I am channeling Elle Woods today. It’s kind of hard NOT TO after seeing Legally Blonde on Broadway for the third time last night and getting the chance to meet Laura Bell Bundy - who brings the true character of Elle to life. I get a few sideways looks from people when they hear I’ve seen the show 3 times - but then again, maybe they’ve never seen it. The show can take you from a 2 to a 10 on a feeling good level in a matter of minutes. However there is also another reason I have seen the show 3 times. The first two times I went, the character of Elle Woods was played by different understudies. While they were both good at embodying Elle in their own special way, I wanted the real deal. I wanted Laura Bell. After seeing the show with Laura Bell, It became clear to me that my struggle to see the show with her in it was worth it. I probably worked as hard as Elle worked to get into Harvard, just to see Laura Bell in one show. If you saw my post from the other day, you can see that I had my own personal video essay. It got me into the show and it also got me a chance to meet Laura Bell.
There’s been a lot of talk surrounding the complications and risks of translating a movie into a Broadway show. Especially a movie that has been as loved and celebrated as Legally Blonde. In this case the new Elle would have to recreate the character of Elle in an equally lovable way, the way Reese Witherspoon made Elle into a bastion of strength, love and warm fuzzies in LB I&II (snaps for Elle). Those are some really big pink shoes to fill. I have heard that people have a hard time getting into the play because they can’t get past happy memories from the movie. Perhaps they’d get more into the play if they had the chance to see it 3 times. I have become comfortable separating the movie from the show and accepting that they both play a pretty valuable part in my mission to be bubbly, nice and positive as much as possible.
Something changed last night. I have a new found respect for the vision that is Elle Woods. Maybe it isn’t even Elle, maybe it’s Laura Bell. I didn’t expect the play to be very different from the two other times I had seen it but it was “so much better than before”. Laura Bell just has this amazing presence on stage; she doesn’t play the role. She owns it, embodies it and turns it out with flair. There were times that I felt like: wait, this girl could be the real life Elle. She just moved through the songs with such thunderous positivity and magnetism. I really got into it and the show left me beaming.
The real treat was going to the stage door to meet Laura Bell Bundy. Unfortunately “My name was NOT up on that list”, but in true Elle fashion I explained that I had been told that my name would be on the list. I kept calm and focused on the thought that nothing is impossible. After all, If Elle would have left Havard because Calahan hit on her, she never would have achieved her destiny. So I waited as they checked my credentials, knowing that I would get to meet Laura Bell no matter what. And then it came, as if I had just gotten an 175 on my LSATs - I was escorted in. Laura Bell might be the cutest thing to hit the streets since Bruiser got highlights. So warm, gracious and real. I asked her how playing the role of Elle has changed her life and she told me it’s made her so much more of a happy and positive person. In rehearsals before the show even opened she felt stress melt off her shoulders as she sang and danced her way to Harvard and winning the big trial (remember: the perm rule ~ don’t wash hair for 48 hours post perm). That’s when I knew, my philosophy of using the Elle Woods Way to becoming a happy and genuine person is proven for others as well: it works. I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up seeing this show a 4th time; but if I want to see it with Laura Bell I have to do so before July 20th ~ her departure from the show. Seriously folks, go see Legally Blonde on Broadway with Laura Bell Bundy! It has put me in the best mood.
My favorite song from that show has to be, “Is He Gay or European.” After dating a few Europeans (and living with one now) I’ve related.
The Hyphenate May 10, 2008 3:50pm
Seeing Legally Blonde on Broadway has been on my to-do list since it first opened–now I’m convinced that I have to go ASAP!
IloveLEGALLYBLONDE May 24, 2008 1:53pm
Is there a way to find out what days she won’t be performing. I really want to go see her and meet her before her last performance. But I don’t wanna go and she won’t be there that night.
Sarah February 1, 2009 7:00pm
Hi, I can’t wait to see this show if it (hopefully) comes to the UK. The reason I love legally blonde is very personal. I am a natually blonde who has been assumed to be dumb and bullied for that all my life. This story turns the old stereotypes on their heads. Every brunette with a blonde issue should be made to see this show. Go Elle Woods!
comment on Marie Douglas-David:
"Oh yes, there is something about Marie D-D all right (no, it ain't DD's, you pervs) rather it's the holes that have shown up in all her purses. How else could one explain the vast amounts of cash s..."
on the rooftop of the Dream Hotel
for the hottest new daytime Saturday party in NYC!
BBQ, Free Frozen Cocktail from 12-1pm
$8 Mojito and $4 Beers.
R.S.V.P: heather@loungebarsnyc.com
Two 200-person seatings (12 noon, 3pm), serving non-Ono prix fixe grub (jumbo lump blue crab cakes, Brandt Beef tournedos...), bottle service, and tropical-themed cocktails ($17, but their vodka tonics run $15, so...); reservations for tables are recommended and walkups are welcome as space allows.
For high rollers, GUGD's roping off several sun-drenched lounges and making them available for $5000 each.
Make a reservation: Gansevoortbikinibrunch@gmail.com
Patriotic Pub Hop
Saturday, July 4th 2pm-til you fall down
No lame family BBQ's or plans of hittin up the Hamptons this weekend?
Come celebrate a booze-fueled Fourth of July with our Patriotic Pub Hop!
Enjoy all you can drink Bud and Bud Light drafts from 2-4pm for just $10 followed by Americana drink specials including $3 Bud/Bud Light drafts, $4 well drinks, $5 Apple Pie shots and $6 Muscle Car-Bombs all night long!
Hop from Black Bear Lodge to Bulls Head Tavern to Whiskey River...Check out the hot dog eating contest...and, if you're still standing- stick around for the Fireworks extravaganza broadcast live on our HDTV's!
To RSVP or for more information please contact WeLoveBars@gmail.com or log on to
http://www.going.com/PatrioticPubHop
Bring a blanket and come downtown for one of the most-
anticipated free concerts of the summer.
The concert is not ticketed, but space is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To celebrate the Hudson’s 400th anniversary New York City will putting on a fireworks display like never before. To join in the festivities the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Times Square will be offering rooms with perfect views and throwing a rooftop party for the first 100 guests to book rooms. These rooms and the party will be offered at special rates listed below.
Also, if there are people that would only like to attend the rooftop party, there is a special offer for that as well.
Come celebrate independence on the roof of the Rivington!
After a week hiatus we're back on the roof and back to the jacuzzis. The weather is supposed to be nice, so if you've been waiting for an appropriate time to come get loose in a rad New York City penthouse, Thursday is absolutely that time.
Benjamin "B Roc" Ruttner of HeavyRoc Music and Jonathan Price Totaro of Reason NY will be deejaying, bottles in the club, babes, etc etc etc.
We're expecting a lot of people so, if you can, please rsvp to info@lolanewyork.com or try and come early
After celebrating our country all day, spend all night honoring our king...of pop, that is. The Suzie Wong lounge will be spinning Michael Jackson music starting after the fireworks and lasting until the wee hours of dawn.
In late 2007, five young professionals, long connected by both friendship and family, decided to pool and tap into their own altruistic nature while encouraging others to do so. Their forum - the party. Calling themselves ‘fun-raisers’ their track record bears evidence
I am channeling Elle Woods today. It’s kind of hard NOT TO after seeing Legally Blonde on Broadway for the third time last night and getting the chance to meet Laura Bell Bundy - who brings the true character of Elle to life. I get a few sideways looks from people when they hear I’ve seen the show 3 times - but then again, maybe they’ve never seen it. The show can take you from a 2 to a 10 on a feeling good level in a matter of minutes. However there is also another reason I have seen the show 3 times. The first two times I went, the character of Elle Woods was played by different understudies. While they were both good at embodying Elle in their own special way, I wanted the real deal. I wanted Laura Bell. After seeing the show with Laura Bell, It became clear to me that my struggle to see the show with her in it was worth it. I probably worked as hard as Elle worked to get into Harvard, just to see Laura Bell in one show. If you saw my post from the other day, you can see that I had my own personal video essay. It got me into the show and it also got me a chance to meet Laura Bell.
May 8, 2008 1:56pm
Woof! Woof!
May 8, 2008 4:05pm
My favorite song from that show has to be, “Is He Gay or European.” After dating a few Europeans (and living with one now) I’ve related.
May 10, 2008 3:50pm
Seeing Legally Blonde on Broadway has been on my to-do list since it first opened–now I’m convinced that I have to go ASAP!
May 24, 2008 1:53pm
Is there a way to find out what days she won’t be performing. I really want to go see her and meet her before her last performance. But I don’t wanna go and she won’t be there that night.
February 1, 2009 7:00pm
Hi, I can’t wait to see this show if it (hopefully) comes to the UK. The reason I love legally blonde is very personal. I am a natually blonde who has been assumed to be dumb and bullied for that all my life. This story turns the old stereotypes on their heads. Every brunette with a blonde issue should be made to see this show. Go Elle Woods!