Legally Blonde: Nice technical touches and fun!

Upper Dublin High School: Legally Blonde  "Omigod you guys!" Upper Dublin High School's production of "Legally Blonde: The Musical" was energetic and simply enjoyable. And yes, I double-Delta-Nu-sister (or brother)-swear.

Based on the 2001 hit film "Legally Blonde" starring Reese Witherspoon, this musical adaptation tells the story of Elle Woods, a UCLA sorority girl who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law in the hopes of reviving their relationship by proving she's "serious." But when a tough professor and unsympathetic classmates force Elle to hit the books, with the help of TA Emmett Forrest, Elle learns a little about law and a lot about love.

The cast as a whole had many high points. At times the energy sagged, but understandably so seeing all the costume and set changes that the cast was tackling. And when the performers reached a peak, as they did in the song "Bend and Snap," the audience could sit back and just enjoy.

Jennifer Amentt stood strong (and in heels) at the center of this production. Besides showcasing her vocal skills with dynamic songs like "So Much Better," Amentt also displayed an impressive emotional range, easily moving between the vivacity of the overall show and moments like her quiet sincerity in the song "Legally Blonde." Peter Tancini, playing Elle's romantic counterpart, Emmett, had a similar sense of character. He was nerdy, humorous, but also in love, and smartly combined these traits in his performance.

Another engaging performance came from Jessica Jones as hairdresser Paulette. Her song "Ireland" epitomized her best qualities: laugh-out-loud humor with powerhouse vocals. Jonathan Ginsburg played an unforgiving Professor Callahan and also found strength in his commanding baritone voice. Rounding out these diverse characters was Aryssa Burrs as Elle's bitingly cold classmate Vivienne. Burrs expertly conveyed believable hardheartedness without crossing the line into off-putting meanness.

From a technical perspective, the pit orchestra held its own with driving tempos and varied styles, and ultimately gave a boost to the show's energy. Also notable were the props assembled by Monica Morrison and Kara Schilder. From a dog bone cake to Elle's sorority debris strewn about her dorm, the props truly enhanced the reality of the show.

Overall, Upper Dublin gave an engaging performance. The wide range of characters combined with some excellent technical touches made for a show that was like, totally fun.