Legally Blonde The Musical Bursts Into Pink at Monash University
There are few musicals as instantly recognisable as Legally Blonde, and stepping into the Alexander Theatre at Monash University on Sunday opening night felt like stepping straight into Elle Woods’ world, complete with plenty of pink, plenty of laughs and, of course, a little bit of Bend and Snap!
Presented by Stars and the Moon as its 2026 ‘Inclusical ’, Legally Blonde The Musical brings the beloved story of Elle Woods to the stage in a production that is as energetic and playful as its leading character. Running at Monash’s Alexander Theatre from 16 to 23 August, the production follows Elle as she heads to Harvard Law School to follow her ex-boyfriend after being underestimated by those around her, ultimately discovering her own confidence.
Directed by Lauren McKenna, with Charlotte Greenslade as Musical Director and Benjamin Curé as Choreographer, the production brings together a talented creative team to create a show that feels polished, energetic and full of personality.
What stood out most was the production’s approach to inclusivity. Stars and the Moon is a Melbourne-based all-abilities theatre company that uses a unique “castmate” model, pairing performers with and without disabilities to support one another throughout the production process. Rather than feeling like an addition to the production, they performed beside each other seamlessly, feeling naturally woven into the performance.
And the comedy absolutely delivered
The comedic timing throughout the show was one of its strongest elements. The jokes landed perfectly, even paired with slight bits of improv, showing the great sense of energy between the cast, with plenty of laughter breaking out throughout the performance.
The production also had a few moments that made the audience feel like part of the show. During a few musical numbers and a comedic relief break, the cast stepped beyond the stage, into the crowd and up the stairs towards the seats. In such a spontaneous way, it felt incredibly immersive and personal, adding a very unexpected but well-appreciated touch to the night.
Visually, the production was very well thought out. The stage before the show was covered with pink, immediately setting the tone for the night. The stage design and props added another layer of charm, with Elle’s dorm room being a particular highlight of mine. It really captured that ‘all pink’ aesthetic of Elle, while the attention to smaller details, like a clothing rack and a heart-shaped prop, in comparison to sets like the classroom, made the sets feel well thought out and intentional, which added to the visual experience of the performance.
However, at its heart, Legally Blonde was never just about being pink and playful. Elle’s journey is about being underestimated, not taken seriously, stepping out of those stereotypical assumptions and refusing to change who she is to fit someone else’s idea of success or worth.
This felt particularly fitting within a production centred around inclusion and creating a wonderful space for performers with different abilities. There is always something especially enjoyable about watching a production that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still having something genuinely meaningful to say.
Ultimately, Stars and the Moon’s Legally Blonde The Musical delivers plenty of colour, comedy and heart while celebrating inclusion in a way that feels completely at home within the production. It’s an uplifting and entertaining night at the theatre, with an important message sitting underneath all that fabulous pink.
Reviewed by Nesenaz Yucel
For more information, please visit https://mpac.monash.edu/event/legally-blonde-the-musical-2026/
