EDGE Chicago

Becky Gulsvig is, in many ways, living a gay man’s dream. Currently starring as Elle Woods in the national tour of Legally Blonde, that comes to Seattle on February 23 through March 14 at the The 5th Avenue Theatre, Gulsvig performs in front of packed audiences as often as eight times a week.

The 26-year-old, who originally hails from Moorhead, Minn., goes from city to city in a whirlwind of song, dance and the color pink. Gulsvig is living out a dream she’s had from a very early age, grabbing every opportunity to perform in choirs and community shows while looking up to her idols, including one icon in particular.

"I’ve always been a huge fan of Julie Andrews and she is definitely a role model," Gulsvig shared. "I think she is so classy, was so good, and still is so good. I grew up watching her films and got to audition for her once in New York. It was so cool to have her be in the same room and have her speak to me!"

Now, much like Andrews, Gulsvig is already developing her own legion of budding performers looking up to her. She debuted on the Broadway scene in 2002’s original production of "Hairspray" in 2002, following that with a role as Patty in a regional performance of "Grease" in 2003.

Three years later, she did a workshop for "Legally Blonde" and fell in love with the role of Ms. Woods, the stereotypical sorority sister who follows a man to Harvard Law only to discover that she can compete with the best of them. She performed in the Broadway production of the show as an understudy and ensemble member before joining the show’s first national tour as its lead last September.

"I was told that they’d like me to play Elle on the tour during intermission of a show [of the Broadway production] and I couldn’t stop smiling for many days after that," said Gulsvig. "It was exactly what I’d been wanting ever since I first did the workshop."

Not that it’s easy: both the schedule and role -- she is onstage most of the show’s two-and-a-half hour running time -- are demanding. Gulsvig even broke a toe earlier this year. She said she manages the hectic schedule thanks to her husband Tyler, who travels with her working with the tour’s merchandise company, and not to over-think the details of her performance.

"As Elle, it’s a big undertaking and accomplishment to do this show physically," explained Gulsvig. "At this point, I just sort of have to live and breathe on stage and let it come flying out of me, I don’t have to think it through since I’ve been a part of it for a really long time."

With her growing comfort in the role, Gulsvig has managed to catch her stride as Elle. She revels in every chance to perform in front of an audience with the same fervor as in her career’s early days - even if the front row consists of a bunch of sleepy children, as recently happened in a performance. She said she hoped the show brought a smile and a message of sincerity to all those who see it.

"The show has a great story and a lot of heart. Ultimately, we’re there to give people enjoyment and an escape," she said. "I hope they take the message that you have to be true to yourself. Follow your dreams, work hard, and don’t be afraid to be you."

Legally Blonde plays February 23 to March 14 The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 90028. For more information visit the Legally Blonde on tour website.