Get tickled pink with Legally Blonde

MANILA, Philippines - Love, law, lipstick, laughter. All these and more than just a few titters are what you can expect from the splashy and fantabulous musical Legally Blonde from Atlantis Productions. You’ll break out in guffaws when you catch sight of scene-stealing characters in this “to thine own self be true” show that is not only passionate but “fashion-ate.”

That’s exactly what happened during the preview night held at the Meralco Theater last June 24.

Legally Blonde The Musical is a story about Elle Woods, sleek and sophisticated sorority star who stops at nothing to get what she wants. Her “go-get-’em” heart refuses to let go even when her boyfriend Warner decides to dump her for someone “serious.” She blazes her own trail to Harvard Law to try and win her man back, and in the process, discovers a true sense of self and more than just a few lessons in letting go, and true love.

Headlining the musical (sporting and stroking her blonde locks, while lighting up the stage with her blonde ambition) is Nikki Gil. She is a delightful surprise and a revelation, and like Elle Woods, she is out to surprise her fans that there is more to her than meets the (TV) eye. Her extensive training in voice and dance has been most helpful in shaping her into “pom-pom” fighting form. There is most certainly something fresh and new about this Delta Nu.

Nyoy Volante, who returns to the theater stage as Emmet Forrest, turns on the charm and is cast as the perfect simple foil to Nikki’s flamboyant Elle. Nyoy’s unmistakably smooth crooner voice filled the Meralco Theater that night, and you know that there’s more to this acoustic balladeer. That’s why theater fans love him, too.

Guji Lorenzana steps into the role of preppy Warner Huntington, the ex-boyfriend Elle chases all the way to Harvard Law. There were murmurs of “How cute” when Guji stepped onstage. His presence was strong and refreshing, with his looks and a voice to match.

Jett Pangan once more turns heads, taking on the role of Professor Callahan. The Dawn’s resident rocker rocked the house in an attorney’s suit on the theater stage, and his voice and acting is better than ever.

Ever smooth and subtle, seasoned performer Cris Villonco plays Warner’s new and very brunette girlfriend, Vivienne Kensington. She played the part well. But then again, Cris has always been a force to reckon with, even when portraying a straight-shooting, serious, and principled Vivienne, peppering her character with nuances all her own. She will next appear in Atlantis’ A Little Night Music starring Dawn Zulueta.

It would be great to also point out the rest of the players who stole scenes from the show and made it ever more fun to watch:

Jinky Llamanzares, who plays Paulette Bonafonte, the spunky beautician and close friend of Elle, just set the stage on fire with her fantastic range, flashy movements and natural comedic flair.

She owned the stage even as she was just pacing around her little salon, sharing about lost love for an Irishman and her lusty thoughts for the UPS man Kyle, who got most of the laughs for the evening. And who better to step into the shoes of Kyle but the formidable Calvin Millado?

It’s highly recommended that you catch the show to see just how Calvin “struts” his way into everyone’s line of vision and into Paulette’s heart.

Geneva Cruz made male temperatures rise with her sexy and feisty portrayal of fitness mogul Brooke Wyndham. You have all got to check out how she encourages you to get “Whipped Into Shape.” Prepared to be blown away by her washboard abs, and be impressed by her slick vocal style, her raspy and powerful voice her huskiest yet.

The entire ensemble did a noteworthy job in spicing up the scenes with their energetic display of song and dance, that some people in the audience couldn’t help but bob their heads to the contagious beat.

SM Department Store did a wonderful job supplying the show’s wardrobe, and for fashion-conscious fans and followers, it’s great that the audiences know where they can easily sport eye-catching outfits that are both accessible and reasonable.

More than just star power but also sheer talent, Legally Blonde The Musical will surely leave you walking away from the theater, entertained. For the ladies, perhaps you’d be a tad more inspired to run after your dreams, possibly in sexy stilletos and hanging on the arm of the man you’re meant to be with… maybe adding a whole lot of pink to what used to be just an earthy-colored wardrobe.

For the men, you’d possibly be motivated to get a new pair of trousers and a good coat to match a new attitude, shedding off that “chip on your shoulder.”

Seen seated among the audience enjoying the show were Billy Crawford, racecar driver-turned-model and actor Matteo Guidicelli, celebrity photographer Raymund Isaac, fashion designer Rajo Laurel, Rachel Alejandro and sister Barni of the Sexy Chef Café, and The Philippine STAR columnist Phillip Cu-Unjieng.

Let’s just say that it’s a show for anyone who believes that being and believing in yourself will take you places, whether you’re in pink pointed heels or your favorite worn-out corduroys.

Catch Legally Blonde The Musical and leave the theater, tickled pink and positive.