Marriott's 'Legally Blonde' clearly over the top

Theatergoers at Marriott Theatre's musical production of “Legally Blonde” generally seem to fall into one of two camps — and it's not going to be hard to spot the differences between them.

One group will be, for the most part, dressed in pink. Oh, there will be leopard prints and patent leather, but, for the most part, picture pink, lots of pink. Pepto-Bismol pink, to be exact.

These are the devoted fans of Elle Woods, the Valley Girl who proves she is much more than an empty-headed sorority girl when she tackles Harvard Law School in pursuit of her one true love, Warner Huntington III. These are the fans that have seen the 2001 hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon, as well as the sequel “Legally Blonde 2,” more than a time or two.

Next, we have the second group of theater patrons, dressed in far less outlandish attire, who, at intermission, are scratching their heads, wondering what in the Elle they have gotten themselves into.

Not to worry, newcomers. By the end of the second act, you will be rooting for Elle, as she comes to realize one can be an intelligent, insightful and hardworking attorney who saves the day — even while looking like a prom queen with a chihauhau named Bruiser as an accessory.

This Tony-nominated musical is, after all, a feel-good story. Make that a feel-good story on steroids. Starring Chelsea Packard as Elle, this is a high-energy production that can be over the top and a little too sugary for some, but offers more than a few good laughs, a lot of eye candy and a whole lot of singing and dancing.

Packard, for the most part, has the Red Bull-drinking Elle Woods down to perfection. If during the production, you keep thinking she reminds you of Kristen Chenoweth, you would be right. Packard is a backup singer for Chenoweth and has also starred in “Wicked” and “Promises, Promises.” She has that same perkiness that packs a punch aura about her.

She is more than ably supported by David Larsen as Emmett Forest, Christine Sherrill as Paulette and Cole Burden as Warner. Oh, and Bruiser is played by Chico and Rufus is played by Nellie. You can't go wrong with two cute dogs onstage.

That doesn't mean all this high-octane cute isn't exhausting. The numbers go on a bit too long (“Omigod You Guys,” for one) and some of the jokes and riffs get old (the “Riverdance” bit comes to mind). The Greek Chorus/Sorority Girls shtick was more than a bit grating. “I'm even irritating myself,” says one of the girls. She doesn't know the half.

Still, “Legally Blonde” is enjoyable. Think of it as the equivalent of eating an entire heart-shaped box of Valentine's Day chocolates in one sitting. It sure was yummy while it lasted, but part of you wishes you hadn't indulged.