Legally Blonde

OMIGOD what a show we saw!  It was a real pleasure to be invited to review Legally Blonde for Craig Inglis.  Following the extremely warm welcome and hospitality from the front of house team, we were immediately transported to the world of Elle Woods and the truly pinkness of it all! As soon as the show started, the audience was immersed in the world of fun, laughter, and pink, getting sucked into the story of Elle Woods and her ambition to achieve her goal and marry Warner.  How things change!  Elle played by Kathryn Johnston showed her amazing talent of singing and acting, very rarely off the stage and always in control when she was on the stage. Warren, played by Daniel McDonald, portrayed his off-hand approach well, displaying his range of singing and acting.  

Any show is a challenge to get to the stage, and not all companies have the ease of working in a theatre with a wide range of facilities.  However, Johnstone Phoenix did not let this hold them back in any way. This was a great theatrical experience from start to finish.  A lot of thought had gone in to the overall creative design of the show to ensure that scenes ran into each other smoothly. Craig’s vision for the show and the use of a video wall and static set worked a treat. The company worked well together to ensure each scene flowed from one to another and it was obvious that stage manager, Wilson Miller and all the backstage crew worked in harmony with what was happening on the stage. Working in restricted space can be challenging, but this did not put the company of Johnstone Phoenix off in any way as they executed the transition of scenes, intertwined in the production.  Excellent sound and lighting added to the overall success of the show.

It was great to see an entire company of all ages being appropriately cast in the wide range of principal roles and ensemble, all working equally hard to ensure this show portrayed the story through song, dance and drama.  The Delta Nu’s worked well together showing real solidarity within their team, as well as within the company ensemble. It was obvious that a lot of hard work as well as fun went into the rehearsals and their overall team spirit was brought to life in the production.  Paulette, played by Jen Healey, gave an excellent performance bringing the right level of comedy to the role.

Creating an orchestra pit in front of the seating made the communication between the band and the performing area work well, and while both were on floor level, this did not take away from the theatrical experience that was created within the hall.  Well done Andrew Scott, Musical Director, in the results achieved in bringing great singing to the stage.  

The choreography showed the many talents in the company, and in particular the dancers.  Fiona McGregor, Choreographer ensured that the dancers and cast were well drilled in all aspects of their routines, workouts and “bend and snaps”!

Overall this was an extremely entertaining show where it was obvious from start to finish that rehearsals had been full of fun, energy and detailed work.

A big well done to the team both on and off stage, and front of house to ensure audiences were treated to great night out, and I really do believe the entire team achieved their aim to have the audiences leaving the theatre with a smile on their face.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.