OFFBEAT: Marriott's 'Legally Blonde' a perfectly pink production

There are times when less is more and this accomplishment is a compliment of praise.

Such is the case for Marc Robin's direction and choreography of the new original production of "Legally Blonde" playing until April 1 at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Ill.

When considered just for the story and song content, it's the equivalent of the cakes with mounds of icing but very few layers underneath.

But when propped up by a top-notch cast, surrounded by a clever and dazzling set and spruced up with choreography that never disappoints, this show shines.

Staged in this classic "theater in the round" stage space, the musical kicks off its 2012 season paying homage to the the hit 2001 MGM movie of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon.

Make no mistake that this rendition is much more than just a live performance recreation of the movie.

All the favorite scenes are certainly intact, but this incarnation allows the talented collection of actors and actresses to make these roles their own.

I confess that while I do like the original film, I did NOT like the national Broadway tour of "Legally Blonde" when it played Chicago in May 2009.

But Robin's treatment of the same material is much more appealing.

Chelsea Packard, who has starred on Broadway in "Wicked" and "Promises, Promises" is the starring lead playing law school hopeful Elle Woods. There's no doubt she knows this role inside and out and is spirited and entertaining. It's plain to see she's ready to leave this 20-something silly role behind for something more substantial in the future.

Broadway men Cole Burden and David Larsen star as the dueling love interests of Elle and both are fantastic actors sporting solid vocals.

Gene Weygandt is tough-as-nails law professor Callahan and Stepanie Binetti is ideal for Elle's foil, Vivienne.

But of them all, the out-front standout is the wonderful Christine Sherrill as long-suffering beauty shop owner Paulette.

Sherill's characterization and persona for this comic relief character rules every scene.

Summer Naomi Smart plays fitness queen "Brooke" and she leads a stellar ensemble in a jump-rope number that never skips a beat. The choreography is precision.

Yes, the eye-rolling stereotypes and stupid moments are still part of the story. But overall, the entertaining and endearing qualities for this production outweigh the cheeseball factors.

Lead Artistic Director Andy Hite heads the artistic team for "Legally Blonde" with music direction by Ryan T. Nelson.

The simple, inventive set design by Tom Ryan is fantastic (who knew Greek columns on casters could be so versatile?) and the costume design by Nancy Missimi captures the moment.

Tickets are $40 to $55 with the option of dinner and lunch packages available. Free parking. FYI: (847) 634-0200 MarriottTheater.com.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or (219) 852-4327.