TUTS: Legally Blonde the Musical's Elle Woods 'a quadruple-threat' role
Article content
Where: Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park, 610 Pipeline Rd., Vancouver
Article content
Elle Woods, that bubbly, pink-loving legal eagle made famous by Reese Witherspoon in the 2001 movie Legally Blonde, returns to the stage this summer. Back by popular demand, Theatre Under the Stars' production of Legally Blonde The Musical plays alternate evenings with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We talked to LBTM director Jayme Armstrong, who is originally from Vancouver, about the show.
Article content
Article content
Article content
A: It was a dream role. It was on my bucket list. And Elle is probably the most difficult role I ever played in my career. Truly, I call it a quadruple-threat role — you have to sing, dance, act and be funny. Then throw in a million costume changes. It's a very, very busy show.
Article content
Q: Plus, you're a brunette.
Article content
A: I am. I am a brunette, although I've played many blondes. When I did the show, I wore a wig. Most Elles do end up wearing a wig just because of the nature of the show. It's easier to keep her hair looking perfect all the time.
Article content
Q: How much preparation did you do for the role?
Article content
A: I started training several months before. I learned the entire vocal score, and then sang it while running on the treadmill.
Article content
Q: Is that one of the tips that you gave to Abby Woodhouse, the actress playing Elle this time out?
Article content
A: Yeah. Before we started rehearsal, I sat down with Abby virtually, because I'm based in Ontario now, and just spent some time going over the role and talking about some of the challenges and ways to help her prep. It's definitely a major advantage on such a star vehicle type of show to have a director who has played not only that role, but many roles of this nature, so is able to help somebody from the younger generation navigate how to manage their efforts and their energy levels and vocal maintenance to make sure that they're ready to execute this.
Article content
Article content
Article content
A: It's a much harder show than anybody expects. It's very large and super-fast-paced. There's a ton of musical numbers, and almost every one is a big production number involving the whole cast. And many of the numbers also travel to several locations within them, which presents a challenge for moving constantly in terms of the set. And then when people are offstage, almost every time they exit, it's a quick change for pretty much the entire cast.
Article content
A: I really wanted this story to come from an all-female creative team. I have an amazing choreographer, Lyndsey Britten, working with me and Eliza De Castro on music. The way I describe it is, it's a love letter from women to women. It celebrates all that it means to be feminine. And one thing about Legally Blonde is that people often think it's a very stereotypical story, but actually it's a super empowering story about somebody who is stereotyped and ends up defying her own expectations, as well as everyone else's, by finding her own path.
Article content
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Edmonton Journal
11-07-2025
- Edmonton Journal
Review: Legally Blonde at the Citadel a light, fun summer refresher
Article content The summer colour palette for Edmonton could be safely described as a mixture of river-valley green and sky blue that goes on forever. Well, add a splash of bright pink as Legally Blonde debuts at the Citadel, running until Aug. 3 on the Shoctor stage. Article content The set, costumes and even the lobby have been kitted out in the appealing and girly shade favoured by the musical's central character, Elle Woods (former Calgarian Kelsey Verzotti). Audience members on opening night were resplendent in fuchsia, hot pink, baby pink and also sequins. It was quite a party. Article content Article content For those who haven't followed the career of Reese Witherspoon with the same passionate intensity as me, Legally Blonde (based on the book by Amanda Brown) was her 2001 breakout hit. In 2007, the movie was turned into a Broadway musical and in 2008, that musical began touring the world, where it remains on seemingly permanent rotation. Article content Article content It's easy to see why. Legally Blonde is an epic celebration of girl power driven by a largely forgettable string of same-sounding songs and a more than memorable selection of energetic dance routines. Verzotti brings excellent pipes and a spunky spirit to the lead role of Elle, who is famously dumped by boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Kaden Brett Forsberg) when he gets into Harvard Law School. Warner needs a more serious girlfriend. Elle — as smart as she is blonde — applies to Harvard Law School to win him back. Spoiler alert: she not only gets in, but ends up top of her class. Article content Article content There isn't much to the plot of Legally Blonde, which has been updated with contemporary references from Timothée Chalamet to Instagram, and things threaten to get dull in the first act despite the cheer squad that shows up to help Elle with her admission essay. We are relieved when Elle's sorority sisters Margo (Maya Baker), Serena (a zippy April Cook) and Pilar (Jessica Jones) arrive with regularity to add fat dollops of sassy to the script. They are particularly winsome as members of a Greek chorus that serve to boost Elle's spirits, provide guidance and generally dance their tails off. Article content Article content About that dancing. OMG guys — the fist-pumping choreography in this production by director Stephanie Graham is mesmerizing. Graham, one of the most in-demand directors in Canada, also demonstrates an effervescent touch when it comes to deftly highlighting pieces of physical comedy in the show. Gunho Kwak (who plays a hunky UPS driver in short shorts among other funny bits) is also a highlight in Legally Blonde, as is Sarah Horsman, who plays Brooke Wyndham — a fitness instructor framed for the murder of her husband. Horsman demonstrates amazing physical prowess, skipping rope while belting out an inspirational version of Whipped Into Shape in the show's second act. Just writing about it makes me winded.
Vancouver Sun
11-07-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Review: Legally Blonde at the Citadel a light, fun summer refresher
The summer colour palette for Edmonton could be safely described as a mixture of river-valley green and sky blue that goes on forever. Well, add a splash of bright pink as Legally Blonde debuts at the Citadel, running until Aug. 3 on the Shoctor stage. The set, costumes and even the lobby have been kitted out in the appealing and girly shade favoured by the musical's central character, Elle Woods (former Calgarian Kelsey Verzotti). Audience members on opening night were resplendent in fuchsia, hot pink, baby pink and also sequins. It was quite a party. For those who haven't followed the career of Reese Witherspoon with the same passionate intensity as me, Legally Blonde (based on the book by Amanda Brown) was her 2001 breakout hit. In 2007, the movie was turned into a Broadway musical and in 2008, that musical began touring the world, where it remains on seemingly permanent rotation. Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. It's easy to see why. Legally Blonde is an epic celebration of girl power driven by a largely forgettable string of same-sounding songs and a more than memorable selection of energetic dance routines. Verzotti brings excellent pipes and a spunky spirit to the lead role of Elle, who is famously dumped by boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Kaden Brett Forsberg) when he gets into Harvard Law School. Warner needs a more serious girlfriend. Elle — as smart as she is blonde — applies to Harvard Law School to win him back. Spoiler alert: she not only gets in, but ends up top of her class. There isn't much to the plot of Legally Blonde, which has been updated with contemporary references from Timothée Chalamet to Instagram, and things threaten to get dull in the first act despite the cheer squad that shows up to help Elle with her admission essay. We are relieved when Elle's sorority sisters Margo (Maya Baker), Serena (a zippy April Cook) and Pilar (Jessica Jones) arrive with regularity to add fat dollops of sassy to the script. They are particularly winsome as members of a Greek chorus that serve to boost Elle's spirits, provide guidance and generally dance their tails off. About that dancing. OMG guys — the fist-pumping choreography in this production by director Stephanie Graham is mesmerizing. Graham, one of the most in-demand directors in Canada, also demonstrates an effervescent touch when it comes to deftly highlighting pieces of physical comedy in the show. Gunho Kwak (who plays a hunky UPS driver in short shorts among other funny bits) is also a highlight in Legally Blonde, as is Sarah Horsman , who plays Brooke Wyndham — a fitness instructor framed for the murder of her husband. Horsman demonstrates amazing physical prowess, skipping rope while belting out an inspirational version of Whipped Into Shape in the show's second act. Just writing about it makes me winded. A co-production with Theatre Calgary, Legally Blonde is anchored by a talented cast of 15 actors from Calgary, Edmonton, and beyond. Local talent John Ullyatt once again displays his flexibility as a theatre professional. He's cutting as Professor Callahan — the law prof who first underestimates Elle and then comes on to her when she becomes one of his interns — and hilarious as Elle's indulgent daddy (who also underestimates his daughter). Patricia Zentilli displays endearing charm as the hairdresser Paulette and also proves why she remains a triple threat in musical theatre, adding Irish dancing to her playful skill set. Edmonton's Beyata Hackborn (set designer) is teamed with Calgary's Rebecca Toon (the Emmy-nominated costume designer) for a nicely balanced approach to the Battle of Alberta. Legally Blonde is a big hit with audiences for all the right reasons. It's light, it's fun, it has two dogs in the cast. The musical also unpacks a powerful message in scene after scene. Lead with kindness. Keep connected to your girlfriends. And never underestimate the potential of a perm. It could change your whole life. Theatre: The Citadel, in partnership with Theatre Calgary Music and Lyrics: Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, book by Heather Hach Director: Stephanie Graham Where: The Citadel, 9828 101 A Ave., until Aug. 3 Tickets: From $40 by calling the box office at 780-425-1820 or online Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don't miss the news you need to know — add and to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here. You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun.
Calgary Herald
11-07-2025
- Calgary Herald
Review: Legally Blonde at the Citadel a light, fun summer refresher
Article content The summer colour palette for Edmonton could be safely described as a mixture of river-valley green and sky blue that goes on forever. Well, add a splash of bright pink as Legally Blonde debuts at the Citadel, running until Aug. 3 on the Shoctor stage. Article content The set, costumes and even the lobby have been kitted out in the appealing and girly shade favoured by the musical's central character, Elle Woods (former Calgarian Kelsey Verzotti). Audience members on opening night were resplendent in fuchsia, hot pink, baby pink and also sequins. It was quite a party. Article content Article content For those who haven't followed the career of Reese Witherspoon with the same passionate intensity as me, Legally Blonde (based on the book by Amanda Brown) was her 2001 breakout hit. In 2007, the movie was turned into a Broadway musical and in 2008, that musical began touring the world, where it remains on seemingly permanent rotation. Article content Article content It's easy to see why. Legally Blonde is an epic celebration of girl power driven by a largely forgettable string of same-sounding songs and a more than memorable selection of energetic dance routines. Verzotti brings excellent pipes and a spunky spirit to the lead role of Elle, who is famously dumped by boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Kaden Brett Forsberg) when he gets into Harvard Law School. Warner needs a more serious girlfriend. Elle — as smart as she is blonde — applies to Harvard Law School to win him back. Spoiler alert: she not only gets in, but ends up top of her class. Article content There isn't much to the plot of Legally Blonde, which has been updated with contemporary references from Timothée Chalamet to Instagram, and things threaten to get dull in the first act despite the cheer squad that shows up to help Elle with her admission essay. We are relieved when Elle's sorority sisters Margo (Maya Baker), Serena (a zippy April Cook) and Pilar (Jessica Jones) arrive with regularity to add fat dollops of sassy to the script. They are particularly winsome as members of a Greek chorus that serve to boost Elle's spirits, provide guidance and generally dance their tails off. Article content Article content About that dancing. OMG guys — the fist-pumping choreography in this production by director Stephanie Graham is mesmerizing. Graham, one of the most in-demand directors in Canada, also demonstrates an effervescent touch when it comes to deftly highlighting pieces of physical comedy in the show. Gunho Kwak (who plays a hunky UPS driver in short shorts among other funny bits) is also a highlight in Legally Blonde, as is Sarah Horsman, who plays Brooke Wyndham — a fitness instructor framed for the murder of her husband. Horsman demonstrates amazing physical prowess, skipping rope while belting out an inspirational version of Whipped Into Shape in the show's second act. Just writing about it makes me winded.
