Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde, The Musical

Leicester Operatic Players (LOPS)

Little Theatre, Leicester        April 2024

The Show

LOPs has a proud history, with numerous successful productions. In recent years the company has progressed to shows attracting modern theatregoers and young performers. Interesting to note that of the cast of about 30 here, more than half were performing in their first LOPs show.

Legally Blonde is popular among amateur societies, with a simple story, good parts, lots of music and plenty of chorus work. To work well, it needs a young and energetic company, like this one.

The show tells the story of Elle Woods, who confounds expectations by getting into Harvard Law School and discovering how her knowledge of the law can help others.

The Staging and Orchestration

This was a fast-moving production, driven by well-synchronised pre-recorded music dictating the pace of the action and dialogue. Early in this particular performance I felt it was sometimes, when backing dialogue, a little loud, making speech difficult to hear, and occasionally at a pace that caused words to be rushed. That said, it sounded clear and faultless, as did the vocal deliveries of all the main characters. Congratulations to Music Director Steve Duguid for the accomplished delivery of the show’s many musical numbers.

Staging and lighting was simple, the ‘background’ being provided by projected images which cleverly suggested the appropriate setting or the time of year. Where necessary, attractive box sets provided individual scenes. Congratulations to Director and Set Designer Jeremy Holt, Stage Manager Nadine Hall, and their teams for an uncomplicated but effective set and smooth scene transitions with minimal interruption of the action.

Colour was added by the costumes, coordinated by Jo Walkden. These were bright and attractive; none more so than Elle’s several outfits in her favourite pink.

Direction and Choreography

The production was in the hands of experienced director Jeremy Holt, having stepped in midway through rehearsals. Jeremy can be pleased with the success of this his first LOPs show.

The opening number Omigod You Guys gave us a taste of what was to come in fast-moving, well executed, chorus action. Ellie Newbrooks’ impressive choreography, including this number and Whipped Into Shape which opened Act 2, demanded energy and skill from the dancers, which they delivered, making every ensemble number attractive on the eye and easy on the ear.

The Cast

The company of almost 30 players (and two dogs!) were well-drilled, committed and enthusiastic, and gave the impression of enjoying themselves throughout the performance.

The story of the show revolves around Elle Woods, the not-so-dumb blonde who having got into Harvard Law School to join her former boyfriend ends up confounding the doubters. Throughout the show, few characters have faith in Elle, but she manages to surprise them when she demonstrates her legal skills, without betraying her personal values. In this important role, Emily Haywood held the show, looking and acting the part convincingly, with a strong singing voice and lovely facial expressions. This was Emily’s first LOPs show, and her performance drove the production’s success.

As Elle’s mentor, hairdresser and beautician Paulette Bonafonte, Alice Oakley provided the main fun element in the production showing a strong talent as a comedy entertainer. Her Bend and Snap, and Ireland were played with comedic energy..

Simon Collington, as fellow student and friend Emmett Forrest was believable as Elle’s one true friend in the college, who sticks with her when she feels let down. His gentle support and maturing as a character were well conveyed in a strong performance.

Ben Cusack was effective as Warner, the former boyfriend who Elle attempts to get back by enrolling at Harvard. He portrayed the changing character skilfully in his continuing attempt to manage the conflict between personal affection and professional ambition.

Experienced Leicester performer Martin Green excelled in the interesting part of Professor Callahan. His performance of Blood In The Water was a vocal highlight. Martyn’s characterisation of the respected authority figure who late in the story surprises everyone with his fall from grace, was extremely convincing.

Natasha Ann Carr showed strong dramatic talent as the haughty law student Vivienne Kensington, reluctant to allow Elle into the student circle, eventually relenting and coming to the rescue when she realises Elle’s natural talent and sincerity.

The Act 2 ‘skipping-rope’ number Whipped Into Shape was performed by Rosie Chalmers (Brooke Wyndham) and the dancers with skill, energy and dexterity. It was non-stop intricate movement, exhausting to watch and amazingly accurate. Besides leading the energetic number, Rosie performed strongly as fitness instructor Brooke, the murder suspect acquitted following Elle’s legal advocacy.

Smaller but significant roles were played by entertaining and agile trio Charlotte Brown, Niall Johnson and Rachel Wheeler as Elle’s friends Margot, Pilar and Serena; experienced Little Theatre performers Alexandra Elliott and David Lovell as Elle’s parents, and Lucy Edwards (Chutney), Kian Fitzjohn (Chad), Nathan Loudon (Schultz), Renata Maynard (Enid), Natasha Plummer (Kate), Allan Smith (Dewey), Carla Smith (Court Stenographer), Alex Thompson (Nikos), Lucy Vickery (Judge), Nick Wilkins (Kyle/Carlos) and Darren Wright (Prof Winthrop). They all performed their roles with confidence, supported by a strong ensemble, in making this a successful and enjoyable show.

It was unfortunate that I couldn’t meet more of the company after the show, but I realise how busy (& exhausted!) they probably were. It was nice however, to have a chat with the Director, Jeremy, and a couple of old friends in the cast.

An enjoyable theatre evening, and a pleasure to see a show that my wife and I greatly enjoyed, as did the capacity audience on this the third performance in the one-week run. We look forward to seeing the society’s production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie next year.

Thank you, LOPs

Colin Blackler

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.