Legally Blonde

After Two year of being away, The Arcadians were back with a bang.  Elle Woods is dumped by her boyfriend Warner who goes off to Harvard Law School. Determined to get him back, Elle follows him to Harvard eventually outdoing him both academically and in her search for love.  This was indeed a production which oozed high energy from start to finish with some excellent individual performances. Elle is rarely off the stage and Bethany Neame (Her first show with The Arcadians) gave a magnificent performance in this very demanding role. She never faltered in her characterisation or vocally and looked wonderful never appearing phased by the quick costume changes. She is supported on her way by her ‘Greek Chorus’ who were superb and must be applauded for their slickness in their detailed choreography and who worked well as a unit never missing a beat. Elle is befriended at university by Emmett (Jacob Standbridge) who conveyed a sense of empathy in his support for Elle and whose warm singing voice I particularly enjoyed. Rob Pushkin was an excellent Professor Callahan commanding the stage bringing great depth to the character. ‘Blood in the Water’ perhaps one of the most melodic numbers was sung with ease and clarity. Before going to Harvard Elle meets up with beautician Paulette (Rebecca Eastwood) who persuades her not to change from blonde to brunette. Paulette’s solo number ‘Ireland’ was sung with great passion and power. She has some very funny lines and Rebecca gave a very strong performance with good comedy timing and facial reactions particularly when Kyle (Tom Cullen) arrives with his 'package’. This may have been a small cameo role but Tom certainly made an impact!   When Elle does meet up with her ex boyfriend she finds he has a new girlfriend (Eleanor Hewer).  Cieran Nixon was well cast as the ambitious Warner.  Adaeze Crawford was the perfect Brooke Wyndham who led the most fantastic ‘Whipped into Shape’. The ensemble here showed immense agility in this very physical number with skipping ropes and no hitches or trips.   I also really enjoyed the hilarious court scene with  ‘Gay and European’   There are many supporting roles all of which were well portrayed but special mention must be given to Robyn Macpherson. Ella Sanders,  Laura Peters, Sophie Bates and Helen Rourke as Enid.  And it would be very remiss of me not to mention the wonderfully behaved dogs, Willow, Archie and Helen’s guide dog Mindy who came on for Helen’s final bow.   Nikki Genner’s production was a joy to watch and she was supported by Adele David’s choreography and Jodi Matthews as Vocal Coach.  Sound and costumes were good and so was the lighting.

 Congratulations to The Arcs on this production.  Thanks for the invite and it’s good to have you back on stage.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.