“Legally Blonde(r),” a drag parody revival, opened up at Indy Drag Theatre (IDT) this past weekend. It was fabulous, funny and an excellent use of free will and creative expression.
It was also very, very pink.
“Legally Blonde(r),” the show that started it all for IDT back in 2022, is back onstage at the District Theatre May 15-18. Directed and choreographed by IDT co-founders Blair St. Clair and April Rosé respectively, “Legally Blonde(r)” is a live theatrical production of “Legally Blonde” — the movie and the musical — featuring over-the-top Y2K costumes, elaborate choreography, stunning wigs and so much pink.
Oh, and it’s all lip-synched because well, it’s drag, honey.
However, it’s also not what you’d see in a typical drag performance at brunch or in a nightclub. It’s a fusion of theater and drag, using a well-loved story centering on LGBTQ+ themes, humor and heart to connect with a broader audience. The show even incorporates niche pop and queer culture moments that add flavor to an already enjoyable show.
“Legally Blonde” is a musical based on a movie based on a book by Amanda Brown. The following Elle Woods (Parker Taylor/Honey Bunn), a blonde sorority girl, who follows her ex-boyfriend, Warner Huntington III (Cadence) to Harvard Law School to prove she’s serious and win him back. Spoiler: It doesn’t work, and she instead becomes this fierce lawyer who falls in love with her TA, Emmett Forrest (Eli Rose).
The marketing for “Legally Blonde(r) claims the revival is “more legal, more blonde and more drag-tastic than ever.” I didn’t see the original production in 2022, so I cannot confirm or deny the truthfulness of that statement, but this show was, in fact, incredible.
And honestly, the whole thing was just plain fun — well, it wasn’t plain in the slightest, but it was fun. From wig design and makeup, to costumes and choreography, “Legally Blonde(r)” was a vibrant and lively affair.
I’m always saying “theater is meant to be enjoyed” in every review I write (because it is), but there are also so many ways to enjoy theatre, and this is one of them!
“Drag is an artform that has always been a part of theatre and allows people to play characters of any gender,” as stated in the Gaybill (Playbill). “We honor that tradition with what we do today, creating opportunities for all types of gender expression in any role. There is drag in everyone, and drag is for everyone.”
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From the opening number, one of the most impressive things about this show was the choreography. “Legally Blonde(r)” is a dance heavy show where every moment is an opportunity for movement. The District Theatre’s mainstage is a small and intimate space, but you’d hardly know it based on the way dancers filled the stage during group numbers such as “Omigod,” “What You Want,” “Bend and Snap” — and my personal favorite — “Whipped into Shape.”
It was moments like these — when Brooke Wyndham (Vera Vanderwoude St. Clair) is leading a high intensity workout from prison or Serena (Kitt St. Clair) is demonstrating the Bend and Snap you could see and feel the joy in the performance, not just from those onstage, but from the audience, too.
Ailish Forner did the costume design for “Legally Blonde(r)” and it was the pink, glittery, Y2K fashion dream you would hope for. Every outfit, every costume change and every big reveal was just so pleasing as a viewer. Everything was also incredibly detailed; from socks to jewelry, Forner’s costumes really brought these characters to life in a magical way.
I don’t usually point out wig design — because it’s not something that usually makes or breaks a show — but Hair by Blair’s wig design choices coupled with the styling, artistry and hairography behind them was integral to the storytelling.
However, the cast makes a show truly spectacular, and “Legally Blonde(r)” had a hilariously entertaining and talented one. There wasn’t a dull moment as long as at least one person was on stage — including Elle’s dog Bruiser (Sean Seager). Honey Bunn’s Elle Woods was just the right amount of bubbly, confident and overly dramatic, giving the feminist legal icon a new shimmer. Coupled with Rose’s Emmett Forest, the unique connection they have onstage reminds you of the love story building in the background of Elle’s inevitable victory.
Still, I must commend Vera Vanderwoude St. Clair (“Brooke Wyndham”) and Kalinda (“Vivienne Kensington”) for taking the time to yank the spotlight away from them whenever their characters allowed.
Lastly, Sydnie Blair as Paulette Buonefonte and Cadence as Warner Huntington III stood out to me as especially heart-warming. It’s not easy to take awkwardly loveable — or unlovable — characters with big dramatic solos and make them slay in the most casually provocative way, but they did. It was impressive.
That being said, this particular theatre art form might not be for everyone. If you’re an avid theater enjoyer or supporter of the arts and looking to enjoy something new and vibrant, I highly recommend IDT’s “Legally Blonde(r).” However, it is NOT a family show. Leave the kids at home for this one.
“Legally Blonde(r)” is showing on the mainstage at The District Theatre for five more performances May 15-18. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit indydragtheatre.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
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