BRUNSWICK — What happens when Malibu Barbie goes to Harvard Law School?

You get “Legally Blonde,” the second superb show of the 2012 Maine State Music Theatre season.

The plot, based on an Amanda Brown novel later adapted to a hit film starring Reese Witherspoon, centers on Elle, president of Delta Nu sorority and founder of “Shop for a Cause,” as she follows Warner, the guy who breaks her heart when he dumps her because she’s “a Marilyn (Monroe), not a Jackie (Bouvier Kennedy),” to the East Coast so she can win him back in the name of love. Once enrolled at Harvard, Elle proves her worth to Warner, his new girlfriend, Vivienne, her professor and classmates — and, most importantly, to herself. She may look like a blond bombshell, but there is much more than air in that head of hers.

MSMT’s version of “Legally Blonde” never gets too heavy-handed with its running theme of “don’t judge a book by its cover.” How can it when it opens and closes with “Omigod You Guys!,” a song replete with Valley girl speak delivered by a bevy of BFFs bearing fluffy pink martini glasses? When it has dance numbers containing not tap or shuffle but cheerleading, jump roping and tongue-in-cheek Irish step-dancing? Costumes that mix pink polka dots with purple paisley and orange stripes? And an entire routine based on the “bend and snap” move “guaranteed to get the attention of 99.9 percent of heterosexual males?”

As Director Marc Robin notes in the playbill, “It’s a HAPPY show” — and it truly is.

That’s not to say the players are lightweights. No airheads here.

Alex Ellis is a knockout as Elle. Like her initially superficial character, she knows how to use her blond locks — and long legs — to capture attention. She maintains it with impeccable comedic timing and, with seemingly little effort, conveys Elle’s inner qualities of loyalty, determination and intelligence.

Ellis makes Elle’s transformation from party girl to law school valedictorian seem easier than studying for the (cocktail) bar exam. Add to that a clear singing voice and great chemistry between her and the other actors and you’ve got a star.

Indeed everyone in this production is stellar. As expected, MSMT veteran Charis Leos brings a depth of character — farce mixed with pathos — to Paulette, Elle’s down-at-the heels hairdresser/ therapist, who proffers sage advice to the blond beauty but who can’t seem to heed it herself.

Matthew Ragas, looking like he recently stepped off the cover of GQ, is well cast as Warner, the ambitious ex.

Lauren Blackman prowls the stage as a predictably catty Vivienne.

Chuck Ragsdale plays Emmett Forrest, the catalyst for Elle’s metamorphosis from playboy bunny to serious student.

Ragsdale’s publicity photo does not do him justice. Many an audience member shouted a resounding “yes!” when Elle asks, “Don’t you think he’s hot?” after she gives him a wardrobe makeover. His voice blends perfectly with Ellis’ during duets, a pleasant harbinger to Emmett and Elle’s developing relationship.

Jessica Lee Goldyn, as accused exercise guru Brooke Windham, whom Elle must defend in court, astounds the audience in the aforementioned jump rope routine, displaying mindboggling athleticism as she sings and dances while skipping rope, occasionally pausing mid-move.

Even Birdie Newman Katz and Brian Michael Hoffman elevate their bit parts with humorous panache. Curt Dale Clark deliciously delivers the adult humor as a UPS delivery guy who has quite the package for Paulette. Do keep an eye out for the Greek chorus/BFFs posing as Charlie’s Angels.

Much is made in advance publicity of the two canine stars of the show: Rufus the bulldog and Chico the chihuahua. Rufus holds the record for starring in the most performances of “Legally Blonde” by any performer, human or canine, and Chico was in the original Broadway production and is the doggie model for the show’s official logo. Each appears in several scenes but only briefly — just long enough for the audience to have an “aw how cute” moment.

Robert Kovach, who most recently worked on “Spamalot” at MSMT, kept the scenic design simple because there are many set changes. The most decorative is the opening sorority house scene, and the most elaborate is a rotating set designed to represent an entrance to a Harvard classroom.

Most other sets rely on a simple solid fabric backdrop and lighting to dress the background, allowing the talent to shine on its own accord. Part of the cheerleading routine is performed in the aisles, bringing some of the action closer to the audience.

The only problem with the production was that at times the band was louder than the chorus, making it hard to hear the lyrics. It was a problem in the opening song and in the second act during “Bend and Snap,” which proved unfortunate as the double entendres were hotter than a curling iron and not to be missed. Perhaps the balance was just off for opening night and will be resolved soon.

For all its pink fluff, “Legally Blonde” presents several potent messages: beware of judging outer versus inner beauty; don’t let ambition ruin one’s integrity; confidence is every bit as important as intelligence; and other axioms.

One of the important lessons Elle learns from her friends is to stay positive. This show is 100 percent fun and will be a positive addition to your afternoon or evening.

“LEGALLY BLONDE” runs through July 14 at Pickard Theater on the Bowdoin College campus in Brunswick. Ticket prices range from $36 to $59. MSMT offers its “pay what you can” special today. For more information, call 725-8769 or visit www.msmt.org.