Legally Blonde JR.

Legally Blonde JR.

E.P.M.T.C Footloose Musicals

Gladstone Theatre

19/01/26

The Gladstone Theatre was a buzz with excitement as E.P.M.T.C Footloose Youths performance of Legally Blonde Jr. burst into life. The opening number, ‘Omigod You Guys’, exploded onto the stage with infectious energy, instantly establishing the tone for the production. The cast’s enthusiasm was palpable, signalling from the outset that the audience was in for something special. Based on the award-winning Broadway musical and the smash hit motion picture, Legally Blonde the Musical JR. is a fabulously fun journey of self-empowerment and expanding horizons. The show's instantly recognizable songs are filled with humour, wit and sass leaving cast members and audiences alike seeing pink!

Legally Blonde JR. follows the transformation of Elle Woods (Rachel Thomas) as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. When Elle's boyfriend, Warner (Zac Dale), dumps her and heads to Harvard, claiming she's not "serious" enough she is devastated. Her father Mr Woods (Sam Darker) supported by Mrs Woods (Heidi Hodgson) is a wealthy, successful man who initially doubts Elle's decision to attend Harvard Law School, preferring she stay in California. Encouraged by Whitney (Alyssa Davies) and her sorority friends, Margot (Sienna Sutcliffe), Serena (Imoen McNeill), Kate (Maddie Finch) and Pilar (Gia Broomfield-Lunt), Elle takes matters into her own hands. She delivers a showy song-and-dance personal essay, charming her way into law school.  Warner has a Harvard student girlfriend, Vivienne Kensington (Martha Brady) who together with her fellow students Enid Hoopes (Darcie Byrne) Sundeep (Archie Sprowson) Pforzheimer (James Murphy) and Aaron Schulz) make fun of Elle, not taking her seriously. Professor Callahan (Freddie Dale), gave a slick commanding performance, well above his years, with the necessary intensity and slickness to the authoritative role, well done Freddie. Befriending classmate, Emmett (Aiden King), and spunky hairdresser, Paulette (Liv Hanrahan), along the way.  As Elle begins outsmarting her peers, she realizes that law may be her natural calling after all.

Brooke Wyndham (Daisy Candlin) had a huge task ahead of her as fitness queen Brooke, with "Whipped into Shape" demanding cardio, vocals and skipping rope choreography all at once, she gave a splendid performance. Liv Hanrahan brought hilarious sass and heart to Paulette, with a crowd-favourite rendition of "Ireland" that had the audience giggling and cheering.  Kyle (Archie Sprowson), delivered a performance full of swagger and comic timing just what the role demands.

Brooke engages Elle to defend her on a homicide charge; there is of course a court case. Judge (Theo Petkov), Guard (Reuben Walker) witnesses Carlos (James Bryant) Nikos (Sam Darker), and Professor Callahan.  Elle proves that Chutney Wyndham is the guilty party, of course wins the case, and Brooke is set free.’ Omigod you friends ‘reprise

Legally Blonde JR. features large, energetic dance numbers with an expandable cast of sorority sisters, law school students, hairdressers and ensemble. It is no small challenge to get a youth cast ‘whipped into shape’ congratulations to Director Liz Legerton, choreographer Lucy Hickman Germon for a show that sparkled with personality. Liz had a great cast & production team, Lighting Derek Boseley of BA Lighting, Sound James Fox, wardrobe Pam Watson & Francis Pitchford.

Whoever said 'never work with children or animals' could not have been more wrong, we had both, Meg (Rufus) lovely cockapoo & Bertie (Bruiser) Elle's lovely chiwawa they were superb, never dropping a line...

 The finale ‘Find My Way’ nicely wrapped up the story in a joyful burst of energy, sending the audience out on a high. Thank you, Footloose Musicals, for a wonderful evening’s entertainment. Looking forward to Sister Act.

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4

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