Legally Blonde Jr

Firstly, it was a pleasure to be invited to see the Young EODS, ranging from 7 -  17 years old, perform and may I say that this performance was an absolute delight from beginning to end and thank you for such a warm welcome and hospitality.

Another first for me was also the musical of ‘Legally Blonde’ and to follow the musical journey of Elle Woods, fashion-savvy, who favours anything pink and carries her handbagged little dog Bruiser Woods. This blonde young UCLA sorority girl who finds her life changed when an evening of what she thinks will be an engagement celebration turns out to be a dumping by her boyfriend Warner. Now he’s off to Havard to become a big time lawyer and Elle does not fit the bill now to be his girl. To prove to Warner that she is not just some blonde sorority girl, she studies hard to follows him to Harvard to also become a lawyer! Is this likely?  She struggles initially to fit in and do well. She defies expectations and manages to stay true to her believes and with her forever delightfully pink persona and her long blonde hair she succeeds.

Soon tuning into the speed, the opening number was full of energy when, full of excitement, Elle is preparing for an evening out with initially charming Warner who she thinks is about to propose! ‘Oh my God You Guys’ certainly exploded with confidence with well-choreographed movement. Using taped accompaniment is not always easy but the group certainly mastered this so congratulations to your musical director and to you the cast for learning your lyrics so beautifully.  Elle was a determined young lady and Liv Bentley captured and maintained her character throughout – such energy with strong vocals.  She had her faithful followers in Isla Meaney and Hannah Henry as Serena and Margot, who helped her eventually to be accepted for Havard after performing a song and dance as her personal essay! Logan Gisby took on the role of snake Warner who has now a new superior girlfriend Vivienne who doesn’t make life easy for Elle nicely played by Araya Sharp. Professor Callahan, course principal, a pompous, ruthless character was well played Leo Hall, but she does have an ally in lovable Emmett who routes for her and this encouraging character, her rock was played by Cian Hollands.  Evie Daynes at the Beauty Salon is another encourager as bubbly Paulette who is besotted by everything Irish and she performs the excellent number ‘Ireland’.

The so many numbers and routines that the group learned and executed – the gym – the skipping routine for ‘Whipped into Shape’ and ‘Bend & Snap’ and the finale number ‘Legally Blonde’, and a very slick curtain call. Other members of the cast took on cameo named roles and all deserve a mention.

The stage setting was in simple form but depicted each location perfectly with swift shifting from the back stage crew and also the cast themselves. I particularly liked the beauty parlour. The use of the stage, entries and exits and from the auditorium itself were slick. Costume department take a bow with all the characters well dressed and hair groomed, with some very quick changes particularly for Elle. Thanks to the sound and lighting techies. I did find at times being seated on the extreme side of the audience sometimes I was missing some of the dialogue.

That being said this was an excellent showcase of your Group’s growing talent under the dedicated guidance of Mags and your skilled Director Emily and all the helpers behind the scenes. Well done.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.