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Legally Blonde- the musical

Author: Jean Scarlett-Carr

Information

Date
21st June 2019
Society
Hartlepool Stage Society
Venue
Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre
Type of Production
Musical
Director
Jill Jackson
Musical Director
Christine Langridge
Choreographer
Jill Jackson

The story set in Harvard University of a young girl chasing her heart throb actually to find her worth is more valuable in herself is the back ground to this show that Hartlepool Stage Society took on in “Legally Blonde”.  The songs are melodic, the script is a bit American cheese but the end result is feel good musical with happy ending that is a great entertaining show and was performed by this society with great gusto, harmony and lovely performances.  

The set was minimal pieces interchanging that worked well on the stage, with slick changes. The lighting added atmospheric colours and effects, though spot scenes often struggled to get cast in the full body, were still effective. Costumes were super and of style, with Elle’s being the required ‘very pink!’. Added features were the 2 canine characters Silva and Shelby both winning the hearts of all.

It was nice to see new cast members with such a young base, but older members used nicely too by director Jill Jackson and well done chorus for all the character in your performances.  Choreography was well rehearsed and well suited to the staging and numbers in the cast.  The cast was supplemented with 8 dancing girls and the music enhanced with the 10 piece orchestra.

Lead roles were really effectively cast in this show. Carolyn Lithgo as “Elle” in this performance was the effervescent bubbly role as a potential fashion blonde bimbo that proved to be the intuitive and intelligent lawyer with super singing voice, dance skills and characterisation this role required.  Her trio of friends and angelic prompters played by Charlotte Stirk as “Serena”, Sally Smith as “Margot” and Katherine Gretton as “Pilar” were great with lovely harmonies and terrific voices, dance skills and characters.  Her friend found in college “Emmett” was performed by Brandon Gatley with a terrific voice and heartfelt emotion in his character, well done.  Hairdresser “Paulette” had lovely comedy character from Katie Devine and lovely voice.  Lecherous lawyer Callahan was played by Peter Rowlands really well with sinister characterisation and great dancing. “Warner”, the super sleezy boyfriend, was well created from Nathan Dippie with nice duet singing in “Serious” with Elle then goes onto to partner “Vivienne” played by Jill Harrington with lovely character and singing a very effective business lawyer.  Prisoner “Brooke” was performed by Emily Lawson with super voice and character.  The prison exercise scene with skipping ropes was a particular favourite for me, so well rehearsed and performed with great timing and precision. Very clever.  Supporting roles of Kyle the postman from Liam Gray was very funny and well done, gay characters Enid, Nikos and Carlos from Megan Thompson, Callum Gaffney, and James Ellingford respectively were also well done and James’  emergence from the orchestra was a great comedy moment. A really enjoyable evening and a super show performance  – well done Hartlepool Stage Society and thank you for a great evening.

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