Spring is in the air, and so are the sounds of laughter and music as Theatre Calgary presents Legally Blonde, the hit musical that will close out the 2024-25 season with a bend…and snap!
A feel-good show based on the Amanda Brown novel and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer hit film, Legally Blonde is the story of Elle Woods, whose perfect life is turned upside down when her boyfriend dumps her to attend Harvard Law. Determined to win him back, Elle joins him at the prestigious school, defying stereotypes and proving herself in the process, with a little help from her Delta Nu Sorority friends and her dog Bruiser.
“Every season deserves a grand finale. And this year, we’re going out with a burst of brilliance, boldness, and a touch of bubble-gum pink,” says Theatre Calgary Artistic Director Stafford Arima. “Legally Blonde isn’t just a musical—it’s a celebration of the human spirit wrapped in a musical theatre bow. It shouts that joy is powerful, kindness is courageous, and being underestimated can be your greatest advantage.”
Directing & choreographing Legally Blonde is Stephanie Graham. While Graham is making her Theatre Calgary debut with this show, her work across Canada is extensive, having directed and choreographed numerous times at the Globe Theatre, Neptune Theatre, The Musical Stage Company, Charlottetown Festival, and many others.
“In Legally Blonde, there is something we all identify with the character of Elle Woods,” says Graham. “All of us have been underestimated at some point in our lives. We also celebrate that Elle doesn’t need to fundamentally change who she is to succeed. We deserve to exist in the world and be unapologetically ourselves.” While the film is now 24 years old, Graham sees a lasting impact, “Elle continues to be a role model, and she remains an emblem for challenging stereotypes and embracing female empowerment in the face of misogyny. Fun fact – the film is often credited as having one of the biggest effects on women deciding to go to law school, even today (The Legally Blonde effect).”
Taking on the role of Elle Woods is Calgary-based talent Kelsey Verzotti. Kelsey is no stranger to musicals or big shows on the Max Bell Theatre stage, having previously appeared in Theatre Calgary’s Mary and Max A New Musical (2018) and A Christmas Carol (2024). Other familiar faces to TC audiences include Daniel Fong (A Christmas Carol, Forgiveness) as Emmett, John Ullyatt (The Play That Goes Wrong, Crazy For You) as Elle’s Dad, and Dean Stockdale (Little Women) as Enid.
Image: Stephanie Graham (bottom right, in pink!) and the company of Theatre Calgary's Legally Blonde, on the first day of rehearsal.
Following the run at Theatre Calgary, this production will head up north to the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton for a run starting in July. Graham is excited for this show to be a hit in both cities. “This musical is just so much fun. The world is so very dark and complicated and overwhelming, and I cannot wait to escape and get this party started with this cast and team and two adorable dogs in each city. I know Calgary and Edmonton audiences are going to love it!”
Legally Blonde, with music & lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and book by Heather Hach, runs at Theatre Calgary from May 20 - June 15 in the Arts Commons Max Bell Theatre. As part of Theatre Calgary’s ‘Theatre For All’ initiative, all main floor tickets are just $44 for regular performances, and can be purchased online at theatrecalgary.com.
The show is made possible through the generous support of The Al Osten & Buddy Victor Legacy Fund, along with additional support from McCarthy Tetrault.