NITE's 'Legally Blonde' makes a solid case for pink

Fans of the movie “Legally Blonde” will know to wear pink to NITE Theater’s production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” which opened last Friday and plays at the Lincoln Theatre weekends through Nov. 24.

Bring daughters and granddaughters to this spirited, upbeat and nonstop fast-paced, energetic show.

From the opening number “Omigod You Guys,” there is a 20th century feminist fairy tale vibe. This is also a group journey, with the Delta Nu sorority sisters, a portion of the ensemble cast – youthful, primarily female and all confident – filling the stage.

Elle (a savvy and self-assured Daisy Youngquist) leads the UCLA cheer squad – and is a fashion merchandising graduate who will sing and dance her way into making you cheer for her.

Her beau Warner (Rob Neeleman) has ambitions to use Harvard Law School as a launch pad to becoming a senator. He and Elle sing “Serious” separately and together at a cafe. She is looking for a proposal.

But when he sings “I got some dreams to make true. / It’s time to be serious” he is leaving her behind.

So the quest begins, the Princess in pursuit of her Prince Charming and undeterred by the challenges of a Valley Girl cheerleader storming the formidable walls and traditions of Harvard.

Elle gets admitted on the strength of her cheerleading skills, offering a very different spin on multicultural diversity.

Law professor Callahan (Luke Dooley; good voice) is tough, telling his students they need a “Blood in the Water” instinct to succeed, singing to the class.

Elle calls on her Greek Chorus – dressed in all white – which only she can see – a nice touch – for guidance. She needs them. Warner has a new steady, fellow student Vivienne (Abigail Hanson; good voice). Elle at Harvard?

She decides to dye her hair to fit in, leading to meeting Paulette (Ireland Woods; good voice) at her salon. Paulette is working class, tough and Irish. She sings “Ireland” and we learn her story.

The plot thickens as Elle gets tutoring from Emmett (Mason Beaver), a projects kid who worked hard to advance to Callahan’s assistant as a third-year student. With his tutelage, Elle wins an internship to assist in a murder case.

The defendant, Brooke (Rachel Kuenzi) is a fitness instructor. The show-stopping number is “Bend and Snap,” with lighted jump ropes and great choreography. It starts in a workout studio and then cuts to a fitness class in prison.

With her Valley Girl nature, Elle has insights that win the court case. She’s the hero, matures, finishes law school and becomes class valedictorian. Oh, and she wins Emmett, proposing to him on her knee.

This fairy tale is one dimensional and predictable, but it sings optimistic joy the entire way. As a fairy tale, the morals are obvious:

Stop thinking about yourself and care more about others. Get off your high horse. Take responsibility for your actions. (or not). Hard work wins in the end. Be honest. Follow your heart.

Youngquist shines as the lead imbuing Valley Girl confidence, energy and innocence. She handled opening night mic problems like a pro.

There are two dogs and they are great.

The nine-person orchestra, conducted by Jennifer Campbell, was the best musical part of the musical.

The choreography, costumes and ensemble numbers filled the stage the cast matching Young­quist’s spirit and energy.

It was great to see the large, youthful cast perform so confidently and joyfully upbeat.

Alas, too much of the singing was too loud, one dimensional and screeching.

Director Kenzie Sharpe kept the 40-member cast on the move through numerous scenes and ensemble numbers.

Katie Jennings is musical director. Jana Goetsch is choreographer. Amber Hamilton, Linnie Scott and Stacy Youngquist were costumers. The program lists the too many to name cast, production designers and managers.

Producers are Katherine Olson, Susie Pollino, Stacy Youngquist and Holly Wood.

“Legally Blonde: The Musical” opened on Broadway in 2007. Music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin and book by Heather Hach. It earned seven Tony nominations.

Times and tickets: ­lincolntheatre.org.