Legally Blonde

The Murray Bridge Town Hall has been transformed into a plethora of pink love for their latest production, Legally Blonde. It is a very welcoming venue and I instantly felt at home and ready to share Elle Wood’s adventures.

Legally Blonde is a musical with book by Heather Hach. The story is based on the novel and the 2001 film of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon.

For those few who have not seen the film or the musical, Elle Woods seemingly has everything. However, she is dying to be Mrs. Warner Huntington III. But there is one thing preventing him from proposing: she is too ‘blonde’. Elle rallies her friends and resources to get into Harvard, determined to win him back. She meets Emmett and Paulette who help her fulfil her dream, or do they?

Co-directors Trent Baker and Robyn Bates have a winner on their hands, thanks to their experience and the youthful enthusiasm of their cast. They have wisely pared the set back to the bare minimum dominated by large pink curtains that serve as the backdrop for the action. Some of the blackouts/scene changes were a trifle long but this improved in act two by overlapping scene changes with action at the front of the stage.

Musical director Peta Davis leads a band of twelve playing under the stage. Technically necessary, but a pity as they are a tight unit and it would be nice to see them. The balance between band and miking was even.

Special congratulations to choreographer Abby McIntosh (who also plays Brooke Wyndam). I have seen and directed a lot of musicals and I particularly enjoyed her choreographic routines. Perfectly suited to the cast’s capabilities, fresh and full of life. The cast seemed to be having a ball performing her choreography! She is ably aided by Tenille Schulz and Hamish Plummer, the dance captains.

Val Schubert and Mari Reu’s costumes were spot on, although I have to admit I am not a fan of thick fiesta tights, they would not have been worn in this period.

Having seen a number of productions of Legally Blonde I know that the casting of Elle is critical; if she is not right the production nosedives. The audience has to identify with and love Elle. Katie Kneebone is one of those Elles; she delivers in spades, perfect look, great voice and an engaging actor. I especially enjoyed her rendition of ‘So much better’ at the end of Act One.

Blake Ascione as Emmet gives a strong performance as the love interest waiting in the wings for the right opportunity. His Emmet is likable and a perfect match for Elle. ‘Take it like a man’ was a highlight, as was ‘Chip on my shoulder’.

Lorelle Barton’s Paulette, the hair technician with a heart, nails every scene dispensing worldly wisdom while having her own heartbreaks. ‘Ireland’ and the accompanying dance routine is a showstopper.

Kurt Miegel’s Warner Huntington III is everything a stuffy, social climbing law student should be. Miegel resists the temptation to overplay the role and it works. His transition throughout the production is well thought out and the duet with Elle, ‘Serious’ is an audience favourite.

Belle Ballard shines as Vivienne, Belle’s nemesis. Ballard is a strong actress with an equally strong singing voice. I have seen this role played solely as a villain, but Ballard takes it further and gives Vivienne heart.

Noel Kneebone’s Professor Callahan is every inch the hard nose professor with a nasty habit of molesting undergraduates. Kneebone plays the role with cool determination and a sense of control. His ‘Blood in the Water’ is powerful.

Breigh Angove (Serena), Sahara Angove (Pilar) and Cassie Brion (Margot) are the Greek chorus who appear whenever Elle needs them. They open the show with a bang in ‘Omigod you guys’.

Hamish Plummer’s cameo as Kyle, the deliveryman is an audience favourite strutting his stuff as every woman’s eye candy.

The chorus are the backbone of any production and this chorus is no exception. They change characters at the drop of a hat, change sets and provide the vocal backing for many of the numbers, bravo!

Legally Blonde is a joyful, heart-warming experience that is sure to be a favourite with young and old alike and certainly worth the drive up the freeway!

Barry Hill OAM