Legally Blonde, the Musical
at Capistrano Valley

Reviewed on April 19, 2018

Sophie Lindborg
Dana Hills (SOCSA)
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Capo's "Legally Blonde" bends and snaps cheers and claps
written by Sophie Lindborg, a senior at Dana Hills (SOCSA)

With an infusion of dancing Delta Nus, serious Harvard students, and pink overload, Capo Valley High School's "Legally Blonde, the Musical" leaves one chanting "Omigod, omigod you guys!"

Brokenhearted fashionista Elle Woods, tries proving herself serious by following her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School. Her journey takes an unexpected turn as she raises the bar by prosecuting in pink, and striking down stereotypes in stilettos.

Sparkling and squealing to all things pink, Grace Langan dazzles as Elle Woods. Her blonde locks bounce to the clicking of her fuchsia heels, as she goes the extra mile to get what she wants- even if it means "wearing black when nobody's dead!" While Harvard students isolate her as a dumb blonde, it is Langan's peppy glow that captures the heart of Emmett (Ethan Kron). Kron's warmth and guidance leads not only to a winning case, but an endearing proposal with Elle down on one knee.

Embodying the sleazy Professor Callahan, Jon Campisano pridefully paces with a sly smirk plastered across his face. Enthralled by Elle, Campisano forces an abrasive kiss upon her, only to be rejected by a slap in the face witnessed by Vivienne (Kayla Bryant). With cropped black hair and poised physique, Bryant is bold as the preppy and cold Vivienne. Tangled in a web of Harvard egotism, she breaks free with a breathtaking belt in "Legally Blonde (Remix)."

Strutting in platform wedges with Irish longing in her eyes, Olivia Wolff is fierce as the spunky beautician, Paulette. She is lovestruck by dreamy UPS man, Kyle (Cole Moore), who wears tight shorts striking a pose in the spotlight. Wolff uproariously attempts to gain attention by bending and snapping her way into Kyle's heart, while also snapping his nose.

Costumes by Ellie Mezak create a clash between the perky sorority girls, and the stoic Harvard students. Vibrant hues of pinks and blues depict the bubbly Delta Nus, while conservative shades of grey and black suits emit Harvard tradition.

Hair and Makeup by Kayla Marck showcases 2000's trends with neon clips, crimps, and animated pigments. Paulette's lofty bouffant paired with heavy eyeshadow matches her quirky personality, while Elle's blonde curls and blushed cheeks display her femininity.

Capo Valley's astounding rendition of "Legally Blonde, the Musical" conveys never letting stereotypes control dreams in life, because "staying true to yourself never goes out of style."

Elena Plumb
St. Margaret's Episcopal
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Capo's Legally Blonde is "What You Want"
written by Elena Plumb, a junior at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

What's a girl to do after being dumped by the love of her life because she is not "serious" enough? Follow him to Harvard Law School and prove to him just how serious she truly is, of course. Complete with infectious energy, a cohesive ensemble, and lots of pink, Capo delivers a fabulously entertaining performance of Legally Blonde that underscores the importance of women supporting one another.

Grace Langan shines as the effervescent, pink-clad Elle Woods, successfully embodies a bubbly sorority girl as she sassily flips her hair and struts across the stage swaying her hips. Even as she transitions into a composed, more "serious" attorney, she stays true to her character's cheerful spirit.

Contrasting Elle's outgoing personality is the humble Emmett Forrest (Ethan Kron). Kron wonderfully evolves from a shy attorney's associate, slightly slouching with his hands stuffed in his pockets, to a self-assured lawyer, standing taller as Elle helps him gain confidence.

With swagger in his walk and a cheesy smirk, Paul Rodriguez-Anter perfectly captures the vain nature of Elle's suave ex-boyfriend, Warner. At his side is his snobbish, "serious" new woman, Vivienne (Kayla Bryant). Bryant asserts her character's dominance through her stiff posture and commanding tone of voice, yet as she becomes sympathetic of Elle's unfair treatment, she softens, empowering her new friend in the show-stopping anthem "Legally Blonde Remix."

Olivia Wolff captivates as Elle's hairdresser and confidante, Paulette. Wolff's sharp movements and raspy voice highlight her character's tough exterior. Her only weakness is Kyle (Cole Moore), the slick UPS delivery guy who steals both her heart and the scene with his cheesy dance moves and seductive, over the top wink.

Costuming by Ellie Mezak perfectly reflects character traits through the use of a clean, gray blazer for sophisticated Vivienne, a worn-out sweatshirt to mirror Emmett's low-key nature, and pink everything for Elle.

Utah Styles's set design successfully distinguishes setting with several versatile set pieces, including a courtroom that transforms into a bathroom in a matter of seconds. Along with set, lighting by Henry Dittrich emphasizes the setting with a backdrop glowing pink in the sorority house and orange in the jail. The design also establishes focus, with lights shining on the characters in the forefront, then darkening as the scene shifts.

As the cast so enthusiastically exclaims, "Omigod You Guys", Capo's production of Legally Blonde is both hilarious and riveting.

Bryce Victor
St. Margaret's Episcopal
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Case Closed: Capo's Legally Blonde is a must see

In this side splitting musical adaption of a beloved movie, Elle Woods finds herself heart broken and journeys to Harvard Law School to win back her ex. Instead, she finds a sense of independence, strength, and the importance of sticking to her instincts. With powerful, engaging numbers and an unmatched energy Capo Valley's Legally Blonde creates a sublime, hilarious, and thought-provoking production.

Grace Langan encapsulates the essence of Elle Woods as a peppy, almost ditzy, and lovable sorority girl. Strutting along the stage adorned in her signature pink clothes, Langen enticingly sways her hips and performs difficult cheerleading stunts in "What You Want." Conversely, as time passes, she slowly becomes more confident, and intelligent while maintaining her playful nature.

Elle's highly animated hairdresser, Paulette (Olivia Wolff), whose past experience causes her to lose hope in men for a majority of the production, but once Kyle (Cole Moore), the hunky UPS delivery man, enters her life her perspective is shifted, shown by her sensual performance and longing gazes in "Bend and Snap."

At Elle's side throughout her journey of discovery is Emmett (Ethan Kron), a quirky, well-spoken but quiet law associate. His earnest movements, slouching over while he tenderly walks towards Elle, clearly convey his endearing nature and love of her.

Arriving at Harvard, Elle finds that her narcissistic ex, Warner (Paul Rodriguez-Anter), has started dating the stuck-up Vivienne (Kayla Bryant), taking every chance to belittle Elle with dry humor and sassy comments. As time passes, however, Vivienne begins to appreciate Elle, eventually culminating in the anthem "Legally Blonde (Remix)," using her explosive vocals to convince Elle to chase her dreams.

The lighting design executed by Henry Dittrich greatly contributes to the development of the story. Perfect transitions of focus of the lighting allow the story to move forward fluidly. In addition, unique designs distinguish setting with pink in the sorority house and orange with shadows of bars in the jail. In junction with Jasmine Kint as stage manager to ensure a smooth run of the show.

Utah Styles' versatile set allows multiple uses for each set piece. As the cast members flip a courtroom table the scene of a bathroom and shower emerge. The accessible set pieces allow changes in scene to be pulled of efficiently.

Capo's powerful ensemble and precise technical elements create an exhilarating comedic spectacle that is "Positive"ly amazing.