and vulnerability in “Legally Blonde,” capturing the emotional shift from heartbreak to empowerment. Elle becomes more than a pretty face—she becomes a symbol of resilience and brilliance in a male-dominated world.
Zackery George plays Emmett Forrest with warmth and humor. Playing Elle’s study buddy and eventual love interest,George brings levity and sincerity to the stage. Delivering Emmett’s line, “What is this? My second or third? Anywho, I’m LOVING IT!” (delivered mid-Red Bull buzz and cross-eyed) showed George’s wonderful sense of humor and comedy. Costume designers Amber Beecher, Amber Downing, and Becky Montgomery helped emphasize Emmett’s transformation from scruffy underdog to sleek professional in “Take It Like a Man” with details like the worn coat looking out dated with a button hanging on by a thread to the more professional and stylish suit and tie, even with the tie being tied upside down at first.
Left to Right: Luke Merkley as Kyle the UPS Man, Jess Tarbet as Paulette with Ensemble in LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL at Heritage Theatre.
Jess Tarbet delivers a standout performance as Paulette, the lovable hairdresser with a big heart and an even bigger dream of Ireland. Tarbet’s wit, warmth, and killer comedic timing make each scene a joy to watch, especially as Tarbet delivered a wonderful monologue as the show’s epilogue.
Lastly, Luke Merkley steals the show as Kyle the UPS Man in short brown shorts, Irish dancing, and carrying a package. With such a small community theatre, Merkley really was the right fit for the show and left me wondering, “Where did they find this guy? He’s perfect for this role.”
Ensemble & Musical Highlights
Brighton Walker as Brooke Wydham in LEGALLY BLONDE: The Musical
The ensemble was electric. Under Kaylee Nelson’s choreography, high-energy numbers like “What You Want” and “Positive” were tight and joyful. A true standout was the outrageous “Gay or European,” where the cast questions pool boy Nicos’ (Dallin Patton) orientation and testimony of being Brooke Wyndam’s lover based on his wardrobe and mannerisms. The song is catchy, outrageous, and capped off hilariously when Carlos (Sam Bakker) outs Nicos as both—gay and European.
A Note on Content
With a warning for strong language, moderate alcohol and drug references and sexual references and innuendo, Heritage Theatre strongly suggests that this show is intended for audiences of 16+. I would also add that this show may not be intended for conservative adults and grandparents who may cringe at the phrase “OMIGOD” sung hundreds of times starting with the first catchy song and carried throughout the show with the same theme.
Final Thoughts
Legally Blonde at Heritage Theatre is a fun, feel-good night at the theater. The cast and crew clearly poured their hearts into this production, and it shows. Whether it’s a date night or girls’ night out, get ready to laugh, cheer, and maybe even tear up a little. This production brings the sparkle and spirit that makes Legally Blonde such a beloved story.
