Legally Blonde the Musical

This 2007 musical, based on Amanda Brown’s novel of the same name, was the perfect vehicle for this group of 55 14-20 year olds to show off their prodigious talents. It was full of excellent songs and lively dance routines from the opening ensemble number “Omigod You Guys” to the full company finale “Find My Way” as we follow Elle Woods on her journey from air-headed teenager to fully qualified lawyer. Rachael Henderson was outstanding in the role of Elle displaying excellent acting, singing and dancing skills in a very demanding role as the character is hardly off stage (except for her numerous costume changes!). Alex Donnelly as Emmet (Elle’s student mentor at Harvard Law School) with his strong acting and singing voice was the perfect foil for Elle’s character, being serious and studious as shown in the “Chip on My Shoulder” number. His growing attraction for Elle was sensitively handled culminating in their delightful duet “Legally Blonde”. Joshua Horsfall as Warner, Elle’s self–seeking boyfriend, played the role to the manner born as he made his intentions clear in their breaking up in their well sung duet “Serious”. Sam Mitchell as law Professor Callahan was another young actor with a good strong voice and stage presence – his slightly camp rendition of “Blood in the Water” in Act 1 made his sexual advances to Elle in Act 2 even more shocking! Much of the comedy in the piece was provided by Orla Woods as hairdresser Paulette and her attempts to find a man – preferably an Irish one! Her rendition of the number “Ireland” was a joy and her efforts in the “Bend and Snap” number were hilarious. Grace Gauld as fitness guru and murder accused Brooke Wyndham had the audience exhausted just watching her routine in the “Whipped Into Shape” number – how she could sing so strongly and do all that skipping at the same time was extraordinary. Max Paterson as gay pool boy Nikos and Brendan Corcoran as his boyfriend Carolos made the most of their comic cameos in the courtroom scene. Strong support was given by Sarah Smith, Isla McKeown and Ayla Chalmers (Elle’s friends Margot, Serena and Pilar respectively), Maia Reed (Vivienne, Warner’s Harvard girlfriend), Jess Robertson (fellow student Enid) and Harry Stewart (UPS delivery guy Kyle). Mention too must be made of the two “canine” characters Bruiser (Gideon Smith) and Rufus (Liam Cook).

The large chorus of students, Delta Nu’s and Greek Chorus made a delightful sound and were step perfect in every dance routine - a credit both to Musical Director Kenny Hossick and choreographer Mhorag Anderson. Director Shirley McGill is also to be congratulated on a very slick production and for bringing out the best in every single cast member. The box-like set, designed and constructed by Susan Ball, to represent a library stocked with over-sized wine leather-covered law books made the scene changes flow seamlessly. Costumes were appropriate to the era and characters and good use was made of the show’s pink signature colour palette. The 11 piece orchestra under Kenny Hossick’s direction carried things along at a good pace and were always supportive to the young voices. Congratulations to AYMT for another superb show fully deserving of the standing ovation received.

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