Think pink. That's the color that rules in "Legally Blonde: The Musical" at the Hippodrome Theatre. Its blond lead character majored in fashion merchandising at UCLA, exclusively wears pink, and definitely has a personality to match.

This Broadway musical version of the popular Hollywood comedy is such a pink-hued confection that watching it is like eating cotton candy. What it lacks in substance, however, is made up for by the superficial silliness that also can be part of your theatrical diet.

Besides, there actually is a female empowerment theme meant in all seriousness to connect with teen-aged girls, especially. The main character in "Legally Blonde" is a seemingly stereotypical blonde who sets out to prove she isn't so dumb.

This musical featuring a perky protagonist isn't the most cleverly scored or written Broadway musical you'll ever see; but it's so bright and cheerful that it's best to just go along with the spirited songs occasionally performed by Elle's cheerleader friends.

As Elle, Becky Gulsvig certainly looks the part. Although she's not the most charismatic of performers, she's got an engaging personality and generally conveys how Elle is crushed when her UCLA boyfriend, Warner Huntington III (Jeff McLean), dumps her after he's accepted at Harvard Law School. He opts for a law school classmate who is a more "respectable" brunette, Vivienne Kensington (Megan Lewis), and the two of them embark on a snooty course of upward mobility.

Elle, who uses her determination and her wits to get into Harvard Law School, is devastated to find herself at the receiving end of such snobby dismissal. In fact, almost everybody makes fun of her and treats her as if she is a Barbie doll with Playboy Bunny aspirations.

Thank goodness, Elle meets up with Emmett Forrest (D.B. Bonds), whose working-class origins and ethical decency make him seem like maybe he's the right Harvard guy for Elle.

This plot isn't exactly profound but, like the musical numbers, it gets the job done. The performers likewise seem up to the job in terms of their singing, but it's not always easy to tell in this production.

Too much of what they are singing is difficult to understand, owing to a combination of rapid delivery, a boisterous orchestra and a sound system that assumes louder is better.

Even if you don't catch every word, the story obviously is easy to follow. The opening number, for instance, is a hyperactive ensemble tune called "Omigod You Guys," in which Elle's UCLA sorority sisters shriek and shop and socialize like crazy.

Omigod, it's such a busy song that you'll sit bolt upright in your seat as if you have just been served a fizzy pink energy drink.

"Legally Blonde: The Musical" continues through Oct. 12 at the Hippodrome Theatre, at 12 N. Eutaw St., in Baltimore. Tickets are $24 to $69. Call 410-547-SEAT or go to www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

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