Legally Blonde The Musical JR

 

The Drama Dept Youth Group aged between 11 and 16 performed Legally Blonde The Musical - Junior Version with over 30 cast members.

Dawn Leigh as director moves this production on a pace using double if not treble casting at some points and a simplistic shape of a stage set, then adding moveable set and video wall which was very effective, especially the Brooke Wyndham pause scene. Making use of the space off stage was a good idea too. I really liked the use of the large mirror - well done to stage Manager Steve Hilditch for coordinating that.

Paul Lawton as Musical Director took us through this often fast paced and tongue twisting score with ease and Gary Jones as Choreographer was definitely on point with his vision of this musical. The energetic Whipped Into Shape and the take on Irish dancing was all well thought out – great!

Costume and wigs looked good - thanks to Janet Newcombe, although I did have doubts about ripped jeans (maybe that’s just me!).

I’m not sure if there was a problem with lights but at various points, I could not see the stage for a roving spotlight that blinded you. I have to say hats off to a production that’s stops the show to rectify a problem so it can continue as it was intended to be shown.

Okay so let’s mention the furry cute factor in the show with Toto as Bruiser and Archie as Rufus who were extremely well behaved and delightful.

Martha King is Elle Woods, she looked the part and was definitely an all-rounder with her singing and dancing ability. Hardly off stage and great characterisation she led the show with ease – fabulous!

Martha and Harrison Bramhall-Knowles playing Emmett Forrest worked well together as he helped her recover from her failed relationship with Warner Huntington III played by Alex Lythe.

Grace Macdonald playing Vivienne Kensington and Kitty McNeil playing Paulette both put in great performances.

Olivia Barton as Brooke Wyndham must be given recognition for skipping while singing and dancing - I was exhausted just watching - great sass!

Jess Sellers played Lowell and Chutney Wyndham her characterisation of Chutney was brilliant - her demeanour was great and loved the American drawl - very funny!

Harry Nevison played Store Manager, Aaron Schulz and the judge - I wanted to particularly mention him as although having small roles he lit up the stage with his energy every time he came on in his different guises and you cannot teach that - well done!

Daniel Eccles as Dewy-Kyle-Sundeep Padamandan taking on three roles was hilarious I think I will remember the Kyle Character for a long time - so funny and the Irish dancing had the audience laughing – excellent!  He was also one of the Frat Boys and immediately those three came on they had the audience laughing with Harry Nevison and Stan Miller being the other two.

The whole cast worked hard and certainly you could see that they were enjoying themselves. Well done to cast and crew including the chaperones.

Thank you for making my guest and I feel so welcome.

 

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