by Jody Tuso-Key, Managing Editor

The Byers Theater in Sandy Springs was a sea of pink as patrons donned various shades to usher in the opening of City Springs Theatre Company’s LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL which runs from May 3rd to 19th. This is a Speakeysie highly recommended show and a definite cure for FOMO as long as you get your tickets!

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL premiered in a 2007 with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin and book by Heather Hach. It is based on the novel Legally Blonde by Amanda Brown and the 2001 film of the same name. This is the 4th time I’ve seen this show. First in 2012 at Chestatee High School, then in 2017 at Flowery Branch High School, and then in 2019 at the Gainesville Theatre Alliance (this one was a personal favorite as my son, Grant, was in the ensemble). While I’m not a huge fan of movie to stage adaptations, this one has grown on me throughout the years. While the musical itself is 17 years old, it stands the test of time with updated jokes that include pop culture references including Instagram and TicToc.

From start to finish this show packs the energy and laughs. …is the quintessential Elle Woods with the perfect mix of ingenue and strong intelligent woman.

Haden Rider is back on the City Springs stage as Emmett, and it’s fun to see him in an “Everyman” role. Like Emmett, Haden is a person who is comfortable in his skin, and his performance and vocals appear effortless.