Legally Blonde The Musical is a stage adaptation of the popular 2001 film. With a book by Heather Hach, and music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, Legally Blonde The Musical debuted on Broadway in 2007, and made its Australian premiere in 2013. The musical tells the story of Elle Woods, a blonde-haired, pink loving sorority girl who decides to attend Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend.
This latest production of Legally Blonde The Musical by Andrew G and Theatrical, is currently playing at the National Theatre in St Kilda.
Emily McDougall is outstanding as Elle Woods, with strong vocals and dance skills, she brings a natural warmth and charm to the role. She is supported by a strong cast of sorority sisters – Georgina Scott as Serene, Vanessa Yeo as Pilar and Taea Patterso-Fahy as Margot, who all have their moment to shine.
Playing the romantic lead, Jackson Cross is a very likeable Emmett Forrest, while Joshua Sumner is appropriately much less likeable as Warner! Julian Dods delivers a confident and commanding performance as Professor Callahan.
Tahlia Pizzicara is excellent as Vivienne and the development arc of her character feels genuine.
Liliana Braumberger is delightful as Paulette, while Steve Thomas brings a suitable charm to his portrayal of Kyle.
Tabitha Galluccio is perfectly cast as Brooke Wyndham.
Kadee Axiak is a fabulously feisty Enid Hoops.
However, the performance that stole the show came from Indi, the small dog playing the role of Rufus. This is one seriously well trained dog! Adding to the gasps of delight from the audience, George, the dog playing Elle Woods’ Bruiser was also very well received.
Director Aimee Forrest has found the heart and charm of this empowering story. Set design by Sarah Browne helps to establish each scene and is moved on and off stage efficiently. Maggie Lynch’s choreography is crisp and well-suited to the cast. The ‘Whipped Into Shape’ skipping routine earned a rousing applause from an enthusiastic opening night audience.
There were some interesting costume design choices by Ella Campbell and Sarah Browne. Elle Woods’ pale pink outfits appeared washed out under the stage lighting and the character is more noticeable by the striking platinum blonde wig than any bold pink outfits. While the hair establishes the “legally blonde” aspect of Elle Woods’ character, the pastel hues and white attire are contrary to the lines delivered about how much pink Elle is wearing and it being her signature colour – and indeed the colour she decides to return to.
Elle Woods dons the infamous Playboy bunny costume, but the addition of bloomers underneath the outfit is distracting.
Unfortunately there were a few missed microphone cues and some lines not heard at various moments in the show. A few jokes didn’t land because they simply weren’t heard. Similarly, the initial sound imbalance resulted in some of the story telling and scene-setting in the opening number being missed. This did improve as the show progressed, and will no doubt settle with a few more performances. However, the 12 piece orchestra, under the musical direction of Kent Ross delivered a good sound.
Theatrical’s Legally Blonde The Musical has some good potential, and with a few more performances the show will settle.
Legally Blonde The Musical is now playing at the National Theatre in St Kilda.
For more information: https://theatrical.com.au/
Photo credit: Nicole Cleary
