“Legally Blonde”

Laurence O’Keefe & Nell Benjamin (Music & Lyrics);

Heather Hach (Book)

Dare it be said that anyone who enters with a built-in dislike for high-pitched, somewhat shrill, and overly enthusiastic female voices still is a sure-fire bet to be infected with the catchy, contagious earworm of “Omigod You Guys,” a tune and set of lyrics guaranteed to bring smiles for days.  That opening number of the 2007, multi-Tony-nominated musical with San Francisco beginnings, Legally Blonde, is only one of the musical’s many Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin creations (i.e., music and lyrics) that is quick and easy to recall and even to re-sing in subsequent showers in the days following seeing their show.  And anyone lucky enough to see the current Hillbarn Theatre version of this West End’s 2011 Olivier Award for Best New Musical is bound to walk away reveling in the charm, zaniness, heart, and overall musical excellence of the Company’s opening production of its 76^thseason.

Rating: 4 E

Legally Blondecontinues through September 18 at Hillbarn Theatre, 1285 East Hillsdale Boulevard.  Tickets are available online at http://www.hillbarntheatre.org  or by calling 650-349-6411.