The KMT musical theater performed Legally Blonde: The Musical Friday, May 25 and Saturday, May 26 at the John Calvin Presbyterian Church. Legally Blonde: The Musical, originally a novel by Heather Hach, highlights music composed by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin. It was well worth every dollar, as the music, acting, and costumes were exceptionally beyond that of a mediocre high school theater performance.

The well-known plot revolves around a protagonist, Elle Woods, who follows her boyfriend, Warner, to Harvard University after he dumps her for a more serious life. As Warner becomes involved with another more serious girl to “improve” his reputation, Elle begins to subtly succeed in her law courses and an outside internship with the friendship of Emmett Forrest, a fellow Harvard student. They eventually fall in love. The story originally debuted as a movie called Legally Blonde starring Reese Witherspoon.

Elle, played by Mariana Barbosa, a senior at J.E.B. Stuart High School, portrayed her character with depth and imagination. What usually would have been an empty character with little connection to the audience was turned into one you felt for. Annandale High School participants included juniors Laura Hackfeld and Andrew Riddle. Emmett Forrest, played by Michael Lamar, a junior at Robinson Secondary school, exhibited especially notable vocal talent. But above all, Paulette, played by Maddie Assel, a junior at Centreville High School, stole the show with her memorable voice and lovable portrayal of her character.

All in all, the performance was an entertaining showcase of talent.

Any lover of the arts should be encouraged to attend one of KMT’s upcoming plays. The performances are well worth it. WARNING: even stoics will be prone to hearty laughing.

KMT Musical Theater website: http://www.kmtmusical.org/

Legally Blonde: The Musical: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legally_Blonde_(musical)