Legally Blonde

Trinity Amateur Operatic Society opened their 2019 season with a production of Legally Blonde the musical.  The musical version follows the same story as the 2001 film starring Recce Witherspoon.  The main character is Elle Woods - A one-dimensional ‘airhead’ who decides to follow her heart-throb boyfriend to Harvard Law School to win back his heart.  Whilst at Harvard, Elle learns about love and life - the hard way and becomes the full three-dimensional character that she never thought she could be.

This production was directed by Laura Beech.  It was clear that there was an overall vision for this production, which was carried off very well.  The majority of the set, costumes, props and visuals helped establish location from the outset, which helped the audience engage with the characters and the story.  I felt that the direction of this show was apparent and that most actors were strong in characterisation and individuality.  The audience really enjoyed this show and laughed in all of the right places.  There was a great use of the cast, playing a multitude of roles throughout.  However, I question this near the opening, when the actor who played Elle’s dad went straight into a scene where he played a pervy college professor.  It took a while for the some of the audience to realise that he wasn’t a dad anymore.  Perhaps another actor could’ve been used for this?  Some of the pools of light were a little too tight, which left some cast members in darkness, however this may be down to the cast standing in the wrong place.  Scene changes and the pace were swift to ensure that the energy was kept up all of the way through.

The choreography for this piece was very good and appropriate for the varying styles such as cheerleader, fitness etc.  The choreographer (Liz Cardall) was blessed with a great troop of dancers in the Delta Nu’s.  They were very well rehearsed and brought an excellent energy to the stage.  The other ensemble cast were used well throughout also.

The musical director for this production was Richard Tadman.  Richard and his band of Keys, guitar, bass and drums were placed on a high rostrum in the stage right wing.  I felt that the band were not fully in control of the music and that the cast were not fully in control of music cues and timing.  The cast and the band were constantly fighting with each other to gain control of the timing.  I also question the way some of the songs were pitched by the cast due to these obvious issues. 

The lighting at the Daneside is normally some of the best in the whole of the district.  I felt that lights were not used to their full effect during this production and that there was far more that the director/lighting designer could’ve done to enhance the action.  The pools of light were very tight, particularly on the sofa downstage right.  This meant that some characters were struggling to find their light.

The blend of the sound wasn’t great.  I felt that some of the levels of the main cast were far too low, particularly Elle, Warner and Emmett.  It sounded like the cast mics needed to be turned up and the band slightly turned down a little.  All sound and mics cues were well made.

The set was brilliant.  I know that there is not much space backstage at The Daneside and the stage crew had to be very clever in which parts of the set needed to be stored in a particular order.  The set was used well throughout and was very effective in establishing location.  All scene changes were very good, and I loved the clever design of having rotated pieces of set.  Congratulations to the set and backstage teams for their obvious hard work.

Costumes were generally very good.  I loved the personal style of each of the Delta Nu’s which made them individual characters.  I question some of the costumes of Elle, particularly the flat white shoes, the white cardigan combo which made her look a little frumpy.  There were a lot of very quick costume changes, particularly for Elle, who even had a quick change onstage.  All changes were excellently carried out.

Elle Woods was played by Louise Colohan.  Louise is a brilliant storyteller through song.  She was able to add comedic elements to her character as well as forwarding the plot in her songs.  I personally felt that Louise’s voice wasn’t suited to this part as it was a little too operatic.  I also felt that Elle was played a little too seriously and needed to have more light and shade.  This is just my personal preference; the audience certainly enjoyed Louise’s performance.  Louise’s version of ‘Legally Blonde’ was well sung and very well acted.

Warner was played by Ash Baker.  Ash looked slightly uncomfortable onstage which made it uncomfortable to watch.  Warner is supposed to be a loveable rouge and unfortunately, I didn’t see this during this production.  Ash looked the part and has a lot of potential.  I didn’t believe that Warner was in love with Elle or Vivienne.

Emmett was played by Michael Dyer.  Michael displayed some lovely vocals.  I really enjoyed his version of ‘Take It Like a Man’ and ‘Legally Blonde’.  I felt that Emmett was a little too laid back and slightly lacked characterisation.  I would’ve preferred if he was a little geekier or a little more awkward, especially around Elle, but the audience really enjoyed his performance.  

Paulette was brilliantly played by Sara Hawley.  Sara brought some great physical and vocal characteristics to this part and she was well cast in this role.  I loved Sara’s version of ‘Ireland’.  She has great comic timing and a fantastic singing voice!  Well done Sara!

Alicia Whittaker played the role of Vivienne, the serious law student and fiancée of Warner.  Alicia was well cast in this role and she did well to play the bitchy character.  Alicia sang very well during Legally Blonde Remix.

Alex Bingle played the role of Callaghan – the law professor.  Alex had a nice stage presence and physical status.  He did well to convey the different sides to his character.  Alex also had a nice singing voice.

Emily Spencer played Enid Hoops – the lesbian/feminist law grad.  Emily was perfectly cast in this role and even though doesn’t say much, she acted very well in every scene; staying in character throughout!

Elle’s three besties – Pilar (Sam Sherliker), Serena (Liv Riseley) and Margot (Alison Jones) were used very well throughout.  These three actors brought a brilliant energy to the stage in every scene and sang brilliantly.  They also danced amazingly well and sold every piece of choreography.

The rest of the Delta Nu’s (and supporting cast) were very strong and again, brought a great energy.  I loved ‘Bend and Snap’, ‘Oh My God’ and ‘Whipped into Shape’.  The dancing was very strong in this production.  As I mentioned before, I really loved how each of this ‘Greek chorus’ had their own individuality. 

Brooke was played by Beckie Morley.  Beckie was very well cast in this role and looked the part of the fitness queen!  It seemed like Beckie was slightly vocally tired during this performance. However, I was suitably impressed with Beckie’s fitness and her rendition of ‘Whipped into Shape’ was delightful!

Overall, I really enjoyed this production.  Both I, and the audience found it very entertaining.  The dancing was very strong, and there were some strong vocals from individuals.  The ensemble scenes were very good, and it looked like the cast were having a lot of fun.  There are far too many smaller characters for me to mention but everyone played their part and played it well – even the two brilliantly behaved dogs that were used throughout.  I thank Trinity for their hospitality, and I wish them all the very best for their 2019 season.

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