Legally Blonde

           

Due to widespread delays I arrived just in time for the opening and caught up with COS Chair Katie Cutmore during the interval and again after the performance along with CO2 Chair, Charlotte Butcher. They explained that  the society had designed and produced the  sets and props in house rather than hiring this time. The simple set was effective with stairs each side leading to a bridge. However large props were wheeled onto the stage depicting various scenes eg hair salon, courtroom, department store, sorority house, restaurant, Harvard Law School and Elle’s room. These were all extremely relevant, well constructed and attractive with plenty of pink and full marks to the set designers and stage and props teams. The costumes were sourced locally and were attractive, colourful and just right for the characters. Good use of lighting enhanced the sets and the sound level was good.

Rob Miles was the expert and accomplished Musical Director who worked with backing tracks to provide good support to the cast. Everyone on stage was in complete accord with the music and projection was very good.

Superb acting, singing and dancing skills were evident amongst all the cast including the large ensemble. Much of the movement and dancing was fast moving and imaginative, with some amazing routines developed by choreographer Sarah James. All the routines were very well rehearsed and performed to a high standard.

There were stellar performances from the principals who were all well cast. Star of the show inevitably was Becci  Morris ,as Elle Woods.  Becci had a huge stage presence coupled with a powerful voice and great dancing ability. She opened Act One with a rousing delivery of Omigod You Guys supported by her sorority sisters / Greek chorus of Izzy Willson, as Margot, Hannah Wentworth, as Serena and Zara Ball as Pilar. All very well played. Zachary Davis as Elle’s (ex) fiancé Warner played this arrogant character with an appropriate over bearing and superior manner. Margarita Fernandez was the hairdresser Paulette and injected a good deal of comedy into the role and sang Ireland really well. I loved Mars Senchell’s interpretation of lawyer Professor Callahan and his song Blood In The Water was well delivered. Elle’s new love interest was Emmett Forrest, a rather geeky student so lacking in confidence and expertly played by Nicholas Mckeown. There was a lovely rendition of Chip On My Shoulder from Nicholas. Matilda Davis was Brooke Wyndham the fitness fanatic who opened Act Two with Whipped Into Shape, lively and energetic. Zahra Noray had a challenging role as Warner’s new girlfriend Vivienne, so different to Elle.

There were many small but niche roles including Leo Wiggins as Kyle the delivery man ( very humorous!), Evey Daly as Enid the lesbian, Nathan Smith and Freddie Bull as Carlos and Nikos the gay pair (hilarious). A special mention of the 2 well behaved dogs, Bentley and Bella !

The ensemble were busy and actively engaged throughout supporting the principals.

This was an excellent production and I must congratulate Director Matt Jewson on his debut as Director with CO2. He has shown much innovation, skill and  imagination in bringing this popular musical to stage.

Well done to the cast and everyone involved in any way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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