Pink Power: Legally Blonde (The Musical)
The Boston Conservatory Theater puts on a fun, pink-filled rendition of the musical
Photo Courtesy of Eric Antoniou
Legally Blonde: The Musical
Directed and choreographed by Larry Sousa
Music by José Delgado
Boston Conservatory Theater at Berklee
Nov. 6 – Nov. 9, 2025
The Boston Conservatory Theater’s witty, pink-filled rendition of Legally Blonde: The Musical is an absolute must-see. Based on the iconic 2001 movie with the same name, Legally Blonde tells the story of sorority girl Elle Woods, who follows her ex-boyfriend Warner Huntington III to Harvard Law School, only to discover her own power along the way.
Associate Professor of Theater at Berklee College Dr. Helen Lewis-Michelson acknowledges the common misconception that Legally Blonde is merely just a “chick-flick,” which ignores how Elle’s story and act of transforming femininity is a “deliberate and liberating performance of identity.” Berklee’s rendition of the musical stays true to this messaging and raises existing feminist messaging in Legally Blonde to a new level, all the while maintaining the same fun, glittery energy of the original story.
The costumes, designed by Malory Stewardson Grillo, effectively convey various characters’ transformations throughout the show. Elle (Cortlandt Barrett) starts as a bedazzled pink sorority girl, with her and other sorority members dressed as similar caricatures. By incorporating visual stereotypes to heighten the idea of “fitting inside boxes,” the production clearly parallels the navy-toned law student Elle later becomes, who is another caricature of what law students should look like. At the end of the show, Elle wears a bright pink suit, proudly showing that her outward femininity doesn’t diminish her intelligence.
Similarly, Emmett Richmond (Aiden Weinstein), Elle’s TA and eventual love interest, contrasts Elle’s more positive, aspirational attitude, and his clothing reflects the same intention. Throughout the show, he dons a worn brown wool blazer until the song “Take It Like a Man,” when Elle gives him a makeover. Even as Emmett wears a sharper navy blue suit, he remarks, “It’s still just me,” re-emphasizing that no matter what someone’s outward appearance is, they remain true to their inner self.
Barrett and Weinstein are standouts on stage. Barrett’s infectious presence and vocal prowess shine in Act 1’s “So Much Better,” and she authentically portrays Elle’s journey from heartbroken sorority girl to self-assured law student. In Act 2, when Professor Callahan (Connor Zeidman) forcibly kisses Elle, Barrett does a great job of handling the weight of the scene and letting the audience sit with its impact. Weinstein shines in Act 2 as a grounded counterpoint to Barrett’s Elle. As Emmett, he strikes a delicate balance by challenging Elle’s choices without overstepping into misogynistic or patronizing undertones. His later portrayal of love-struck admiration for Elle is earnest and endearing, adding to the wonderful chemistry between Barrett and Weinstein.
Paulette (Claire Flynn), Elle’s hair stylist and eccentric friend, also steals every scene she’s in. Her comedic timing and energy on stage were impeccable. Particularly in her performance of “Ireland,” where Paulette comedically contrasts her encouragement of Elle’s dreams with her own longing to find love in Ireland, the audience couldn’t stop laughing. Of course, the iconic “bend and snap” scene was a hilarious standout moment, accentuated by the campy choreography throughout the scene.
The production also makes thoughtful revisions to the original material. Notably, after Elle discovers her ex-boyfriend is dating a new girl called Vivienne, her “Greek chorus” — members of her sorority who represent her inner thoughts — sings about the various comedic acts of violence they want to commit against Vivienne. Although clearly played for laughs, this production added new dialogue where Elle reprimands the Greek chorus for suggesting revenge against Vivienne. These adjustments sharpen the show's message without sacrificing its humor.
Overall, Berklee’s Legally Blonde is a vibrant, unapologetically fun, yet smart and powerful musical. It proves that femininity deserves to be taken seriously and is a “pink-glittered act of gender rebellion” you won’t want to miss.