For Valentine’s Day, the Wirtz Center has gone all out in pink. Legally Blonde: The Musical started its run on Friday, Feb. 14.  

The show is based on the 2001 movie of the same name, in which Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) decides to attend Harvard Law School in an attempt to win back her ex-boyfriend. There, she discovers her passion for law and helping others, becoming involved with the murder trial of an exercise celebrity and meeting new people along the way. The musical follows the same plot as the classic romantic comedy.

The Valentine’s start date was not coincidental, according to Pete Brace, the marketing director for the Wirtz Center. It emphasizes one of the show’s central themes: love. However, Legally Blonde also takes on themes such as personal growth and the importance of believing in oneself.

Elle (Communications junior Alexa Moster) with her sorority sisters during “What You Want.” // Jayna Kurlender

“Legally Blonde is just as relevant today because it is all about breaking down stereotypes,” said director Christopher Chase Carter in an interview with Northwestern Now.

Elle convinces the Harvard Admissions Board to accept her. // Jayna Kurlender

The stage performance features songs composed by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin. It’s one of the most popular contemporary musicals—its most famous songs are “Omigod You Guys” and “There! Right There.” The musical became wildly popular after MTV broadcast the original stage version live in 2007, reaching millions.

“What is terrific about this show is the student body knows it, the performers know it because they grew up with it, and it's just a fun show to do,” said Brace.

Legally Blonde is the first Wirtz show to ever sell out its entire run before opening day. Part of that success may be due to the “Do It For Love” Sweepstakes, which over two thousand people entered, according to Brace.

The show will act as a break from midterms for many students attending, with upbeat pop songs and clever costume designs acting as  welcome distractions.

Legally Blonde: The Musical is running weekends from Feb. 14 - Mar. 1 at the Ethel M. Barber Theater in the Wirtz Center. The performances are all sold out.