Legally Blonde The Musical

MUSICAL THEATRE STAFFORD

LEGALLY BLONDE - The Musical

Based on the hit film,  with the book by Heather Hach, music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Neil Benjamin. I must concur with the programme notes, this is one of the best screen to stage adaptations in recent years.

Oh My God! Utterly infectious opening full on sorority number, our heroine Elle Wood bursts onto the stage joining her sassy Delta-Nu sorority sisters to give us a glimpse of what makes this hot pink show such a hit. 

Elle Wood embodied by Hannah Pendleton, who made the demanding role her own, so much so she may have to be surgically removed from her pink alter ego after the shows run, an excellent performance, I loved her beautiful Legally Blonde duet shared with...

Emmett, Sam Parton, a lovely, understated performance, fabulous voice as well, show cased what great chemistry they had together, each helping the other to overcome their particular challenges.

Warner, Matt Williams, life plan, check, on track and seems to have it all, ends up blowing all of his chances.

Professor Callahan does not suffer fools, in fact he doesn’t suffer anyone, entitled, no nonsense, brusque character, captured to  a Tee by Dave Parton.

Helen-Sian Tisdale, as heart on her sleeve Paulette, the writers seem to have given her a real back story depth to her character, superbly acted and sang, relating her emotional rollercoaster of a life, not forgetting her love of all things Irish. Her scenes with UPS ‘Walking Porn’ Kyle, played by Tim, I know how to make an entrance, Cooper, were brilliant. The River dance was hilarious.

The Delta Nu girls Serena, Margot and Pilar, played by Kellymarie Edwards, Alex Lewis and Laura Riddell respectively were totally effervescent.

Vivienne, Emily Jayne Nicholls, together with Enid Hoops, Eleanor Aldridge were key foils for new Harvard enrolee Elle reluctantly becoming firm allies as the story developed.

Similarly, Brooke Wyndham, Katie McMahon, former Delta Nu sister, believes in Elle to help prove her innocence of her husband’s murder. The courtroom scene was a real hoot, very animated very funny.

Director Jess Smith's production team clearly loved the show. She certainly got her cast firing on all cylinders. The subtlety and depth, the humour of her performers was well observed. Great set, disguised openings allowing slick scene changes with the addition of props. Great job.

There were a couple of technical issues which affected the production particularly in the first Act. The drums, the parts were excellently played by the way, it’s just that they were so loud acoustically the volume was over the top of the PA system to the point of some of the initial numbers were strained vocally, with the singers possibly trying to pitch themselves, this did drastically improve as Act 1 progressed and was sorted by the start of Act II. Secondly the music light for the drummer was facing the audience, so any blackouts on stage weren’t full. There was a bright light detracting from the desired dramatic effect.

Choreographer Suzie Kemp’s used the whole cast well, really stylishly slick dance moves from the opening number, great well-rehearsed cast movement throughout. the whole cast, all were really on point.

Musical Director Matt Davis eked every nuanced note from his brilliant musicians and cast. The genre flipping of music styles in the show sparkled. ‘Blood in the Water’ was sublime.

If a certain Danish brewery made musicals, then Legally Blonde would probably be the greatest ultimate feel good musical. Great fun, catch it if you can. 

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