Legally Blonde

The Musical, Legally Blonde, with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Neil Benjamin, and book by Heather Hatch, is based on the novel by Amanda Brown, and the MGM film of the same name. Legally centers around the antics of the delightful Elle Woods, a sweet-natured girl who decides to take up a career in law while pursuing her ex-boyfriend Warner to none other than Harvard Law School, hoping to win him back.

Sophie Thomas – Elle woods - was full of energy from start to finish which can be difficult to maintain and made it look effortless. Sophie never faltered in her characterization or vocally, never appearing phased by the quick costume changes. Strong performance.

Finty Kehoe – Paulette - provided several of the highlights of this show. A very strong performance with good comedy timing and facial reactions. Finty obviously relished the role and did a stirring job of “Ireland”.

Jamie Sendell – Emmett - conveyed a sense of empathy in his support for Elle. His vocals throughout were strong and there was a lovely ease throughout his acting.

Wil Morgans – Warner - was suitably dislikeable and convincing as the smarmy “Want To Do Well” kind of guy, played with great believability and displayed a suitable arrogance.

Ross Donoghue – Callaghan - commanded the stage bringing great depth to the character.

Annelie Cecilia Hopkins – Vivienne - was well cast as the stuck-up, wealthy, smart driven law student, portraying a strong independent woman with some great vocals.

Caitlin George – Enid Hoopes - gave an endearing caricature of the character, pitched just right.

Sophie Watkins – Brooke – was well cast in the role and brought her triple talents of singing, acting and dancing to the stage.  To maintain strong vocals while skipping is a real achievement.

Libbie Thomas – Serena, Iona Davies – Margot and Ezme Davies – Pilar, the friends of Elle and the voices in her head! maintained a very perky, upbeat and performance and commanded the stage.

There are many supporting roles all of which were well portrayed.

The set was simply but nevertheless effective. I particularly liked the projections, sometimes less is more and this was one of those times it worked.

Curtain Up Youth Theatre once again tackled this rather tricky musical with enthusiasm and a great display of talent.

Congratulation to all involved.

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