Legally Blonde

Seven years had passed since I last trod the boards at Foakes Hall with the then Dunmow Players.  Now free from any official ties with the society I was looking forward to reviewing their latest production. 

Legally Blonde is an iconic musical with a loyal following and there was certainly plenty of pink in evidence as the audience poured into the venue. The society has a dedicated and talented group of people at its helm and they certainly pulled out all the stops for this show. It was high energy all the way and the whole cast from principals to ensemble must be congratulated on their performances and I include here two perfectly behaved dogs.

Elle Woods is expecting Warner Huntingdon to propose, instead he dumps her on the eve of his departure to Harvard Law School, telling her she needs to get serious. Determined to win him back she follows him and dressed in her trademark pink with her little dog in tow she arrives at Harvard Law where she proves that you can wear pink and be serious.

Jess Daniel was absolutely brilliant as Elle. She never faltered in her characterisation of the girl from Malibu, despite being on stage for most of the show and her strong singing voice really did justice to her vocals.  Supporting Elle throughout her journey was her Greek Chorus of Delta Nu sorority sisters led by cheerleader Serena (Em Robshaw), Margot (Ciara Johnson) and Pilar (Iona Griffey).

Vickie Carey was terrific as Paulette, owner of the local hair salon, with her own take on fashion and a longing to marry an Irishmen. She really owned the part and with her good comic timing and strong vocals connected well with the audience.

Shane Sykes made a great Emmett. A laid back performance of the professor’s assistant who befriends and encourages Elle. Good delivery both dialogue and vocals. .A good performance also from Cian Harriss, reprising the role of Warner. His new girlfriend Vivienne was well played by Megan Howell. Daniel Abbott was obviously enjoying playing the rather creepy Professor Callahan and Peter Dedman managed to fit in several cameo roles as well as stage managing. His take on Kyle the UPS delivery man was brilliant and had the audience in stitches.

It was great to see Izzy Bailey and Richard Aspinell performing with the society again, their days as junior members now way behind them.  A good performance by Izzy as exercise video star Brooke and Richard proved his versatility by taking on the roles of Aaron and Nikos. Enid was well played by Marenka Dynia and congratulations must go to all cast members in supporting roles for their contribution to this production.

This was a well directed production and Mollie Barry should be proud of her directorial debut. Sarah Cooper’s choreography was slick and precise. I didn’t see anyone put a foot wrong and the skipping scene was amazing as was the Irish dancing. Well done on your first time choreographing a musical.

The orchestra under the direction of MD Karen Chinery provided excellent accompaniment.  Sound was well balanced and there were some terrific lighting effects devised by Nick Clark.  Good to see him back on the lighting desk.

Scenery was simple but well detailed and effective, allowing for slick scene changes.

So, did I enjoy this production?   Omigod You Guys, it was amazing!

Thank you for the warm reception we were given and for the lovely goody bag.

 

 

 

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