Singapore Repertory Theatre has officially completed the principal cast for its upcoming production of Legally Blonde – The Musical, adding three of Singapore’s most recognisable performers to an already headline-making production.
Joining West End star Nathania Ong, who was previously announced as Elle Woods, are Pierre Png, Siti Khalijah and Nathan Hartono — bringing together an unusually eclectic mix of screen, theatre and music talent for the Broadway hit’s return to Singapore.
The biggest surprise announcement is undoubtedly Pierre Png, who makes his long-awaited return to the stage after a decade. While international audiences know him as Michael Teo in Crazy Rich Asians, theatre fans will remember his performance in Mulan The Musical back in 2016. Legally Blonde also marks his first appearance at the Esplanade Theatre.
Png takes on the role of Kyle the UPS Guy, a character whose brief but unforgettable appearances have become something of a cult favourite among Legally Blonde audiences. His show-stopping turn in the musical’s iconic “Bend and Snap” sequence is often one of the biggest crowd-pleasers of the evening.
“Playing the role of Kyle will be fun because I want to be like him in real life—confident, funny, and have one helluva swag!” Png jokes.
Equally exciting is the casting of Siti Khalijah as Paulette, Elle’s loyal friend and the quirky salon owner who becomes one of the emotional anchors of the story. One of Singapore’s most beloved theatre performers, Khalijah has built a career balancing comedy with remarkable emotional depth, whether on stage or on television in The Noose and numerous Suria productions.
For Khalijah, Paulette’s appeal lies in her authenticity. “Paulette is such a fun character because she brings so much heart, humour and personality to the story. What attracted me to the role was the opportunity to play someone who’s unapologetically herself. Audiences can laugh with her, root for her, and maybe even see a little bit of themselves in her.”
Nathan Hartono rounds out the new announcements as Warner Huntington III, Elle Woods’ polished but self-absorbed ex-boyfriend whose rejection becomes the catalyst for her transformation. Fresh off his acclaimed performance in SRT’s The Last Five Years, Hartono returns to the company’s stage in one of musical theatre’s most recognisable leading-man roles.
Together with Nathania Ong, the casting reflects SRT’s ambition for this production: bringing together performers who have each carved out successful careers in different corners of Singapore’s entertainment industry.
When Ong’s casting was first announced, director Kate Golledge spoke about reimagining Elle Woods as a woman whose strength comes not from changing herself, but from trusting who she already is. That contemporary interpretation now feels even more compelling with a cast that spans generations and artistic disciplines, giving familiar characters fresh perspectives while staying true to the heart of the original.
While Legally Blonde is often remembered for its infectious pop score, iconic pink aesthetic and laugh-out-loud comedy, its enduring appeal has always come from something deeper. Beneath the sequins and high heels is a story about confidence, resilience and refusing to let other people’s expectations define your potential.
With beloved songs including Omigod You Guys, So Much Better and Bend and Snap, SRT’s new production looks set to combine Broadway spectacle with an unmistakably Singaporean cast, one that feels every bit as glamorous as the world Elle Woods herself would happily inhabit.
Legally Blonde plays from 29th July 2026 at the Esplanade Theatre. Join the waitlist for tickets now
