Ten years ago audiences were introduced to a bodacious, questionably brainy blonde who personified, and simultaneously embraced, every blonde stereotype. She taught young girls everywhere the universally marketable message about the importance of staying true to yourself.
Elle Woods was a bona fide cult heroine.
Mentioning the name now, a decade after her cultural debut, triggers fond memories of the bend and snap man-bait routine, her unwavering confidence and that bubbly pitch-perfect voice. Even though Elle Woods is perhaps just a distant memory – or no memory at all to some – the “Legally Blonde” legacy Reese Witherspoon established with her 2001 hit has been theatrically translated to the off-Broadway stage since 2008 with “Legally Blonde: The Musical.” Starting April 5, Madison audiences are finally getting a dose of Elle’s Harvard song and dance routine when the national tour makes a pit stop at the Overture Center for the Arts.
Though the story may be familiar, some may also recognize a fellow Madisonian among the cast. Andy White, a 2005 Madison East High School graduate, plays Aaron Shultz – Elle’s patronizing first impression of Harvard.
“I would describe Aaron as a pompous creep, obsessed with money and status who’s going to Harvard, because, where else would you go”? White said in a recent interview with The Badger Herald.
As the tale goes, Woods is rejected by her Kennedy-esque boyfriend, Warner, as he embarks on his Harvard journey, bound for Senator-dom. He leaves his sorority squeeze behind in California in hopes of finding a more suitable, “serious” girlfriend who shares the same life goals. Determined to win the love of her life back, Woods studies up and miraculously is accepted to Harvard Law School in the vain attempt of showing Warner she can fulfill his ideal and become serious, proving something more important to herself along the way.
“Elle learns that there’s more to life, like staying true to yourself, and people see that and all of the colors that you can give as a person, which is kind of inspiring,” White said.
Fans were most likely initially skeptical when Broadway first introduced the musical in 2007. After all, the film doesn’t necessarily offer resounding natural entry points for the insertion of musical numbers. But after a wildly successful Broadway run and numerous national tours, it looks like skeptics were proven wrong for this upbeat, feel-good journey.
“There’s definitely a huge following of the movie, and honestly I think that helps us because a lot of the dialogue is straight from the film script,” White said. “I know a lot of people are oddly familiar with the musical by just the name, so at least their curiosity will be sparked.”
Though White acknowledges the film has somewhat of a cult following, he admits he wasn’t a fan prior to being cast in the production.
“I saw it twice on Broadway before I ever saw the movie. I like the music a lot and that’s what drew me in,” White said. “I remember thinking, ‘this is a show I could be in,’ and I guess I was right.”
Joining White is a young and fairly inexperienced cast of other 20-somethings – an element of the show dubious critics have praised, and something White finds encouraging.
“Everyday I truly am blown away by the talent. A lot of us are pretty young in the business – the average age is about 23 or 24 – but the amount of professionalism that people show, while still having the ability to keep [the show] light and fresh and fun. It’s what I like to think this is supposed to be about,” White said. “It’s really been a pleasure to be around a group of people who are so inspired by what we’re doing. I feel like I’ve found some lifelong friends.”
But even with the promising talent of the young touring cast, with musical numbers like, “Omigod You Guys” and “Daughter of Delta Nu” some are quick to lambaste the show for its frivolous and seemingly shallow nature.
“It’s a feel-good show, but it’s not going to necessarily change your life,” White said.
Though White admits “Legally Blonde: The Musical” may not be life changing for audience members, the same cannot be said for White and his involvement with this year’s touring cast.
“This has been kind of a dream come true for me,” White said. “It’s very exciting to come home and see the support I have here from everyone.”
“Legally Blonde: The Musical” will be at the Overture Center for the Arts April 5 to April 10. Student ticket are $20; general admission tickets start at $31.
