Following an out-of-town tryout in San Fransisco, Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin, and Heather Hack’s musical adaptation of the 2001 film Legally Blonde opened on Broadway in 2007. With a pro-shot that aired on MTV, the musical gained a cult following and became a favorite of theatergoers across the globe. Below, Broadway’s Best Shows explores the original cast members and where they’ve been in the more than 15 years since.
Laura Bell Bundy (Elle Woods)
Following Legally Blonde, Bundy continued her career in theater and also ventured into television and film. Most recently back on Broadway in the new play The Cottage, she has also appeared in TV shows like “Hart of Dixie”, ”Anger Management”, and “How I Met Your Mother.” Since appearing as Elle Woods, Bundy has also ventured into country music, releasing the albums Achin’ & Shakin’, which debuted at number 5 on the Billboard Top Country Album chart, and Another Piece of Me.
Christian Borle (Emmett Forrest)
After originating the role of Emmett Forrest, Borle has won two Tony Awards for his roles in Peter and the Starcatcher and Something Rotten!. His other Broadway credits post Legally Blonde include Marry Poppins, Falsettos, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He also starred alongside Debra Messing, Katherine McPhee, and Megan Hilty in the NBC television series SMASH.
In 2019, Borle appeared in the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors. Borle is starring in the Tony-nominated musical Some Like It Hot, which plays at the Shubert Theatre until December 30th.
Annaleigh Ashford (Margot)
Since her performance as Margot, Ashford has become a household name for theater lovers. In 2012, she appeared in the Off-Broadway in Dogfight alongside Lindsay Mendez and Derek Klena. She originated the role of Lauren in the Tony-winning musical Kinky Boots. In 2014 she won a Tony Award for her performance in the revival of You Can’t Take It with You. She also starred in Sylvia and the revival of Sunday in the Park with George. Ashford recently received a Tony nomination for her performance as Mrs. Lovet in the revival of Sweeney Todd, alongside Josh Groban. Her final performance will be on January 14th, 2024.
Leslie Kritzer (Serena)
Kritzer, after her run as the high-energy cheerleader Serena, has continued to work in the theater, appearing on and off Broadway including A Catered Affair, Sondheim on Sondheim, Closer Than Ever, Elf, and Something Rotten!. She gained notoriety for her portrayal of Delia and Miss Argentina in the Broadway production of Beetlejuice, and is currently in the Broadway revival of Spamalot alongside James Monroe Iglehart, Taran Killam, Michael Urie, Christopher Fitzgerald, and Ethan Slater.
Kate Shindle (Vivienne Kensington)
In 2011, Kate Shindle starred as the Mad Hatter in the Broadway production of Wonderland. In 2015, Shindle was elected President of the Actor’s Equity Association, which is a position she continues to hold.
Orfeh (Paulette)
Following her beloved portrayal of Elle’s friend Paulette, Orfeh released her first album “What Do You Want From Me.” She is a frequent voiceover artist and has appeared across mediums, including the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. In 2018, Orfeh returned to Broadway in the musical adaptation of the film Pretty Woman.
Andy Karl (Kyle the UPS Guy)
Karl has had continued success in theater after Legally Blonde, including Broadway appearances in 9 to 5, Wicked, Jersey Boys, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Rocky the Musical, Waitress, On The Twentieth Century, Groundhog Day, Pretty Woman: The Musical, and most recently, Into the Woods. This spring, Karl recently reprised his Tony-nominated performance of Phil Connors in London, and will join the company for its Australian premiere in 2024.
