Book by Heather Hach
Music & Lyrics by
Nell Benjamin and Laurence O‘Keefe
Directed by Jim
McMullen
Canberra Philharmonic
Society, Erindale Theatre to 7 September
Reviewed by Len Power
22 August 2019
‘Legally Blonde’ tells a tall tale about a young woman, Elle
Woods, who enrols to study law at Harvard University simply to be near the
boyfriend who has just rejected her. Of
course, she finds her true vocation as a successful lawyer, defying the expectations
of everyone around her.
On the surface, it plays tongue-in-cheek and a bit
cartoonish, but the strength of the show is that underneath, real issues about
life and relationships slowly emerge as the show progresses. By the end of the show, we really care about
Elle and her future.
Jim McMullan’s production has pace and energy throughout
with colourful costumes and a strong cast.
In the enormous role of Elle Woods, Charlotte Gearside gives an expert,
winning performance and is an accomplished singer. She has good comic timing and is believable
in the more serious aspects of her role.
Nick Valois sings well and brings a quiet strength and
warmth to his role of law-teaching assistant, Emmett Forrest. Patrick Galen-Mules is fine in the rather
thankless role of the jilting boyfriend, Warner, and Ian Croker is nicely
malevolent as Professor Callahan.
Hannah Maurice shines as the cynical hairdresser, Paulette,
and her performance of the song, ‘Ireland’, is one of the highlights of the
show. Caitlin Schilg is memorable as
Brooke, who leads the company in the skipping rope number, ‘Whipped Into Shape’,
and Meaghan Stewart gives a well-rounded characterization as the tough student,
Enid. There is also fine work by the
seven member Greek Chorus and everyone else plays the myriad of supporting
roles very well.
Ian Croker’s complex and substantial set design is
attractive and the many set changes were well-planned and executed. Phil Goodwin’s lighting design added the
right atmosphere to the show. Choreography
by Sarah Tulley was excellent and danced very well by the cast.
Conducted by Richard Daley, the orchestra played the score
very well. Sound balance between
orchestra and singers was problematic with too much distortion of the vocals in
the amplification, making the lyrics hard to hear clearly a lot of the time
during the show.
Nevertheless, ‘Legally Blonde’ is a well-directed and
well-acted show. Audiences will find it
hugely entertaining.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on the Artsound FM 92.7 ‘In the Foyer’ program on Mondays
and Wednesdays at 3.30pm.