Nikki Gil will play the pink and perky Elle Woods in ‘Legally Blonde: The Musical.’

TV personality Nikki Gil has always sported long black locks. That will change.

But before her fans go, “Oh my god, you guys! Are you, like, kidding me?” know that she will go blonde only for the upcoming Philippine production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical.”

In the Tony award-winning play based on the 2001 hit movie, Nikki plays the pink and perky Elle Woods, originally played for film by Academy award-winning actress Reese Witherspoon.

Together with her vegetarian Chihuahua, Bruiser, Elle boldly enrolls herself at the prestigious Harvard Law School to win her cynical boyfriend back, and at the same time, defy stereotypes imposed on blondes.

According to “Blonde” director Chari Arespacochaga, Nikki clinched the role “because her age is right for it and she’s really funny.”

Nikki, who first acted in theater by playing alternate with singer-actress Karylle in “Seussical the Musical (Cat in the Hat),” has begun taking voice and dance lessons in preparation for “Legally Blonde.”

"I'm very excited to have been chosen to play Elle Woods. It's a challenge in terms of stamina and vocal preparation," said she.

Because of the discipline that theater exacts from its actors, Nikki feels more motivated to take care of her health which she confessed she has neglected.

“I’ve never really cared about my health before. Puyatin ako, and I have weird eating habits. So, now I’m wishing for good health, kundi [ay] hindi ako makaka-survive ng 20 shows. Hindi puwedeng magkasakit,” she said.

Nikki watched the “Legally Blonde” movie and the 2007 Broadway musical to help internalize her role.

In the musical, Nikki hopes to show her “kikay” side that she says is akin to her “MYX” persona.

“The Elle Woods character is one I’m fond of because even in Myx, ‘yon ‘yong ginagaya namin nila Iya [Villania]. 'Yong mga, ‘Oh my god, are you kidding me?!?’ Mga ganyan, favorite namin ‘yan,” she said.

So far, Gretchen Barretto and Nyoy Volante have been enlisted to join Nikki in the cast. Gretchen will play the role of Brooke Wyndham, Elle’s client while Nyoy will essay Emmett Richmond, a lawyer enamored by Woods.

Chari said the musical will deliver more fun.

“The Legally Blonde movie is not really a musical, but we will remain faithful to the story, [and] add a lot of fun. It will be a happy show. Very girl power,” she said.

Before the pink curtains go up at the Meralco Theater on June 2010, Atlantis Productions, the company staging “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” will hold a holiday season repeat of its highly successful musical-comedy, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” from Dec. 4 to 13 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

Fundraising and show-buying opportunities are now available. Call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187, or visit www.atlantisproductionsinc.com.