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1[[quoteright:294:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/LegallyBlondeTheMusical_4042.jpg]]
2
3->''Love! I'm doing this for love! And love will see me through!\
4Yes, with love on my side I can't lose!\
5And Harvard can't refuse\
6A love so pure and true!\
7Don't lawyers feel love too?''
8
9Life seems to be going swimmingly for sorority socialite Elle Woods. Homecoming queen, president of Delta Nu, and girlfriend to Warner Huntington III, she has no qualms with the way her life is heading, particularly as she suspects Warner is about to pop the question. However, things take a shocking turn when Warner dumps her out of the blue instead. His reason? He's off to Harvard Law, and if he's going to be a senator by the time he's 30, he needs someone more serious--a "Jackie" instead of a "Marilyn."
10
11Elle is devastated, but she quickly devises the perfect plan for winning Warner back--she'll get into Harvard and become a law student herself, all while dressed in pink and with her Chihuahua Bruiser by her side. While she's constantly underestimated by others because of her appearance, she's determined to prove herself to Warner, her professors, her fellow students, and even herself. Along the way, her goals and priorities gradually start to change, and she realizes that she may want something different from life after all.
12
13The 2007 musical, scripted by Heather Hach and with songs by the husband-and-wife team of Lawrence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, takes a different direction from [[Film/LegallyBlonde the 2001 movie]]. While the movie mixed over-the-top wacky comedy with more realistic comedy, the musical is DenserAndWackier, full of AcceptableBreaksFromReality and moments of LeaningOnTheFourthWall, though the songs are also highly integrated into the plot, with many long musical scenes that cover enormous amounts of story and CharacterDevelopment. Additionally, several minor characters (like Professor Stromwell and David) are dropped to focus more on a few key characters. In particular, Emmett's character is expanded upon significantly, and Elle's friendship (and eventual romance) with him becomes a much bigger part of the story.
14
15The original Broadway musical, starring Creator/LauraBellBundy as Elle, aired on Creator/{{MTV}} a month after production and managed to get nominated for several awards, winning one. Some viewers consider it an improvement over the film, while most consider it quite good as far as musical adaptations go.
16
17----
18!!This musical shows examples of:
19
20* AcademicAlphaBitch: Vivienne, at least at first, who's very smart but very judgmental towards Elle. Lampshaded by Elle, who calls her "an evil preppy" at one point.
21* AdaptedOut:
22** Professor Stromwell is not featured in the musical, with her role split between Vivienne and Callahan.
23** David Kidney, the tall student Elle pretends to have dated to help him attract girls, is also cut.
24* AdaptationalAlternateEnding: The musical's ending is very close to the movie's, but with a couple distinct tweaks.
25** [[spoiler:In the movie, the viewer is told that Emmett is planning to propose to Elle after the graduation ceremony. In the musical, Elle ends her valedictorian speech by pulling him up in front of the crowd and proposing herself right then and there, which he accepts. This really drives home how much Elle (who, in the beginning, was desperately waiting for a proposal and fretting over hurting her boyfriend's "pride" by seeming too obvious about it) has changed as a person over the course of the show.]]
26** Instead of graduating friendless at the bottom of his class, Warner is said to have dropped out entirely in favor of pursuing a modeling career. Depending on how it's played, this can come across as a happy ending for him or as a final TakeThat, though most productions seem to lean towards the former.
27** In the case of the gay couple this also applies. The movie has [[ThisIsForEmphasisBitch Chuck tell off Enrique]] when he refers to the former as just his friend with no sign of reconciliation. The musical has Nikos admitting to his sexuality, after Carlos has made enough of a scene, with the two then happily dancing together. Carlos thanks Nikos for finally coming out, and kisses him.
28* AdaptationalDumbass: In the movie, Elle decides to better herself and take law school seriously all on her own, while the musical has Emmett having to guide her through the same process step by step. She also doesn't give up on getting Warner back until after she gets the internship instead of having her epiphany at the party. [[JustifiedTrope Justified]], as the change is meant to develop Emmett as a character more and also build a stronger foundation for Elle's eventual romance with him. In addition, it is common for law school students to create study groups to go through the material, since it's hard to go through it all alone, so Emmett also serves this role.
29* AdaptationExpansion:
30** Elle and Emmett's relationship (which is very much left in the background of the movie) gets quite a bit of this. They're shown to be studying together over around several months (during the fall semester and winter holidays), which helps to build a believable camaraderie and closeness between them. Emmett himself as a character is also much better-established with a clear backstory and motivation. He helps Elle out of friendship and a genuine desire to see her succeed and prove everyone wrong, not because he's trying to pick her up. By the time "So Much Better" comes around, it's entirely believable that they're best friends.
31--->'''Emmett:''' Hey! [[NotSoDifferentRemark They laughed at me like they're laughing at you]],\
32We can't win if we don't follow through!\
33Might I venture your vacation plans can wait?
34** The “Bend and Snap” is only featured in one scene in the film, which ends with Paulette accidentally breaking the UPS guy’s nose. The musical however brings back the Bend and Snap during one of the courtroom scenes acting as Elle’s primary piece of evidence [[spoiler:that Nikos is gay]]
35** Delta Nu gets this thanks to the sorority sisters (specifically Margo, Serena, and Pilar) getting more time to interact with Elle via the Greek Chorus. Kate's character is added to the Broadway version and is seen as equal to all the other sisters despite being different from them. Several sisters are also sporty, most notably Brooke Wyndham who is less high glamour and more polished, sporty entrepreneur.
36* AdaptationPersonalityChange: As is pretty typical of any adaptation, most of the characters are at least a little different than they were in the movie, with the biggest example probably being Paulette, as the producers [[https://youtu.be/CIuRkCUIp7o?t=139 admitted]] the meek ShrinkingViolet version of the character in the movie wouldn't really translate well onto the stage where she has to emote to the back rows, so the musical's version of Paulette (especially as played by Orfeh) has Paulette's insecurity manifest as being more loudly neutoric and eccentric.
37* AdaptationalSympathy: In the movie, Vivienne is the one who sees [[spoiler:Callahan sexually harass Elle]] and accuses her of seducing him into her position. In the musical, both Vivienne and Warner witness this happening, but Warner leaves before seeing [[spoiler:Elle slap Callahan]]. Warner fills film Vivienne's NotWhatItLooksLike role and confronts Elle, and Vivienne tells him to shut up. Later, [[spoiler:she's the one who encourages Elle to return to the trial]].
38-->'''Vivienne:''' [[spoiler:Maybe Warner saw a blonde who was sleeping her way to the top, but all I see is a woman who doesn't have to.]]
39* AdaptationalVillainy: Both this show and the original movie have Callahan [[spoiler: sexually harass Elle]], but he's a far bigger SlimeBall in the musical. [[EstablishingCharacterMoment In his very first scene]], he establishes himself as an AmoralAttorney of the highest order who will pull any dirty trick to win a case, and even implies he has no problem indulging in prostitutes and heroin. Also, [[JerkassHasAPoint while he's not exactly unjustified in doing so]], thanks to being a bit of a CompositeCharacter, it's ''him'' who throws Elle out of class here, which he does as cruelly as possible. In general, he's a far more open {{Jerkass}} here than the seemingly CoolTeacher of the film, as he has no problem insulting his students [[BadBoss and interns]] throughout, [[CardCarryingVillain reveling in his scary reputation]]. Not only that, but the finale reveals that [[spoiler: he is -- or rather was -- a married man]], which makes his [[spoiler: actions toward Elle]] even more despicable. And on the topic of [[spoiler: his treatment of Elle]], in the original, while it's still awful, he goes no further than [[spoiler: feeling up her leg]]. This version has it so that he [[spoiler: gives Elle a ForcefulKiss]]. Not only that, but after [[spoiler: Elle rejects him]], Callahan [[spoiler: fires her]], a far worse reaction than his cinematic equivalent. While Elle ''did'' [[spoiler: slap him]], you can't blame her at all given [[spoiler: he planted a ForcefulKiss on her]].
40* AmbiguouslyGay: There's a whole number dedicated to figuring out whether the trial witness is gay, or just the sort of camp that comes along with being European. [[spoiler:Turns out ''both'' are true!]]
41* AllForNothing: Elle goes to extraordinary lengths to prove Brooke's innocence without revealing her deeply embarrassing alibi, only for Brooke to blurt out said alibi just as Elle finishes proving her innocent.
42* AmicableExes: Elle and Warner seem to be this in the finale. He attends her graduation from Harvard even though he dropped out of school himself and joins in with the final song that's all about celebrating Elle and Emmett's relationship.
43* AmoralAttorney: The song [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfE6Ffbd2Ls "Blood in the Water"]] could act as a description of the trope. Callahan is ruthless and amoral from the start, apparently willing to defend any client if they have money.
44* AngerIsHealthyAesop: Discussed in "Chip On My Shoulder". After Elle follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law and discovers Warner has moved on and still doesn't take her seriously, Emmett encourages her to get a chip on her shoulder and work hard to prove everyone -- especially her ex-boyfriend -- wrong. By the end of the number, she has channeled her anger enough to effectively counterargue Warner's argument in class, impressing everyone.
45* AnguishedDeclarationOfLove: In all productions after the original Broadway one, the entirety of "Legally Blonde" takes place in the courtroom, so Elle is actually present to hear Emmett confess his love for her. In turn, this is no longer a LoveEpiphany for Emmett (his line "Please will you open the door?" is changed to "I should have told you before"), but a last-ditch attempt at giving her a reason to stay. The resulting fallout (Elle clearly returns his feelings, but at that point is so broken down that she thinks it's not even worth trying to stay) changes their dynamic for the whole rest of the show.
46* ArcWords: "What about love?" and many variations on it.
47* ArsonMurderAndJaywalking
48-->'''Emmett:''' Therefore, ''malum in se'' is?\
49'''Elle:''' An act that is evil in itself: assault, murder, [[FelonyMisdemeanor white shoes after Labor Day]].
50* ArtisticLicenseLaw:
51** AdaptedOut when Elle negotiates for Paulette's dog back from her ex Dewey. In the movie, Elle claims to be a lawyer representing Paulette. That's illegal because she's not lawyer, just a law student. Here Elle uses the more nebulous term "legal team" and brings Emmett (a licensed attorney) along with her, which at the very least downgrades it to murky rather than a clear-cut violation.
52** In the "Gay or European" sequence, Carlos' exclamation from the gallery would not be considered valid evidence, and the judge would probably order the statement stricken from the record and for the jury to disregard it. The defense ''would'' have the option to (and really should) call Carlos as a rebuttal witness and get official testimony from him on the matter, but they can't use a spontaneous utterance from the gallery as a substitute for actual testimony. That being said, since the case was ultimately dismissed before the defense even had a chance to call witnesses, it's possible they ''did'' intend to officially call Carlos as a witness if the case had gotten that far and it just never happened due to Chutney's confession and the subsequent dismissal of Brooke's case.
53* ArtisticLicenseUniversityAdmissions: Elle shows up at the Harvard Law admissions office while they're looking at her application to present a huge dance number and an equally huge guilt trip until they agree to accept her. Needless to say, no university accepts that as a substitute for a personal essay.
54* AsYouKnow: Invoked by Warner during "Serious" who tells Elle his upcoming law school plans, which she likely already knows.
55--> '''Warner:''' I'm going to Harvard Law School and my brother's at Yale Law -- so's his new wife, and she's a Vanderbilt for Chrissake.
56* AudienceParticipation: During "Take it Like a Man", Elle refers to Emmett by saying "Is he not hot?", which is almost always directed to the audience who then cheer for [[TheGlassesComeOff the newly fashionable]] NiceGuy.
57* BaitAndSwitchComment: During "Chip On My Shoulder", there's this exchange:
58--> '''Emmett:''' I predict you will probably pass--\
59'''Elle:''' Yes!\
60'''Emmett:''' --in the bottom percent of your class.
61* TheBeard: [[spoiler:Brooke was unknowingly this to her poolboy, who claimed to be her lover to hide the fact that he was gay]].
62* BeAWhoreToGetYourMan: Deconstructed, but then also somewhat reconstructed. The story begins with Elle getting dumped; her sexy, carefree, sorority president persona makes her very desirable as a college girlfriend, but rather less desirable as the wife of a future politician.
63-->'''Elle:''' ''Being blonde and being hot\
64That got me exactly squat\
65Gotta to show him I got more to give''
66:: Later, though, Elle and the Delta Nu sisters advise Paulette to use a watered-down version of this to attract the attention of Kyle; demonstrating that you'd make a good long-term partner can come later, but in order for a relationship to even ''begin'', you have to get noticed somehow, and being sexy and assertive is a reasonably reliable way to do that.
67-->'''Serena:''' Paulette, do you know why cheerleaders always get the guy and ''keep'' the guy?\
68'''Paulette:''' Because you jump around and show your panties?\
69'''Serena:''' [=HahahahahaHAHAHAHAHAHA=]--''YES''! But also because we command and demand attention.
70* BetterPartnerAssertion: In "What You Want", Elle argues that she is better than the boring east coast girl Warner wants because she can be fun, beautiful, smart, ''and'' serious.
71* BetterThanSex:
72-->'''Elle:''' Seeing my name in black and white\
73Is like making love with you all night!\
74No wait, it's so much better, hello much better,\
75So--oh '''oh''' OH '''[[ImmodestOrgasm OH!]]'''--much better!
76* BerserkButton: Do ''not'' insult Gloria Steinem in front of Enid.
77* BigBadEnsemble: [[AmoralAttorney Callahan]], who almost ruins Elle's attempt to be an attorney, and [[spoiler:Chutney Wyndham, the real culprit behind the Wyndham murder.]]
78* BluntYes:
79-->'''Serena:''' Paulette, do you know why cheerleaders always get the guy and ''keep'' the guy?\
80'''Paulette:''' Because you jump around and show your panties?\
81'''Serena:''' [=HahahahahaHAHAHAHAHAHA=]--''YES''!
82* BookEnds: The show begins and ends with everyone celebrating Elle's engagement, but the context of the two scenes is extremely different. [[spoiler: In the beginning, her engagement to Warner is considered a sure thing but hasn't technically happened yet; it turns out he's breaking up with her instead of proposing, which comes as a total shock to everyone. At the end, the engagement really happens...but she's engaged to Emmett instead, and Elle's the one who does the proposing in the first place, which ''also'' shocks everyone, but in a much happier way. The songs even sync up!]]
83-->'''Greek Chorus:''' If there ever was a perfect couple, this one qualifies!
84* BrainlessBeauty:
85** Elle is assumed to be this, but she averts it excellently.
86** [[spoiler:Warner leans a little closer to this trope by comparison, but downplayed in his case]].
87** Margot (and the other sorority sisters, to a lesser extent) plays this to a T, and it's ''hilarious.''
88--->'''Serena:''' I don't even think [Warner]'s that hot!\
89'''Margot:''' I do!\
90'''Serena:''' Well, you're a slut!
91* BrainyBrunette: Played straight with Vivienne. Elle attempts to {{invoke|dTrope}} this by dying her hair, only to be talked out of it by Paulette.
92* BrokenBird: Paulette is an older woman whose dreams were crushed by her abusive ex who took her home and dog, and has thus she's lost a lot of her hope, at least until Elle comes back around.
93* BSODSong: "Legally Blonde."
94* ButchLesbian: DownplayedTrope. Enid is lesbian and most definitely non-girly, with an aggressive demeanor and a fashion sense that Elle describes as "fatigue chic." She's not actually very masculine though, and only seems so in contrast to Elle and Vivianne.
95* CampGay: The song "Gay or European" is dedicated to trying to determine whether Nikos's fae affect means he's gay. It starts out with Elle's evidence that he was uninterested in looking at her ass, but soon moves to incorporate his [[GymBunny fit body]], PermaStubble, TheDandy dress, wearing of perfume, and waxed chest. They discuss at length, however, the fact that while all this pings people's gaydar, none of it is conclusive evidence of his sexuality -- he could still be a CampStraight European. [[spoiler:The conclusive evidence comes in the form of his boyfriend: he's dating the similarly camp Carlos.]]
96-->[[spoiler:'''Carlos:''' It's me, not her he's seein', no matter what he say! I swear he never, ever, ever swing the other way! You are so gay, you big parfait, you flaming one-man cabaret!\
97'''Nikos:''' I'm straight!\
98'''Carlos:''' You were not yesterday.]]
99* CheckPlease: At the end of "Serious," Warner sadly orders the check after Elle runs away crying.
100* ChickMagnet:
101** The ultimate example would have to be Kyle. Paulette describes him as "walking porn" and nobody objects. It's almost like the entire universe took a vote to agree that Kyle is extraordinarily attractive, with everyone who sees him practically foaming at the mouth, especially [[LoveAtFirstSight an instantly in love Ms. Bonafonte]].
102** Warner earns the total devotion of Elle [[RomanticFalseLead (at least at first)]], dates Vivienne, Margot shamelessly admits her attraction to him, and he ends the show in an apparently successful modeling career.
103** While Elle already finds him attractive, [[HeCleansUpNicely once she buys Emmett some fancy new clothes]], everyone else joins in, with the whole ensemble joining her in singing about how hot he is, and Brooke and the legal team are all shocked by how good he looks after the makeover. Much like Elle, he seems to appeal to the other sex too, as the Broadway staging has him successfully [[DistractedByTheSexy distract Nikos with some swagger and a look at his ass]].
104** Nikos has the attention of both Brooke, along with everyone singing explicitly referring to him as a "hottie", [[EvenTheGuysWantHim including the straight men present]]. Even the judge tries to ask him out.
105* CompositeCharacter:
106** Vivienne takes over Professor Stromwell's role in giving Elle a pep talk and getting her back to law school.
107** Callahan takes over for Stromwell, as it's his class that Elle is kicked out of for being unprepared.
108** Much of the AdaptedOut David's characterization (being Elle's sole friend and ally who helps her navigate law school) is folded into Emmett, which gives the added bonus of better developing his relationship with Elle.
109* ConfusionFu: Emmett proves that Nikos is gay by asking several rapid fire questions about him and the case before asking his boyfriend's name, catching him off guard.
110* CoolBigSis: Paulette is this for Elle.
111* DeadpanSnarker: Warner, Vivienne, Emmet and Callahan. Paulette occasionally slips into it too.
112-->'''Elle:''' The Bend and Snap is 99.99% effective on straight men!\
113'''Paulette:''' ''[with fake enthusiasm]'' Yeah, and I've got a great track record with those!
114* DelayedReaction: When Warner tells Elle he's breaking up with her, she takes a few seconds to process it.
115-->'''Warner:''' That's why you and I... [[BaitAndSwitch should break up]].\
116'''Elle:''' Yes, baby, I'll give you my hand, we -- [[BigWhat WHAT?!]]
117* DevilsAdvocate: Invoked by Callahan in "There! Right There!" with Vivienne and Enid joining in. Callahan ends up playing both sides of the argument.
118* DidIJustSayThatOutLoud: After [[spoiler:winning the trial]], Brooke cheerfully sings, "Now no one has to know that I got liposuction on my thighs!", after previously being willing to go to prison rather than reveal her alibi. Everybody hears her, but the Delta Nu girls assure her that they still love her.
119* DidntThinkThisThrough: Elle's ideas run ahead of her plans.
120** When Elle ecstatically plans to get into Harvard and immediately skips ahead to planning the wedding, one of her more academic friends pipes up with "Now can we think this through???" and points out everything Elle will need to do to succeed.
121** Elle gets into Harvard Law--except that not only has Warner ''not'' taken her back, he's dating someone else. Plus she's seriously behind in reading for classes. Now what?
122* DinnerAndABreakup: As in the film, Warner takes Elle to a nice romantic dinner and breaks up with her; here in the musical, the scene becomes the number "Serious."
123* DisproportionateRetribution: [[spoiler:Okay, Chutney, we get how awkward and creepy it must be to have a stepmom young enough to be your sister, but does that really warrant ''murder!?'']]
124* DistractedByTheSexy:
125** The whole point of the "bend and snap." Elle and the Greek Chorus are impressed by Paulette's naturally excellent "bend and snap," and teach her how to use it to get Kyle's attention. Elle weaponizes it later, when she realizes the witness might be gay, which would make his story about having an affair with Brooke perjury. First, she tries it on said witness, and he doesn't bat an eyelid. Then, she tries it in the courtroom--and the head of every other guy (and Enid) all whip around to look.
126** During "Whipped Into Shape," Enid gets distracted by Brooke's DVD. Understandable, since she's in a sports bra and workout clothes and is doing a vigorous, bouncy dance routine.
127** It's a little subtle and often missed by viewers the first time around, but this is part of Emmett's strategy during his questioning of Nikos, at least in the Broadway version. He lifts his jacket higher and puts a little saunter into his step as he walks past...and Nikos's gaze goes down to his butt. It distracts him enough that he honestly answers the question about his boyfriend's name without realizing it.
128* DotingParent: Both of Elle's parents. Though they are at first reluctant to pay her way through law school, when they find out how determined she is to get Warner back, they agree. Later, they show up at her trial, beaming with pride.
129* DoubleStandardAbuseFemaleOnMale: Minor example, at least in the MTV broadcast; Vivienne slaps Warner during "There! Right There!" when he says his line, "depending on the time of day, the French go either way."
130* DrillSergeantNasty: Brooke very harshly instructs her clients in "Whipped Into Shape."
131-->'''Brooke:''' Come on, Sabrina, you heifer!
132-->'''Sabrina:''' I hate you, Brooke! And I love you for it!
133* DudeMagnet:
134** Elle certainly qualifies. She earns the heart of Emmett effortlessly, Warner despite dumping her is still attracted to her throughout [[spoiler: and later attempts a proposal, Callahan sexually harasses her]], and several ensemble characters appear to be quite enchanted by the blonde law student. If [[ButchLesbian Enid's]] reaction to the bend and snap is any indication, [[EvenTheGirlsWantHer Elle also appeals to women as well.]]
135** This also applies to several Delta Nu girls. Serena is particularly prepped up as being "catnip to the guys", and Margot seems to qualify on account of [[ReallyGetsAround really getting around]].
136** Once she's been properly encouraged by Elle and her sorority sisters, Paulette's bend and snap manages to outdo all of them, summoning a swarm of guys who proceed to drool all over her for the remainder of the song. Not long after this, she gets [[ChickMagnet Kyle]] to fall in love with her. Harvard Law has a three-year program, and at Elle's graduation Paulette is pregnant with her third, suggesting they've had three kids in three years. And despite his nasty comments, she did manage to attract Dewey and keep him around for a decade. It's likely that her pull towards guys was lessened when her self esteem went way down after Dewey's emotional abuse, before it gets reawakened.
137* EarAche: Nikos is dragged by his ear at one point in "There! Right There!"
138* EatingTheEyeCandy: [[ButchLesbian Enid]] unpauses Brooke's promotional video with a ''very'' eager expression in order to watch her dance in her workout outfit.
139* EstablishingCharacterMoment:
140** Elle gets hers during "Omigod You Guys!" when she sees right through a department store saleswoman's attempt to sell her an old, out-of-style dress at full price. This sets up the dynamic of her often being underestimated by others because of her appearance, only to reveal that she's much smarter than she looks at first glance.
141---> '''Elle:''' It may be ''perfect'' for a blonde... but I'm not ''that'' blonde.
142** Emmett being the only person at Harvard to even ''attempt'' to be nice to Elle. This sets him up as a [[NiceGuy sweetheart]] who will be a major ally and LoveInterest to Elle down the line.
143** Vivienne playing the "costume party" trick on Elle. Until then, their rivalry had been somewhat understated and most of the issues were based on circumstance, but here she crosses the line into a deliberate petty act with no purpose other than to embarrass Elle.
144*** In the opposite direction, a late one comes when Vivienne makes a toast to Elle after "Gay or European". She may have moments of being the AlphaBitch, but here we see that she's willing to be gracious and give Elle the credit she deserves despite their dubious history up to that point.
145** Warner gets his when after [[BitchInSheepsClothing putting on a nice guy act]], he breaks up with Elle purely because being with her would make him look less "serious". This shows that while he acts amiably, he's still a dick who only cares about how he's perceived.
146** Callahan's very first appearance makes it clear that he's an AmoralAttorney, CardCarryingVillain, and all around SlimeBall.
147** If everything Paulette said about him beforehand didn't make it clear that Dewey's an [[{{Jerkass}} enormous douche]], then his very first line where he [[YouAreFat mocks Paulette's weight]] does.
148* EuropeansAreKinky: DiscussedTrope in the number "There! Right There!" when it comes to Nikos Argitakos, as everybody points out that European men are just as affectionate with other men as gay men.
149-->'''Warner:''' Depending on the time of day, the French go either way.
150* TheExitIsThatWay: Subversion. Elle knows she is walking into a closet, but it's just to make a dramatic costume change.
151* FalseDichotomy: Callahan (and then the whole courtroom) assumes that Nikos is either gay ''or'' European. [[spoiler:He's both.]]
152* {{Foreshadowing}}: In his first appearence, Callahan makes a crack about Enid's sexuality, flustering her. While he has a point about [[JerkassHasAPoint not letting your emotions compromise your argument]], making such a joke about a student, particularly in front of the whole class is just ''not'' okay. [[spoiler:So maybe we shouldn't be surprised when he turns out to be a JerkWithAHeartOfJerk. Turns out, he has a habit of overstepping his bounds with students.]]
153* {{Foil}}: Elle and Emmett, at least at first, are polar opposites. She comes from a very privileged background, decided to go to Harvard on a whim, her father pays her tuition in full, and while she's incredibly smart she doesn't take studying seriously at first. By contrast, he had a deprived childhood, had to work ''two'' jobs on top of law school, and is so driven by his goal of succeeding and earning enough money to buy his mother a nicer place to live that he jokingly claims he hasn't even slept in years.
154* FunnyPhotoPhrase: During "Legally Blonde (Reprise)," Elle's parents drop by and grab a photo with Elle before she goes back to Brooke's case. Her dad says, "Everyone say 'cheese!'" but her (eternally tipsy) mother says, "No, say 'Legally blonde'!" The chorus indeed says "Legally blonde!" as they take the picture.
155* GeekyTurnOn: While he obviously thinks she's beautiful at first glance and is a kind and supportive friend to her, it is fairly clear that Emmett starts to ''really'' fall for Elle when she buckles down and learns to use her full intelligence instead of hiding it. This also does a very nice job of showing ''why'' he and Elle work as a couple -- they have a shared belief in using the law to help the underprivileged and can keep up with each other intellectually.
156* GenkiGirl: Elle and her Sorority Sisters are all very cheery, girly, energetic, and optimistic women.
157* TheGlassesComeOff:
158** Elle is already into Emmett before improving his fashion sense, but she's positively giddy at the sight of him in a nice suit. The rest of the law team is also taken aback by the change, including Emmett himself.
159** Once Paulette embraces the bend and snap, she becomes a DudeMagnet and gains a surge in confidence.
160* GreekChorus: Elle's sorority sisters from UCLA. Made even better because they're a [[StealthPun Greek]] Chorus!
161-->'''Serena:''' Elle, this is a tragedy. And ever tragedy needs a ''Greek Chorus!''
162* [[SheCleansUpNicely He Cleans Up Nicely]]: Elle harnesses this power during "Take It Like a Man" to try to help the [[UnkemptBeauty handsomely scruffy]] Emmett impress his boss before the trial. He sees himself in the mirror and promptly [[JawDrop shocks]] himself! Even the still-AlphaBitch Vivienne has to chalk one up to Elle when she sees him at the court house, and his boss is sufficiently impressed as well.
163* HiddenHeartOfGold: Warner's a {{Jerkass}}, but the ending, while not explicit in this regard, [[TookALevelInKindness implies that he's either bettered himself]], or he's on the way to doing so. He seems to genuinely regret breaking up with Elle, and supports her enough to go to her graduation despite dropping out.
164* HollywoodLaw: No judge would ''ever'' allow a trial to be taken outside a courtroom, let alone ''to the crime scene''. In real life, Elle would have to find a way to make her argument, and elicit the desired response from Chutney, inside the courtroom (as her film counterpart did).
165* IAmBecomingSong: "So Much Better," when Elle accepts her internship as much more fulfilling than her relationship with Warner.
166* IAmSong:
167** "Chip on my Shoulder" is this for Emmett, at least at the start, where he explains his backstory and motivations.
168** "Legally Blonde" and "Legally Blonde: Remix" are late examples of this for Elle. The first is a defeated "I'm meant for nothing more than just looking pretty and smiling," while the remix is a triumphant "No, I ''am'' more than that and I ''do'' belong here."
169* IAmGreatSong: "The Harvard Variations" for Aaron in particular.
170* {{Irony}}: Warner breaks up with Elle because he perceives her as a DumbBlonde and thinks that he needs to date someone smarter and more serious to accomplish his goals in life. [[spoiler:At the end of the musical, it turns out that ''Elle'' is actually the smarter of the two. She ends up as the valedictorian of her class at Harvard while Warner drops out of law school entirely and starts a career as a model instead.]]
171* InconsistentSpelling: Vivienne's name is spelled as "Vivian" in the movie's credits, while spelled "Vivienne" in the musical's credits.
172* ISeeDeadPeople: Spoofed when Paulette sees the Delta Nu GreekChorus and mistakes them for ghosts, saying the trope-naming line word for word.
173* ItsACostumePartyISwear: As in the movie, Vivienne pulls this one on Elle, who arrives at a casual party in a PlayboyBunny costume. When Vivienne calls Elle a skank, Elle recovers by taking someone's glasses and insisting she is dressed as an undercover Gloria Steinem and asks Vivienne, loudly, if she is calling Gloria Steinem a skank. A horde of feminists lead by Enid descend upon Vivienne as Elle exits.
174* IWantSong: There are several of these. "What You Want" is the obvious one, but "Serious" (for Warner) and "Chip On My Shoulder" (for Emmett) also qualify.
175* {{Jerkass}}:
176** Dewey shamelessly verbally abuses Paulette, ditched her for another girl after they spent years together, and when she shows up to get her dog back, he mocks her and steals the cake she made.
177** Warner is a somewhat passive example, with him being intentionally cruel only once. But he's still ultimately a shallow person who really only cares about himself and how he's perceived. [[TookALevelInKindness He possibly becomes a better person by the end]], but this potential development is not fleshed out enough to know for sure.
178* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Both [[IceQueen Vivienne]] and [[StrawFeminist Enid]] start out with unlikable traits on display, but they both have a want to do good and by the end they've shown themselves to be good lawyers and friends to Elle.
179* JerkWithAHeartOfJerk: Callahan. He starts off as a cold, condescending, ruthless AmoralAttorney, but when Elle manages to turn the case around, he acts warmly towards her, praising her and defending her from Warner. [[spoiler: And then, almost immediately after, he makes a move on Elle, and when she rejects him, he fires her, sending her into a HeroicBSOD.]]
180* JerkassHasAPoint:
181** Warner rubbishes Elle's argument about Nikos' testimony being discredited because he's 'clearly' gay, but he has a point that they can't just out someone on the stand and that they need more proof of Nikos' sexuality than his not reacting to the "Bend and Snap". Following on the heels of this, Callahan says that if Elle's wrong, "we look desperate ''and'' homophobic!"
182** While Callahan's first appearance establishes him firmly as somebody sleazy and amoral, he does give a few helpful pieces of advice like not letting emotions get in the way of a case.
183** Callahan also gets very upset when Elle won't reveal Brooke's alibi, which is understandable (if not necessarily justified) considering how unwilling Brooke has been to help her own defense and the fact that Elle doesn't seem to get the gravity of the situation.
184* LadyDrunk: Elle's mom only shows up with a drink in her hand and a slurred voice.
185* LeaningOnTheFourthWall:
186** On the MTV performance, Callahan claims he needs the students to talk to Brooke for him, because he doesn't "speak MTV".
187** Most notably in "Take It Like a Man," after Emmett wonders aloud why Elle has this hold on him.
188---> '''Emmett:''' Why can I never say "no" to her? ''[beat]'' What's that smell?\
189'''Perfume Saleswoman:''' "Subtext," by Calvin Klein.
190* {{Leitmotif}}: "What You Want" has a section where Elle explains that she's "doing this for love." This music recurs several times throughout the show as a sort of love theme: it's the introductory verse to Paulette's solo, Elle gets a despairing version when she has to admit [[DidntThinkThisThrough the failure of her plan to get Warner back]], then a happier version with "love" changed to "law" when she realizes she actually likes studying law, Emmett gets his own version when he has his LoveEpiphany, and the two of them reprise it together at the end.
191* LetMeGetThisStraight: Emmett is in succession completely confused, astonished and more than a little annoyed that Elle got into Harvard Law simply to try and win back her old boyfriend. Particularly because she (at first) isn't taking full advantage of the opportunity she has, that less privileged students would ''kill'' for.
192* TheLoad: Warner is explicitly called out by Callahan for contributing nothing to the legal team. This is emphasized by the climax where everyone excluding the recently fired professor plays a role in Elle's victory while Warner just whines about how they're gonna lose.
193* MadnessSharedByTwo: Paulette’s natural bend and snap abilities allow her to see Elle’s Greek chorus.
194--> '''Paulette:''' I see dead people.\
195'''Elle:''' No! It’s just my Greek Chorus! I’m so psyched you can see them too now!\
196'''Paulette:''' But I haven’t had any Jaeger.
197* MakeoverMontage: Elle takes Emmett to a department store and gives him a makeover. It's a chance for him her see her in her element. It boosts his confidence. And there's a bunch of jokes about the perfumes being sprayed in the store.
198-->'''Elle:''' That's the best part\
199The outside is new\
200But now it reflects what's already in you\
201Couldn't change that if I wanted to\
202And I do not
203* MayDecemberRomance: Offscreen with Brooke Wyndham and her late husband. Callahan mentions that despite being very young, she was "happily married, so she says, to her sixty-year-old stud."
204* MeaningfulEcho:
205** "If there ever was a perfect couple, this one qualifies." In fact, you could say that the last 20 seconds of "Finale" serves as a meaningful echo in its entirety, considering that it's basically identical to the ending of "Omigod You Guys." The overall context has just changed quite a bit in the space between the two songs.
206** "We girls have to stick together." Elle says this after Vivienne gets her kicked out of class, only to be met with scorn. Vivienne later says it back to her when she shows up at the salon to inspire Elle to return to the courtroom.
207** Elle asks rhetorically "Why do you always have to be right?" when Emmett points out she should keep studying over Thanksgiving break, and Emmett says the same quote when Elle convinces him of the importance of looking presentable at his job and takes him shopping. The repeat, while easy to miss, shows that the couple support each other and work through each other's weaknesses.
208* MeaningfulName: Emmett ''Forrest'', the romantic counterpart of Elle ''Woods''.
209* {{Metaphorgotten}}: From "Ireland (Reprise)":
210-->'''Paulette:''' The Irish fear nothing and no one\
211They keep fightin' 'til everyone's dead\
212[[LampshadeHanging I'm not sure where this metaphor's goin']]\
213I just felt like it had to be said
214* MistakenForGay: Subverted with Nikos, who is thought to be a CampStraight European but is actually a gay man.
215* MrFanservice:
216** Kyle, the sexy UPS guy in a tight uniform who makes several remarks about his "[[DoubleEntendre package]]." "The new UPS guy is like walking porn!"
217** Nikos, Brooke's poolboy. His "uniform" was a red thong [[WalkingShirtlessScene and evidently nothing else]] and Brooke even admits that she [[FemaleGaze liked to check him out while he cleaned the filters]]. [[spoiler:Turns out he's gay.]]
218** [[TheGlassesComeOff Once Emmett gets a more stylish wardrobe]], Elle, the other members of the legal team, the whole department store, [[AudienceParticipation and even the audiences]] all agree that he's quite hot.
219%% ** Warner's status as this is lampshaded a few times. [[spoiler:In the end, he becomes a model.]]
220* MRSDegree: Funnily enough, it's only when Elle admits that her real motivation to go to law school is this that the last university admission guy comes around to letting her attend Harvard.
221* MsFanservice: Elle, her sorority sisters and Brooke are the most obvious examples, although the point of the musical is to show that there's more to Elle than her looks. "Bend and Snap" shows that [[UnkemptBeauty Paulette]] can be this too.
222* MoodWhiplash: "So Much Better" starts off with Elle in the depths of despair when Warner proposes to Vivienne, only to have her go to ecstasy in approximately one second when it turns out she's been selected for Callahan's internship.
223* {{Murder by Mistake}}: [[spoiler:The murder victim's daughter and killer confesses that she didn't kill her father on purpose; she wanted to kill Brooke]].
224* MurderTheHypotenuse: Discussed trope. If Brooke ''did'' have a lover -- as the opposition claims -- that would provide a reason to murder her husband.
225* TheMusical: It's a musical adaptation of the 2001 film.
226* MusicalisInterruptus:
227** During the breakup:
228--->'''Warner:''' ''That's why I think you and I... [[BaitAndSwitch should break up]]''\
229'''Elle:''' ''[[DelayedReaction Yes baby I'll give you my hand, we --]] [[BigWhat WHAT!?]]''
230** As well as:
231--->'''Emmett:''' ''Elle you should know...''\
232'''Elle:''' [[spoiler: Callahan hit on me.]]\
233'''Emmett:''' ...he ''what?''
234** Also:
235--->'''Delta Nu Chorus:''' ''Oh my god, omigod you g--''\
236'''Serena:''' ''(slams door)'' Guys, she's not here.\
237'''Delta Nu Chorus:''' ''(in unison)'' WHAT?!
238* MythologyGag: In the film, Harvard is [[CaliforniaDoubling portrayed by UCLA]]; in the musical, Elle does undergrad at UCLA.
239* NeverMyFault: Callahan acts as though he did nothing wrong after [[spoiler:sexually harassing Elle and firing her in retaliation when she rejects him.]]
240* NiceGirl:
241** Paulette instantly proves herself to be an excellent and helpful friend to Elle, and she's shown to love her dog Rufus as much as a mother does her child. Not to mention, after breaking Kyle's nose, she stays by his side during his whole hours-long recovery.
242** Elle counts, given how she pays back Emmett and Paulette's kindness in full, is completely loyal to her first client, treats her dog like family, and even when she has every right to tell him off, [[spoiler: she lets Warner down gently]].
243* NiceGuy:
244** Emmett is the only person at Harvard who immediately treats Elle with respect and friendliness, he selflessly helps when she struggles and remains by her side throughout all of her conflict throughout the show, never giving up on her. Bonus points for helping Elle through all this even before he falls for her.
245** Kyle is extraordinarily friendly to Paulette right off the bad, acts like a total sweetheart to her dog as payment for staying with him in the hospital, not holding a grudge at all about how she put him in there, and ultimately becomes a loving husband to her and an attentive father to their kids. And unlike the other guys who fall for Paulette, Kyle's not shown to be a pervert about it, but just does so because of her personality.
246* NoFullNameGiven: As with the movie, Callahan's first name is never revealed.
247* NoIndoorVoice: Paulette is a very loud person, especially when she screams "It's called ''Celtic Moods!''" right into Elle's ear, interrupting the serenity of the music.
248* NoodleIncident: Pilar did ''something'' slutty during one Spring Break:
249-->'''Serena:''' Well, you're a slut.\
250'''Margot:''' Look who's talking!\
251'''Pilar:''' Three words: Spring break, Cabo!
252* OhCrap: Played straight by Paulette who says this after she breaks Kyle’s nose attempting the bend and snap.
253* {{Oireland}}: Paulette sings a song romanticizing Ireland as a place full of whale song, jigs, whisky, and love. She thinks [[EveryoneLooksSexierIfFrench Irish men are very sexy]]. She got with her ex after he told her he was Irish. She's thrilled to find out her new crush has an Irish name.
254* OneTrueLove: Elle thinks Warner is the only one for her due to their history and shared upbringing, and calls him that word-for-word at one point. He's not.
255* ThePerryMasonMethod: As in the movie, Elle's cross-examination of Chutney (and her superior knowledge of haircare) leads her to break down and confess.
256* PizzaBoySpecialDelivery: Immediately after he delivers a package, Paulette describes Kyle as "walking porn." His dialog and delivery sound and look like they came straight out of a porn script, and the music that plays whenever he walks in doesn't help.
257* PragmaticVillainy: In the classroom, Callahan has no problem declaring that Enid is gay with only stereotypes and vibe as evidence. In court, though, he is resistant to doing the same to Nikos because it could cost him the case and potentially even hurt his firm's reputation on a larger scale.
258--> '''Callahan:''' You know, if you're wrong, we look desperate and ''homophobic''!
259* ProductPlacement: Emmett chugs Red Bull after discovering that Elle has a lot of it.
260* ProsceniumReveal: The second act begins with Brooke leading what appears to be an IrrelevantActOpener, until the action freezes and we see that the number is actually a video that the other characters are watching.
261* {{Pun}}:
262** Fraternities and sororities are collectively referred to as "Greek life." Here we have a GreekChorus made up of sorority sisters.
263** During Emmett's MakeoverMontage, "love is in the air" -- they're at a department store where a perfume called Love has been sprayed into the air. The characters are also falling for each other.
264--->'''Sales assistant:''' "Love." It's the new fragrance from Chanel.\
265'''Elle:''' Something's in the air\
266'''Emmett:''' I think it's "Love."\
267'''Elle:''' Exactly!
268* RaceLift: The witness at the murder trial and his boyfriend. In the film, the witness is Latin and named Enrique Salvatore, while the musical's Nikos Argitakos is ostensibly Greek. Meanwhile, in the film his boyfriend is (the presumably not Latin) Chuck but in the musical it's Carlos.
269** The German version has the witness as French and named Nico Chevalier, as the gag here is whether he is gay or French. His boyfriend's name is changed to ''Carlo'' as well.
270* ReasonableAuthorityFigure: Elle's parents, specifically her father. Despite their doubts about Elle going to law school, they become more open to the idea when they see how much it means to her--but her father only agrees to pay her tuition on the condition that she gets accepted on her own. He doesn't offer to pull any strings for her, despite the Woods family being wealthy enough that he likely could, but when she passes the LSAT and gets into Harvard, he happily covers the cost.
271* ReflexiveResponse: In "There! Right There!"
272--> '''Emmett:''' So, Mr. Argitakos. This alleged affair with Ms. Wyndham has been going on for...?\
273'''Nikos:''' Two years.\
274'''Emmett:''' And your first name again is...?\
275'''Nikos:''' Nikos.\
276'''Emmett:''' And your boyfriend's name is...?\
277'''Nikos:''' Carlos. ''(the courtroom reacts in shock/"I knew it!")'' [[VerbalBackspace Oh--no... no, I misunderstand!]] I thought you said ''best friend''. Carlos is my best friend.\
278'''Carlos:''' ''(stands up in the middle of the court)'' YOU BASTARD!
279* RepeatingSoTheAudienceCanHear: Bruiser tells Margot and the rest of the sorority girls Elle's whereabouts in dog language. Margot translates for us:
280--> '''Margot:''' Bruiser, Where's Elle?\
281'''Bruiser:''' (Yaps)\
282'''Margot:''' She doesn't have an engagement outfit?\
283'''Bruiser:''' (Yaps)\
284'''Margot:''' She's totally freaking out?!\
285'''Bruiser:''' (Yaps)\
286'''Margot:''' She's trapped in the old valley mill?!!\
287'''Bruiser:''' (Yaps)\
288'''Margot:''' Oh sorry, the Old Valley Mall.
289* SadClown: Paulette is something of a comic relief character, but it's clear that a lot of her humor stems from coping with her cripplingly low self-esteem.
290* SatelliteLoveInterest: Warner for Elle, exemplified in ''Omigod You Guys'' when Margot sings: "You're a perfect match because you both have such great taste in clothes!"
291* SavvyGuyEnergeticGirl: Emmett is the logical, down-to-earth guy and Elle is the peppy, idealistic girl.
292* ScreenToStageAdaptation: It's a musical stage play based on the 2001 film.
293* SecretHandshake: Elle and Emmett have one, which shows up first in "Chip on My Shoulder" and later in "So Much Better"; this is used to demonstrate that they are now best friends. Interestingly, going by footage on Youtube, every Elle and Emmett seem to have their own; for instance, the one Creator/LauraBellBundy and Christian Borle use onstage is different from the one used by their understudies Becky Gulsvig and Andy Karl.
294* SecondLove: Elle starts the musical believing that wealthy playboy Warner is going to propose, and goes to extraordinary lengths to get him back when he dumps her... but she ends up proposing ''herself'' to scruffy, nerdy, kindhearted Emmett, who won her heart simply by being a true friend who saw her for who she really is.
295* SeparatedByTheWall: After Elle tells Emmett she's decided to drop out, Emmett tries to convince her to reconsider before Elle locks herself in her room. They sing the final verse of "Legally Blonde" separated by the dorm room door, as Emmett begs Elle to stay. They both lay a hand against the door, expressing a desire to reach out to each other, but this is a BSODSong and Elle won't open the door and ''actually'' reach out in this moment.
296* ShaggyDogStory: Brooke won't reveal the details of her alibi [[spoiler: getting liposuction, the knowledge of which she claims would kill her fitness empire]] resulting in a long and convoluted trial that nearly resulted in Elle returning home with her spirit crushed, and Brooke herself nearly sentenced to death for murder. At the end, when Elle proves that [[spoiler: Chutney killed Brooke's husband, Brooke gets lost in the heat of the moment and ecstatically declares that now "no one will need to know I had lipo on my thighs!"--in front of a crowded room of people (including reporters) thus rendering the whole reason for the trial, and everything Elle did to prove her innocent, rather pointless. The Greek Chorus reassure her that they love her anyway.]]
297* ShipperOnDeck:
298** Paulette is 100% sold on Emmett as a good match for Elle the very first time she meets him, when he brings her two-in-one shampoo (which horrifies Elle) as a Christmas gift. Later, she tells Elle that she's seen the way he looks at her, clearly not believing Elle when she insists that he's just her friend.
299** Elle returns the favor by encouraging Paulette to go after Kyle, even though [[InsecureLoveInterest she thinks he's way out of her league]].
300* ShoutOut:
301** To ''Theatre/TheMusicMan''.
302---> '''Emmett:''' Class of aught-five, represent!
303** When Paulette sees the Delta Nu GreekChorus, she remarks, [[Film/TheSixthSense "I see dead people!"]]
304** The brief sequence in "Omigod You Guys!" where Margo interprets Bruiser's barking to determine that Elle's in trouble is a pretty clear reference to ''{{Franchise/Lassie}}''.
305** Callahan’s “But I don’t speak MTV” feels like one in the pro-shot version, which was filmed and broadcast by MTV.
306* SidekickSong: "Ireland" is one big, bombastic excuse for Orfeh (or whoever's playing Paulette) to get up and show off.
307* SmallNameBigEgo: Warner is convinced that he's in for a successful law career and will become a senator by the time he's thirty. Ultimately though, [[TheLoad he proves to be fairly useless]], being the only law team member who makes no contribution to winning the case, and he winds up dropping out.
308* SmugSnake: Callahan; he's convinced that he's the only one who can pull off Brooke's trial and smugly tells her to "enjoy prison" when she fires him. In his VillainSong he talks about all the sleazy, underhanded tactics one can use to let people [[KarmaHoudini get away scot-free]] for horrid crimes.
309* SoBeautifulItsACurse: Elle's looks not only result in her professor hitting on her (and then doing his best to destroy her career when she refuses him), but also in absolutely everyone -- with the sole exception of Emmett, and including ''Elle herself'' -- assuming she's nothing more than a pretty face. The line "some girls were just meant to ''smile''" from "Legally Blonde" is absolutely heartbreaking in this context.
310* SpeaksFluentAnimal: One of Elle's sorority sisters can talk to Elle's chihuahua.
311* StepfordSmiler: Elle in the titular number, when she tries to pretend she's okay with returning to California and giving up, living a life of being what people expect her to be.
312-->'''Elle:''' ''Some girls fight hard, some face the trial, some girls were just meant to '''smile'''...''
313* SteppingOutToReact: When Callahan asks Elle for her resume for his selective internship, she calmly and professionally gives it to him, then walks offstage squealing just under her breath.
314* StrawFeminist: Enid (albeit jokingly) considers a man who murders a nun and runs over puppies to be a "typical man" and declares that only women have the guts to fix the country.
315* SuccessThroughSexAccusation: Occurs slightly differently than in the original film. Warner and Vivian catch Callahan forcibly kissing Elle through a window after Callahan complimented her in front of all the interns. But while Warner runs off immediately after the kiss, Vivian witnesses Elle slap Callahan in response. Warner, who already saw Elle as a "[[Creator/MarilynMonroe Marilyn]]" rather than a "[[UsefulNotes/JacquelineKennedy Jackie]]", makes Elle feel even worse about the sexual harassment by assuming she did it on purpose.
316-->'''Warner:''' ''(smarmy)'' Well hell-''o'', Marilyn. Looks like you'll make partner now. After all, you earned it.
317--> '''Vivian:''' Warner. ''Shut up.''
318* TenorBoy: Emmett is the show's NiceGuy LoveInterest, and suitably gets his share of sweet high notes.
319* ThatCameOutWrong: After Emmett gets the pool boy to [[spoiler:come out as gay on the stand]], Callahan commends him for "nailing the pool boy." [[HehHehYouSaidX This makes Warner chuckle]].
320* ThirdActMisunderstanding:
321** Warner sees Callahan petting Elle and assumes Elle slept her way into the internship. Noticeably, Elle doesn't bother explaining it to him later, likely due to a combination of [[HeroicBSOD her being too broken]] and [[RomanticFalseLead no longer being romantically interested in Warner]]. While never explicitly stated, later events heavily imply he found out the truth.
322** In contrast with Warner, Elle immediately tells her actual LoveInterest Emmett what happened as soon as she sees him and he pledges to fight for her. There's still conflict here, but only because Elle refuses to stay and Emmett pleads with her to change her mind, with neither party having any anger for each other.
323* ThisIsReality: Emmett chews out Elle for keeping Brooke's alibi a secret by declaring, "This isn't a ''Lifetime'' original movie!"
324* TimmyInAWell: Spoofed during the opening. Bruiser's barks are interpreted as saying that Elle is trapped in the Old Valley Mill. It's quickly revealed that he's saying the Old Valley ''Mall''.
325* TitleDrop: "I don't want to see Ratty Corduroy or Legally Blonde again today."
326* TitleTheAdaptation: ''Legally Blonde: The Musical!''
327* TokenRomance: In the best sense. Elle has kicked ass and proven herself to everyone over the course of the musical. The fact that she meets a great guy who loves her for exactly who she is is just the cherry on top. Plus, it's clear that she and Emmett work well together and are great friends, not just lovers.
328* TookALevelInKindness:
329** After acting like a total AlphaBitch to her earlier, Vivienne realizes that Elle is actually a strong woman in her own right, convinces her to go back to the trial and fight, and later speaks highly of Elle as both a peer and friend when they graduate.
330** Enid begins the show being somewhat of an obnoxious StrawFeminist and pretty rude to Elle. Later however, she warms up to Elle and helps Vivienne in getting her out of a HeroicBSOD.
331** {{Downplayed}} with Warner. He's shown as a {{Jerkass}} near the beginning, and while he's never shown making amends with Elle or actually contributing during the trial, he ''does'' seem to learn humility and winds up having a greater appreciation for Elle, even trying to propose to her. While this could be chalked up to him now believing dating Elle makes him look good, [[GracefulLoser he still takes her rejection alright]] and shows up to watch her graduate as valedictorian anyway, even though he dropped out of school.
332* TrainingFromHell: Brooke's workout regimen, as demonstrated in "Whipped Into Shape."
333* TriumphantReprise:
334** "Legally Blonde: Remix", sung by [[TheRival Vivienne]] of all people, where she encourages Elle to get back on the Brooke case instead of quitting.
335** Also, "Omigod You Guys" gets this twice, first as its own remix where the GreekChorus joins in with Elle and the judge in celebrating the victory in Brooke's case, then at the very end of "Finale". A particularly striking example in that the original version that opens the show is mostly PlayedForLaughs due to the campiness, the ValleyGirl lyrics, and the overall lack of taking things seriously, but the reprise (and ending) not only absolutely justify the song's title, the {{Bookend}}ed lyrics ("If there ever was a perfect couple/''this'' one qualifies!") change to become entirely accurate, and heartwarming.
336* TrueCompanions: Elle and her sorority sisters love each other and always support one another through the craziest of endeavors. Later, Elle, Emmett, Vivienne, Enid and Paulette stick together as close friends through the end of law school.
337* UnconventionalCourtroomTactics: In order to catch Chutney in her lie, Elle asks the entire court to move to the bathroom where Chutney was allegedly showering when her father was killed. ''And they do.''
338* UnkemptBeauty:
339** Emmett is fairly attractive and just needs a makeover to make that more obvious.
340** Paulette is not so much unkempt as she is lacking in confidence, which leads to not paying much attention to her looks.
341* UnlimitedWardrobe: Just like in the movie, none of Elle's clothes are re-used. This also means a lot of rapid costume changes for the lead, which is helped by all the dresses being fastened by magnets, making them easily removable.
342* UptownGirl: Elle comes from a very privileged background, and her family is rich enough that when she gets into Harvard on her own merits, they're able to pay the entire cost out-of-pocket. She winds up with Emmett, who grew up in a slum and had to work two jobs in addition to his college classes just to make ends meet.
343* VillainSong: "Blood in the Water" establishes Callahan's callous {{slimeball}} nature.
344* VisualPun: At one point, "love" is literally in the air, thanks to "the new perfume by Chanel".
345* WhereAreTheyNowEpilogue: The story jumps forward a few years in time during the finale to Elle's graduation from Harvard, so Paulette narrates one of these to fill the audience in on what's happened to all of the main characters. [[spoiler: Enid practices family law; Vivienne is training for the Peace Corps; Warner quits law school and enjoys a successful career as a model; Callahan ran for governor but lost and his wife left him (while also hiring Emmett to handle their divorce); and Paulette married Kyle and had two kids (with another on the way), opening a new salon. While not spelled out in the same way, it also becomes evident that Elle and Emmett have started a relationship at some point when she ends her valedictorian speech by getting down on one knee and proposing to him, which he happily accepts.]]
346* WorldOfHam: If every single member of the cast (except Emmett, [[NotSoAboveItAll and even he gets in on it at times]]) is not playing this to the hilt, that cast is doing it wrong. This then makes "Legally Blonde" all the more heartwrenching, as Emmett and Elle drop all the hamminess.
347* YouGetMeCoffee: Callahan makes Warner get him coffee, even though they're drinking champagne, just to hammer in how useless Warner is.
348%% * YouJustToldMe: See ReflexiveResponse.
349* YouNoTakeCandle: Nikos and Carlos, on account of being European. Somewhat justified for Carlos because it's in song and proper English phrasing would break meter.
350-->'''Carlos:''' ''This man is gay '''and''' European!\
351And neither is disgrace.\
352You've got to stop your bein'\
353A completely closet case!''

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