Legally Blonde

When I first heard that Your Time to Shine were taking on the hugely demanding production of Legally Blonde, my first reaction was that it is a demanding show for a young cast. But I underestimated them……this was the perfect show for an amazingly energetic and talented group of young people. They swung into the first song ‘Omigod you guys’ with such enthusiasm and energy that I just knew this was going to be a fantastic show.

The band, under the direction of Benjamin Page, were faultless and pushed the rhythm and pace of the show along at breakneck speed. I would love to have seen the cast’s reaction at Band Call when they heard this 12-piece band hit their stride. I’m sorry I couldn’t see you but I certainly knew you were there!

The choreography by Drew Evans was a delight. It was modern, fast and perfectly suited to both the age and abilities of the cast. The set pieces were so effortlessly performed by the young people on stage that it was easy to forget the amount of work that has gone into producing that result. The slight breathlessness after some of the routines made us realise just how much effort and energy was needed to enact them. I really enjoyed ‘What you want’ and the Irish sequence cleverly danced in green light!

I was privileged to see the blue cast in action at my visit and they were just great. It would be impossible to mention everyone but, looking along the chorus members, it was easy to see how much everyone enjoyed being in the show.

Larnie-Rae took the part of Elle on the show I attended and she had a really powerful, clear voice and amazing stage presence. I loved the way the trucks parted on her first entrance and she strutted down that stage to take command of the whole performance.  It was quite refreshing to see that not every costume she wore was pink but this was a massive role for anyone to take on. Rarely off the stage, she was word perfect, self-assured and played the role of Elle journeying through the prejudices of appearance and opinion to become a lawyer, with total credibility. Prudence, Ella and Emily, her main Delta Nu friends, were terrific, both on their own and as the leaders of the Delta Nu Greek chorus. Warner, played by Joe, had a lovely tenor voice and the scene in the restaurant in front of the star cloth was handled beautifully, especially when he told Elle that he wanted to break up. Vivienne, the new girlfriend, played by Eva, handled the transition from snobbishness to best friend with Elle so confidently. It is difficult to play the ‘baddie’ in a show but she showed how it should be done, Eva had a lovely deeper tone to her voice which came through in her songs.

I was worried that Callahan, the sleazy professor, would be difficult to portray by a younger cast but Joshua proved me wrong. As well as being totally convincing, he took on that notoriously difficult song, Blood in the Water, which many an adult cast have faltered over. William, as Emmett, was terrific. His portrayal was restrained but compassionate and totally fitted the part. Once again, another lovely voice and so secure in the song ‘Chip on my shoulder ‘which has constant key changes all the way through. Olivia took on the role of Paulette with great presence and a quick mention about your love interest, Kyle, the UPS guy, played by Dylan. I am so pleased you made the most of your entrances and exits with accompanying wiggles. This was a lovely example of a small role absolutely taking over the scene (in a good way). Even better when I realised you were the Chadmaster in ‘What you want’. That song is so tricky to sing and dance to but it was so much fun to watch especially when the entire cast came onto the stage.

When the second act opened, we were introduced to Brooke, the fitness guru, played by Cherry, and the routine accompanying this song ‘Whipped into shape’ was really adventurous. Well done to all chorus members for your participation in this. Well done to Cherry, too, for your great portrayal of Brooke.

A final well done to Lila for her role as Enid, this was a really funny role and you made the most of it.

The sets changes were slick and professional and the lighting and sound were carefully thought through and designed. The pace of the whole show was fast and smooth. Another quick mention to the crew and chaperones who must have been backstage organising this big group. Your invisible help contributed to this wonderful show.

To directors Harry Carnaby and Charlie Staunton and your teams, a huge congratulation. This must have been a massive undertaking and you must be so proud of the result. This was a smooth, professional performance that richly deserved the applause at the end. The big smiles on the faces of the group speak louder than anything I can say.

I really enjoyed my time at Harvard Law School and I’m very excited to see the next show that this group of talented young people do. Thank you for inviting me and looking after me so well.

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