OMG you guys , it’s PINK!
Packemin’s production of LEGALLY BLONDE at Riverside Theatres Parramatta explodes on to the stage and takes off like a rocket. Directed by Jessica Fallico and with a very strong cast led by Mikayla Williams as Elle, this show is full of relentless turbo charged energy.
Hot and steamy in parts, while seemingly bright and superficial the show is actually inspirational and full of hidden layers of meaning – examining the interweaving of chauvinism, gender expectations and the law. And what would you do for love? Based on the novel LEGALLY BLONDE by Amanda Brown and the 2001 film of the same name , the musical tells the story of Elle Woods, a seemingly ditzy sorority student who enrols at Harvard Law School (complete with purse pooch her chihuahua Bruiser), in an attempt to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner ( played here by Joshua Keane).
Appearances are deceptive – Elle grows and changes as she discovers how her knowledge of the law can help others, and successfully defends exercise queen Brooke Wyndham in a murder trial. No one really has faith in Elle Woods throughout the show, but she manages to surprise everyone and turn the tables on them when she defies their superficial expectations while staying true to herself, transforming from law school possible drop out and failure to valedictorian.
Jessica Fallico and her terrific cast and team deliver a bright, bold and slick delightful extravaganza .
The orchestra under the baton of Peter Hayward performed with great zing and panache.
Sally Dashwood’s choreography combines traditional ‘showbiz’ choreography with breakdancing and Irish dancing among other styles ( Paulette and Kyle’s leading the cast in an exuberant Michael Flatley take –off in Act 2 brings the house down. ). And the dynamic ‘Bend and Snap’ sizzles! Scenery , costumes and lighting were sensational, with numerous costume changes, streamlined fly in-out sections of scenery allowing for fluid scene changes and wonderful atmospheric lighting by Sean Clarke . There’s terrific ensemble work and the huge production numbers (eg Whipped Into Shape) are precisely and tightly performed. The ‘ Greek chorus’ of Elle’s Delta Nu friends ( visible only to her ) works wonderfully.
Our leading lady Elle Woods is superbly played by effervescent , multi talented Mikayla Williams , who rousingly leads the show. We see how Elle grows and changes , studying and working hard under Emmett’s guidance ,‘ getting serious’ and learning about being true to herself. There’s some great comic timing in the courtroom scenes with Elle utilizing her infallible ‘Gaydar ‘ ( the big ensemble number Gay or European ? ) and beauty and fashion expertise, with help from the rest of the team, to unlock the case and reveal the true culprit .
Joshua Keane is terrific as Warner Huntington 111, whose break up with Elle inspires her to follow him to Harvard ( ‘ Serious’ ). Keane plays Warner very self centred and assured , always conscious of his wealth and inherited power .
Vivienne Kensington , Warner’s new snobby , ultra chic , ultra wealthy girlfriend then fiancé , was terrifically played by Bridget Woolnough .
As wrongly imprisoned murder suspect Brooke Wyndham , exercise queen, Madison Hegarty is incredibly energetic , marvellously leading the cast in the extremely demanding and precise Whipped into Shape leaving the audience breathless with exhaustion just watching .
Emmett Forrest , Callahan’s very intelligent , caring and enthusiastic teaching assistant was delightfully played by terribly handsome Kyle Sapsford .
Cold, lethally ruthless, cynical Professor Callahan was played by distinguished looking, charismatic Rodney Dobson. An arrogant predator, he advises his students he wants to see ‘ Blood in the water’.
Jocelyn O’Brien has great fun stealing the show as Elle’s friend beauty parlour owner Paulette, particularly for example in her dreamy ‘Ireland’ .
There were screams and cheers at the curtain calls for a joyous yet thoughtful and challenging, exuberant musical that left you breathless and admiring the cast’s incredible energy .
LEGALLY BLONDE from Packemin Productions [Facebook] at Parramatta Riverside Theatres [Facebook] 27 July-11 August 2018.