On Theater:

There’s this thing about pink — Molly Ringwald was pretty in it, Julia Roberts wore it constantly in “Steel Magnolias,” the “Grease” girls were the Pink Ladies, and then there was that panther.

Whatever, pink has been a signature color in movie comedy for decades, and Reese Witherspoon carried on the tradition when she starred in “Legally Blonde.”

So expect plenty of pink at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, where the musical version of that flick is holding forth delightfully.

Director-choreographer Jerry Mitchell helms this upbeat, teen-friendly production that follows a young lady’s improbable quest for a law degree at Harvard primarily to pursue her ex-boyfriend, even though she’s more suited for a master’s in fashion design.

Silly as it is, the story gets to you, and Mitchell’s staging is impeccable.

Teenage girls might wince at being portrayed so shallowly as the sorority sisters in the opening sequence, but when Elle Woods turns out to have ample brain power in addition to her traffic-stopping looks, things tend to even out.

In the center’s touring production, Elle is played beautifully (in all respects) by Becky Gulsvig, whose singing and dancing talent, not to mention her dead-on sense of comic timing, complement her physical charm.

Her flowing golden locks seem to have a life of their own.

Gulsvig is the centerpiece of a show that features a terrific supporting cast. D.B. Bonds is low-key and quite likable as her law school buddy who’s too shy to admit he’s crazy about her.

Jeff McLean hits the mark as the self-centered, upwardly mobile ex-flame who’s hitched his career wagon to a rising star classmate (Megan Lewis, who shows some humanity beneath her frosty exterior).

The strongest cast member, however, is Ken Land as the ruthless law professor who picks a team of legal eaglets to assist him on a murder defense case, then provides some objectionable behavior of his own. His solo turn, “Blood in the Water,” is calculated to strike fear into the undergrads.

Equally impressive is Natalie Joy Johnson as Elle’s hairdresser and confidant, Paulette, one of the few “regular folks” in the show and a total delight.

The sheer energy force of Coleen Sexton as the fitness queen and murder defendant propels much of the second act.

And some eye-catching support is provided by Frankie and Nellie, Elle’s Chihuahua and Paulette’s bulldog, respectively.

Musically, the show is brisk and polished with James Sampliner’s orchestrations nicely performed under the baton of Kyle Norris. Mitchell’s choreography is crisp and upbeat, particularly when Elle’s “Greek chorus” of sorority sisters is involved.

“Legally Blonde” the movie was an ideal choice for a musical comedy, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the musical filmed as well, a la “The Producers.” It’s a lot of fun, and Becky Gulsvig’s enterprising Elle certainly is pretty in pink.

If You Go

What: “Legally Blonde”

Where: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Costa Mesa

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays until Sept. 20

Cost: $20 to $80

Call: (714) 556-2787

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot.