Legally Blonde at Marriott Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin came up with a peppy, poppy, zesty score that contains such lyrical classics as "Omigod You Guys," "Bend and Snap" and, lest you think all of this is a trivial confection, "Serious." And Marc Robin is at the helm of the first Chicago-area production of the show (the tour aside) that sticks Elle in the round, rounds up a star in Chelsea Packard who most certainly is a winner in the gene pool (as they say of Elle), and, based on the crowd Friday night, lowers the average age of a Marriott audience by a good few decades."

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"...Of course no serious jury would find “Legally Blonde” to be anything other than 100% pure, unadulterated fluff. But the blissfully fast-paced, high-energy, let’s-have-fun Marriott Theatre production of this Broadway show (which also happens to be 100 percent better than the national tour that came through Chicago) is Grade-A fluff — blithely directed and ingeniously choreographed by Marc Robin, with bristling musical direction by Ryan T. Nelson. And sometimes that is just what the doctor should order."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...Audiences cheer for Chelsea Packard’s Elle and David Larsen’s Emmett. They seemed to enjoy Legally Blond more than I did. Its the style and content I dislike but I must say that Marc Robin did make the show a wonderful, light-weight escapist musical comedy that most folks will enjoy. So don’t listen to me since I have a hang-up with the pop/rock non-singing sing that prevents me from letting this show into my soul. If you like camp and fun shows, Legally Blond will entertain you. The materiel sure got an expert mounting from Marc Robin."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...Malibu meets Harvard in a zinger of a show called "Legally Blonde," now playing at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. Directed and creatively choreographed by Marc Robin with magnificent musical direction by Ryan T Nelson, you will maybe cry, certainly laugh, clap your hands, and pick up at least one or two fashion ideas (thanks to costume designer Nancy Missimi). Seriously? I can't get the "Omigod, Omigod You Guys" out of my head and it's almost been 24 hours! What fun this production of "Legally Blonde" is. I did listen to the CD to familiarize myself with the music and liked it, but until you see the show and see it performed live can one really put all the pieces together. Not only is this show filled with a tremendously energetic Red Bull drinking cast, but even two of the cutest little dogs I have ever seen on stage have parts and were right on cue."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"... The Marriott version, which will continue through April 1st, is as solid a performance as one can see on their stage. The energy level of this strong cast is far above normal and the talent assembled by Robin and staff is far superior to what they brought into our “loop” theaters and passed off as a Broadway touring company- the Marriott production far exceeds the movie or the original touring show. The story is based on the novel by Amanda Brown as well as the movie with the new book ( for the stage) by Heather Hach and music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Neil Benjamin. There are no truly stand-out songs, although “Legally Blonde” does remain for awhile, but the way Robin has staged each scene on the small, but versatile stage on Lincolnshire makes for a special treat. For those of us who saw the original version, and hesitated its return, what a wonderful surprise this production is. Chelsea Packared is a delight to watch on stage as Elle Woods, a UCLA student whose boyfriend breaks up with her to go to Harvard law School and tells her that she is not right for him- he needs a serious woman, Elle is heartbroken and with the help of her friends, gets accepted to law School so she can be with him."