Legally Blonde the Musical

This was a very simple set with just some flats at the sides, a raised area at the back and a projection on the back wall that initially had the show name and a dog running around.  There was also some lovely pink lighting and a haze which was very effective.  For each scene, the projection changed to show the location from home, to shop, to university etc. and with suitable lighting to add to the effect.  Just a few well-chosen pieces of furniture and props completed the look and gave maximum space for the cast. The scene changes worked very well, with the cast bringing items on and off in the main, and all done with minimum fuss whilst the action continued on the other side of the stage.  This was very carefully worked out so that the action and pace was never interrupted.

Elle Woods was perfect.  She looked every part the blonde bombshell whilst giving us stunning vocals and great acting.  Here was someone who knew exactly what she needed to do and allowed the audience to just relax and enjoy the performance.  Warner Hunnington III was very confidently played.  His opening scene with Elle in which she does not receive the proposal she is expecting was especially funny but could only work by Warner delivering his lines in earnest, which he did perfectly.  The third character in this love triangle was Emmett Forrest.  He was at all times unassuming and likable, which had the audience willing him to declare his love for Elle.  Beautifully understated, this was an excellent performance.

Paulette Bonafonte had another impressive voice and the acting skills required for this lovable hairdresser.  Another excellent performance. There was a strong Vivienne Kensington; the girl you want to hate that comes good in the end.  She strutted around in her killer heels with confidence and was a very believable future attorney. Likewise Professor Callahan portrayed just the right arrogance for his role.

Elle’s friends and ‘Greek chorus’ all had a good energy in their roles and handled the comedy very well as well as being good movers. The ‘accused’ Brooke Wyndham/Delta Nu, did an impressive job of singing whilst skipping and showed a sensitivity in her acting too.

Steph Walton as choreographer gave us great dance routines in so many different styles you never knew what was coming next.  I especially loved the reggae vibe to one of the numbers and the hip hop style steps she used. The dancing was well rehearsed and equally as well performed by the chorus.

Vocally there were a few tuning issues occasionally, which were possibly caused by not clearly hearing the backing track used and therefore coming in on the wrong note.  However they were soon corrected when it did happen and most of the singing was strong.

This production, directed by Ben Griffiths, never let up in energy or pace and was suitably pink and glittery from start to finish.  The dogs were adorable, the costumes great and the cast were fabulous.  All in all this was a highly entertaining production from this talented group.

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