Actress taps into Witherspoon’s persona for ‘Blonde’ role

Broadway actress Becky Gulsvig is ready to sing and dance her way into Starlight Theatre-goers’ hearts as she takes on the role of Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde The Musical,” which opened Tuesday.

Prior to her 3½-year involvement in the musical while on Broadway and on the national tour, Gulsvig had roles in “Hairspray” on Broadway and the “Peter Pan” national tour, as well as a role on the television soap opera “All My Children.”

“I loved it,” Gulsvig said regarding why she chose acting as a career. “You have to have a real passion for the arts and theater.”

Gulsvig said her time on Broadway compares to a typical 9 to 5 job.

“You are able to get into a routine… It’s like a regular job, just at night,” Gulsvig said. “You get home at 11:30 or 12, sleep in.”

Despite her busy evening schedule, Gulsvig tries to maintain a normal lifestyle with her husband and dog, camping on the weekends and trying to take in as many Broadway shows as she can while residing in New York.

“Legally Blonde The Musical” is based on the popular 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon.

While Gulsvig acknowledges that for some actors it might be intimidating to assume a role so famously played by Witherspoon, she seemed to fit easily into the part.

“For some, it sort of limits you,” Gulsvig said. “But Elle is so lovable … it’s fun to play a role where people cheer (the character) on.”

Gulsvig said it helps that she resembles and can act like Witherspoon.

“I was compared to (her) even before I worked on ‘Legally Blonde,’” Gulsvig said.

Gulsvig began her “Legally Blonde” career as an Elle Woods understudy on Broadway.

“I got to soak it all in,” Gulsvig said.

Despite her similarities to Witherspoon and her years of experience with the character, Gulsvig has made the character her own.

“I try to be half-Elle, half-me and enjoy every day. You have to be real,” Gulsvig said.

The musical features song and dance numbers, as well as a more developed romantic interest for Elle.

Gulsvig said Elle’s friend Paulette takes on a larger role in the musical adaptation. Gulsvig considered the addition of the song and dance numbers to be a positive enhancement to the story.

“As you watch the movie, it lends itself to being a musical,” Gulsvig said.

While she feels some musicals just insert songs that may not be as meaningful to the overall message, Gulsvig praises the “Legally Blonde” lyricists.

“These songs take you places,” Gulsvig said. 

Gulsvig is not certain which direction she will take when her contract is up in September, but said she would love to have a role in “Wicked” or “South Pacific.”

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