Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde is a musical with music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and book by Heather Hach. It is based on the novel and 2001 film of the same name, and follows sorority president Elle Woods, who decides to enroll at Harvard Law School in an effort to win back her ex-boyfriend, Warner.

As always, we look forward to BMCC’s Productions due to their incredible range and quality and we were not disappointed, it was such a great evening with excellent high energy performances all round, and I still have the music earworms in my head today. Its such a fun show, and BMCC really brought that out here.

Unsurprisingly as we entered there was a lot of pink, as the show demands. There was an angled false proscenium with a pink velvet curtain. As the curtain opened, another stylised angled arch depicting the Sorority house appeared, with a slightly raised set of staging blocks across the back. The set was relatively simple but worked well throughout, leaving vital space for the incredible dance numbers throughout the performance. Flats depicting various entrance/and exits were brought on and cast and crew brought on simple pieces of furniture to depict the changing scenes. Some of the set changes appeared a little clunky at times, and especially when moving the staging blocks at the back. The rear level probably needed to be a little higher for the action set there as it was sometimes masked for those sitting at the front or sides. Also be careful when changing the scenes while the action is continuing elsewhere on the stage as it can be a little distracting. All this said, the set design helped to keep the pace of the show up throughout.

Lighting was relatively simple but was effective. There was probably a temptation to use a lot of pink, but you wisely avoided that temptation and had a good use of colour overall to support the action and mood. The rear cyc was well-used as a colour block. Other lighting was applied well from above and outside, making good use of haze and including some nice effects through to the floor.  More localised lighting for individual characters in solos may have assisted further with the emotion. The flickering side-light issue mid-way through Act2 was very well-managed – well done Tech Team – these things will happen, and the trick is how you manage them. The confetti bursts at the end gave a great ending.

The Sound was well balanced and all well- cued (especially Bruiser’s barks in “Omigod”). Only in the opening number did the band slightly over-power the vocals, but this was corrected immediately and was faultless thereon. The amplification of ensemble vocals, even with most of the cast was quite exceptional and really enhanced the vocal impact of the show.

The Costumes/Wigs and Make-up all were in keeping and appropriate to the style of the show and the time period. Brooke’s painted abs were a great detail! The range of dresses and attire used for the girls was very impressive. Elle’s range of costumes were excellent. Whoever was helping with Elle’s quick costume changes deserves a special mention here as well.  Props were as expected and where they should be.

Direction was slick, and the pace maintained. Keeping the scenery minimalist generally, was a great choice so the stage was clear for the big, choreographed numbers. Occasionally some scenes, like the court room felt a bit squashed at the back.

The 13-piece band led by Joshua Newport was fantastic, the balance with the cast worked well. The timing in the score for this show can be really tricky and there were some moments where we felt we lost some clarity in the dialogue and vocal diction due to rushing to fit with the underscoring, though we appreciate this is really difficult to address for the whole of a show like this. That said it didn’t detract from the fabulous performances.

The choreography is a central feature in this musical and needs to be high energy throughout and it really was, every company member worked full out to perform this and I really enjoyed it. “What You Want” and “Whipped Into Shape” highlights for me.

In Reviewing The Principal Performances:

Elle Woods: Just WOW!!!! An incredible performance. You were barely off the stage and when you were you were changing costume, and you managed this expertly. You are a real triple threat performer and made for this role. Your breath control in numbers like “What You Want” was a masterclass. I really liked how you were strong as “bubbly” Elle, but equally strong when showing the more vulnerable side. Well done.

Margot, Serena, Pilar: you set the scene, suitably “peppy” and had some lovely, individualised touches in your characters which worked so well. You all acted, danced and sang with enthusiasm and energy. Great Job.

Emmett: A really likeable performance as this character should be, you have a lovely tone in your voice.

Paulette: I thoroughly enjoyed your performance, you brought out all the humour brilliantly, with some excellent moments of physical comedy that really enhanced your performance. “Ireland” a highlight as well as the Irish Dancing with Kyle.

Callahan: Suitably unlikeable, as the character demands – you had a real gravitas through your voice and stage presence.

Warner: This is a difficult role I feel, as he’s not very likeable but somewhat misunderstood maybe, being pushed by his family onto a certain path, but you managed this really well, and I did see the vulnerability in your performance especially at the end. Some lovely vocals as well.

Vivienne: Ok so where did that voice come from in the second act?  Some just fabulous vocals.

Brooke: Another great performance, that song takes some stamina, and you nailed it. You had some great character touches and facial expressions in the court scene which worked really well.

Enid: you created a really strong character; with some really funny lines you made the most of.

Kyle: I loved your take on this character, how you kept a straight face at times I don’t know.

Delta NU: All of you dance, acted and sung expertly, all showing your clear individual characters throughout. Those big dance numbers were high energy and fabulous Well done. My highlights as previously mentioned “What You Want” and “Whipped Into Shape”.

There were some great cameos throughout all performed with enthusiasm and commitment. The boys appearing in the door for Paulette’s “Bend & Snap” made me laugh out loud. Carlos and Nikos in “Gay and European” and Chutney in the courtroom and bathroom scene particular highlights. The entire company put in 100% throughout,

I can’t forget to mention the two stars of the show Texas Weaver as Rufus and Wilson Maltby as Bruiser who were suitably cute and very well behaved, the audience loved them.

Yet again another great production from BMCC, well done to you all.

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