‘Legally Blonde’ kicks off 34th season

DANBURY — Musicals at Richter, celebrating its 34th season as the longestrunning outdoor theater in Connecticut, kicks off the summer with “Legally Blonde,” the effervescent and wildly upbeat musical based on the popular 2001 film comedy starring Reese Witherspoon. Staged on the grounds of the Richter Arts Center in Danbury, performances take place outdoors under the stars Friday through Sunday evenings at 8 p.m., with additional specially discounted performances on Thursdays, July 5 and 12. There is no show on July 13 according to a news release from the theater.

This big, heroine-worshiping musical follows sorority girl and fashionista Elle Woods as she upends her life and enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend, Warner. While at Harvard, she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.

Main stage musical performances are Friday through Sunday evenings. Tickets for “Legally Blonde” are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students (with ID), and $15 for children 10 and under. For the Thursday performances on July 5 and 12, tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, and $10 for children 10 and under. Tickets may be purchased at musicalsatrichter.org, or at the door.

Grounds open at 7 p.m. for picnicking, with curtain at 8 p.m. (Note earlier curtain time.) Guests are invited to bring chairs and blankets for lawn seating; a limited number of chairs are available free by the concessions stand. Group rates are available with advance reservation; a soft drink/snack concession is onsite.

David Henningsen Photography / Contributed photo Elle Woods (Melody Atkinson, of Hartford, at center with dog) gets ready to take on Harvard Law School in “Legally Blonde,” which will be performed through July 14.