Legally Blonde the Musical JR

It was great to be back in the Devonport Playhouse Theatre to watch another production. This one was new to me for although I had heard of the film and musical, I had never watched either so therefore had no preconceived ideas of what to expect. The programme explained that the show was about Elle Woods and her disappointments, determination and potential to achieve. I waited in anticipation to see how the story would evolve.

The programme gave me an overview of the story about Elle Woods and her trials and tribulations and it was great to see the final sentence stated the ‘Elle quickly realises her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world’ so hopefully the show would have a satisfactory conclusion.

The show was written in the early 2000’s so therefore I would have thought your costume department were able to source the majority of the outfits locally. Although choosing outfits for a California summer in winter must have taking some searching. The waiters were ideal and the zipped tops with Elle Woods on the back added detail. Saying that all the cast looked great you have cleverly shown the distinction between those members portraying the adults and their professions and the students and which university they were based at. The wigs, where needed were good and the make up ideal.

The scenery for this production was very ingeniously staged with the allegorical door being place initially centre stage on the upper layer and then in numerous locations on the stage. It changed sides to show Elle as she transitions throughout the performance. The colour changing strip lights either side of the upper layer on the stage were used to great effect to enhance the feelings expressed and settings of the scenes. The additional scenery used was added seamlessly to transform the stage area into a Delta Nu house, hairdressing salon, bedroom, Harvard and the courtroom. The props chosen were ideal especially Bruiser Woods in his handbag and used extremely well by the cast. I must say that the members of the cast in the ‘Whipped into Shape’ scene must have been super fit being able to sing and complete a skipping/keep fit routine at the same time. The additional lighting was used throughout the performance to add definition and feeling to the performance.

The backing track was played at an appropriate level and all those members of your cast had obviously been drilled very carefully because without being able to distinguish the song lyrics the story would not have been delivered. This being a musical with very little text must have taken many hours of singing rehearsals. Many think that the modern musicals are simple to sing but I heard lots of harmonies and the polyphonic track ‘What you Need’ was very clear.

You as a company are extremely lucky to have Katy O’Brien Morse as a choreographer, she always had a clear vision and the story was brought to life by a variety of well-rehearsed modern routines. The dances were superb and all abilities on stage could contribute. The more gifted dancers delivered the more complex numbers. I really enjoy the fact that all the youngsters know exactly what is expected of them and deliver it with aplomb.

Margot, Serena, Pilar and Gaelen are four of the Delta Nu sorority girls the first three are Elle’s best friends and they act as the Greek Chorus and pass moral themes and messages to the audience. They are full of personality and there to support Elle through any problems. They all acted, sang and danced with energy, enthusiaium and a smile of their faces.  

Kate is the academic member of the sorority she took a full part in the musical numbers and her text was clearly spoken. ‘What you Want’ was brilliantly delivered she showed how determined she was to help her fellow member achieve what she wanted to.

The young lady performing Elle Woods the president of the Delta Nu sorority was outstanding, this was perfect casting. She was rarely off the stage and had to display a myriad of emotions through song. She also had to show how although she was determined to go to Harvard and win Warner back her priorities and outlook changed. It was great to see how her portrayal of the character through the many allegorical doors made her grow strong and believe in herself. She tackles snobbery and stereotyping to follow her dreams and becomes stronger, it was wonderful to see her back in her pink in the finale and with a final wave she went through the pink door. I wish her well at university and am sure she will be snapped up by the dramatic society there!

The Saleswoman sees another blonde with money and thinks she can make a lot of commission but fails to recognise who she is talking to. She is sent off for a break immediately by the Store Manger who clearly knew Elle. Both these young actors made the parts their own.

Warner is a brilliant role for a young man to play you feel as the story goes on that he is self-centred and shallow only out for what will benefit himself. He looked the part of a well to do law student and thought nothing of dismissing Elle’s dream for his with the staid and more appropriate Vivienne. He created a believable character and sang with feeling. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one with a smile when Elle dismissed him at the end!

Your actor playing the frat boy Grandmaster Chad did a grand job leading the reggae beat in the polyphonic song with the brightly dressed boys. They all sang and moved convincingly, the caterpillar was great.

The young player depicting admission officer Winthorp did so with a certain amount of pompousness. Obviously, Elle was not the sort of student he normally invited to attend Harvard with her ‘head shot’ and is put out with her ‘flashy presentation’ but is eventually persuaded by the other officer. A good performance.

The part of Emmett is quite complex. He needs to demonstrate the determination and true grit he has had to show to achieve his goals from his humble beginnings. It was great to see how he developed a connection with Elle and how his resolve, help and belief helped her to succeed. This young actor’s characterisation was brilliant he used his voice, gestures and looks to display the facets of Emmett and on top of that an excellent singing voice. It was lovely to see how his feelings for Elle changed and they ended up as a couple because the belief in herself that he had given Elle prompted her proposal.

Aaron Schultz, Sundeep Padamadan and Enid Hoopes are three of the very qualified law students in Elle’s first lecture. The all know what they are going to achieve and are very dismissive of Elle. They all created believable characters.

Vivienne was the polar opposite of Elle and as far as Warner was concerned just what he needs in a wife. She has a very supercilious manner and constantly looks down her nose at Elle and tries to demean her. She created a wonderful upright sober character which belied her age, acted with feeling and had a brilliant, powerful singing voice which we heard at the end. She and Witney, who performed well as her side kick were determined to bring Elle down.  It was great to see her change sides at the end.

The role of the authoritarian, overbearing, sleazy Professor Callaghan was very difficult for a young actor to take on without feeling embarrassed. I must say though this young man had a good stance and delivered his text powerfully. You could feel that he found the encounter with Elle was difficult but he showed his annoyance when Elle wouldn’t divulge information and when dismissed during the court case. Well done.

It was really interesting to read the synopsis of the young actor playing Paulette all I can say is that all her training has certainly paid off. She embodied the character of the hair stylist and nail technician and friend to Elle. She showed every emotion, her expressions were excellent, comedy timing on point, encouragement of Elle positive and a superb powerful singing voice. Her outfits were just right and I enjoyed the coy reactions to the delivery man and determination with her ex-husband. The ‘Bend and Snap’ routine was great with Kiki and the Stylist making their voices heard.

That cameo role of brash Dewey was delivered with feeling by your actor.

The young lady chosen to be the fitness guru Brooke Wyndam must be fitness fanatic to be able to delivery the text, jump rope and sing at the same time without losing a word. A brilliant portrayal of a wife who knew she didn’t kill her husband but because her alibi would affect her business was not prepared to divulge it. Elle recognised her and sings the Delta Nu song. Brooke trusts and discloses to alibi Elle.  Sabrina played the cameo role of a student of Brooke’s well done.

Chutney Wyndham step daughter of Brooke was a character with a terrible attitude and bad perm. The actor did a good job of convincing the court of her Stepmothers guilt until tricked by Elle when she broke down.

The young man depicting the UPS delivery man was great he had the cheeky manner needed and delivery a good Irish Jig.

Other members of your ensemble delivered creditable performances in the restaurant, salon, prison and courtroom. There were some quietly spoken lines and lovely singing voices. I’m sure with your careful direction these will find their confidence.

You are an extremely lucky company to have excellent directors such as Katy O’Brien Morse who have the skills to use all the talents and skills within your group and space and levels available to you to create a production that kept the audience glued throughout.  From the opening number to the finale the energy the cast radiated was excellent, every member was on point and fully engaged.

This musical classed by many as a ‘Bubblegum Musical’ is supposedly aimed at children and adolescents but when you delve into the issues covered, they are complex and hopefully provide the viewers with issues to ponder. Many congratulations to all involved.

Disclaimer 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is inevitable that his assessment will be affected by that knowledge. 

The NODA Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular, the performance.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre. 

 It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

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