Legally Blonde, WOW! - NETG Adjudication

FRONT OF HOUSE

The team were very efficient, smartly dressed and helpful. There was a range of refreshments available, including coffee for us, and good displays. The programme looked very professional; suitably “pink”, containing lots of information and photos. It was good to see a virtually full house at the second performance, demonstrating the appeal of this feel good musical, based on the popular film of the same name.

SETTING

The set was simple, solid and worked very well with a permanent bridge and two staircases for access. It was imaginatively used and additions were wheeled on to denote other changes of scene. The hair salon was well represented by the props used, indeed props and furnishings were always suitable for the action. Scenery was moved quickly and quietly by the efficient crew although at times they were clearly seen which was slightly distracting at times.

LIGHTING AND SOUND

Many colours were used in the lighting plot, ensuring that the show always looked attractive and interesting, with performers and action clearly highlighted when necessary. Cues were smoothly executed. Initially, sound levels seemed quite high but did even out as the show progressed. Personal microphones were used to good effect. COSTUMES

This was a very good collection, typical of the “preppy” youngsters attending a prestigious American University. There was good attention to detail throughout, with Elle’s clothes reflecting her “journey” and other characters clearly delineated. The Cheerleaders looked great and the “Greek” chorus, all dressed in white, made a telling contrast to the many colours of the other characters. Make-up and hairstyling blended well with the costumes to create a believable visual effect. Well done!

MUSIC

What a very professional sound from Musical Director Susannah Edom and the band, they supported the young singers with sensitivity, never drowning them out and played throughout with an excellent pace that added so much to the overall quality of the show. Well done! The quality of singing from the cast demonstrated a high level of ability that showed maturity and belied their years!

CHOREOGRAPHY

The choreography for the show was imaginative, making the most of the stage space available and creating strong images in the numbers. Everything looked well rehearsed and thoughtful, with chorus numbers enhanced by the movement created. It was clear good team work had gone into this aspect of the show, which made a great impact! Well done!

CAST

ELLE WOODS: Hannah Ireland was quite the revelation as Elle; this was a huge role and she showed maturity and commitment throughout which made her a great choice to lead this production. Hannah had a strong singing voice and glamorous presence, which, combined with her natural comic timing and likeability, made this an outstanding performance!

EMMETT FORREST: Emmett is a good friend to all, who luckily gets the girl in the end! Fraser Mclauchlan had an endearing stage presence, strong voice and a nice, easy manner on stage. I liked his “chip on my shoulder” attitude. We were impressed with his emotional responses, making this a very convincing character. Well done!

PAULETTE BUONUFONTE: Quirky Paulette proved to be a very good friend to Elle. Emily Birt, with an excellent accent, gave her character a depth of emotion that was completely believable and realistic. Her solo “Ireland” was a highlight of the show. This was a great interpretation of this role! Well done! PROFESSOR CALLAHAN: This was a strong and confident performance from William Hackett. His rich and resonant singing voice was ideal for his solo “Blood in the Water”. William had a very good accent and the necessary maturity to make his performance completely convincing!

WARNER HUNTINGDON: Tall and handsome, Tom Nicoll had stage presence and he was the epitome of the most popular guy at the college. Tom’s confident performance clearly showed the regard Warner had for himself and his attitude towards others. This was a well-observed and well-sung performance. VIVIENNE KENSINGTON: Vivienne was Warner’s new girlfriend, infected with the green-eyed monster towards Elle. Lily Follett was as cunning and “catty” as the character demanded, in an attractive and animated portrayal.

BROOKE WYNDHAM: On trial for murder, fitness queen Brooke was played with physical body language and sharp attack by Poppy Fisher in a lively characterisation that was just right for the character!

ENID HOOPS: This was another lively character; Maddie Smith was enthusiastic, with good expression and a pleasing voice and demeanour.

PILAR/MARGOT/SERENA/KATE: Played by Poppy Taylor, Meg Abbott, Isabella Flynn-Haddon and Charli Piper, these four singers gave strong vocal support and had clearly different personalities. They all had great voices and performed with enthusiastic animation throughout the show.

KYLE.B.O’BOYLE: Ben Rolph made quite an impact as delivery man, Kyle, strutting about with panache, just one of a couple of amusing character cameos from this young performer.

SUNDEEP/CARLOS: Myles’s two cameos, Sundeep the intern, and the very funny Carlos featured in the song “Gay or European”, made good contrasting characters.

NIKOS: James Gager also caused much amusement in the above song with Myles, a high point!

CHORUS: Other small roles were taken by the chorus, who managed to make all their characters distinct. The Greek chorus sang very well, and the gym “skippers” were energetic and well-drilled. Altogether, this was a very strong, and cohesive, group of talented youngsters, who contributed so much to the success of the production. BRUISER and RUFUS: Two very cute and well behaved dogs!

PRODUCTION

Nikki Mundell Poole’s experienced directorial hand was evident in a production that was slick, polished and full of action! The pace was good, and the lighting, sound, set and costumes were perceptively attuned to the story. The cast were well-chosen and their singing was of a high standard. Nikki created some very effective groupings and tableaux, with the bridge used to aid this. There were times at the beginning of the show when some of the dialogue was gabbled too quickly, but this was soon rectified. The whole production was of a very high standard that was greatly enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience! Well done everyone!