Gulsvig Photo by Joan Marcus

Lovers of the movie Legally Blonde starring Reese Witherspoon will be delightfully surprised to find that all the elements so amusingly satirized in the film have been adapted for the stage play with some clever ‘insider' jokes and a whole lot of energy. It is pink, pretty, and just the sort of light fare that has made this a standout since its debut in 2007.

To recap the story: the irrepressible Elle Woods (Becky Gulsvig) is dumped by her boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Jeff McLean) just before he leaves for Harvard Law. Stung by his assumption that she isn't smart enough to get into law school, she crams for her LSATS with the help of her Delta Nu sorority sisters, passes the test, and heads off to prove herself and win Warner back.

Music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin are bouncy and bright. "Omigod You Guys," "Daughter of Delta Nu," and "Legally Blonde" are pleasant foils for Heather Hach's book adaptation of the movie and for Elle to establish one of the two sides of her character. Songs like "Bend and Snap" capitalize on threads in the story that add dimension to Elle's good nature as she gives some advice to her ditzy friend Paulette (Natalie Joy Johnson) in order to help her win over a dishy UPS guy that Paulette fancies.

Gulsvig make an endearing protagonist. Accompanied by her well trained chihuahua, Bruiser (Frankie), she steals the show from beginning to end. Johnson also makes an indelible impression as the even-dumber-blonde hairdresser who is empowered by Elle to change her life. Her dog Rufus (Nellie) is no slouch in the acting department as well, being supervised by animal trainer Bill Berloni. Supporting players D. B. Bonds as Elle's love interest, Ken Land as the smarmy professor Callahan, and Megan Lewis as Warner's new girlfriend channel the movie characters to good effect.

Elle's Greek (get it?) Chorus adds a bit of fun to the musical numbers with director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell doing yeoman work to keep the energy up while delivering some very nice characterizations.

The tech features of the show are notable. Set design by David Rockwell (Hairspray, The Rocky Horror Show); costumes by Gregg Barnes (The Drowsy Chaperone, Dirty Rotton Scoundrels); lighting by Kenneth Posner (Wicked, Hairspray) and Paul Miller (Vanities, Laughing Room Only)--all add up to a colorful backdrop for Elle's world. There is one drawback, and that is the sound design by Acme Sound Partners. The lyrics to the songs are very hard to understand, and, at times, the dialogue even suffers.

The appetite for feel-good musicals doesn't seem to be declining, so this touring production will likely be universally welcomed by audiences who desire escapist fare with a bit of heart. Judging by the brisk business at the souvenir counter and the audience filled with girls all dressed up in their pink-best, Legally Blonde looks good to go.

"Legally Blonde," presented at the Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Tuesday through Friday at 8; Saturday t 2 and 8 pm; Sunday at 1 and 6:30 pm. $25-95. Tickets can be purchased at the box office at 10 am., www.BroadwayLA.org. or 1-800-982-ARTS. Closes September 6.