‘Legally Blonde the Musical’ has long been a beloved staple of modern musical theatre, and the latest production by the Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre at Griffith University only solidifies its charm. Directed by Alistair Smith, with musical direction by Heidi Loveland and choreography by Dan Venz, this production features an ensemble of talented third-year musical theatre students, alongside the fresh-faced first and second-year students. The performance, held at the state-of-the-art QLD Conservatorium Theatre, showcases not only the skills of these burgeoning performers but also the dedicated creative team.
The story follows Elle Woods, portrayed beautifully by Alyssa Mastromanno, as she evolves from a seemingly superficial sorority girl to a determined Harvard Law student. Mastromanno, who shares the role with Ally Long and Ashley McLaren, brings a quirky and unique energy to the role, delivering famous lines from the film with a new spark. Her performance is both impressive and empowering, embodying Elle’s resilience and rejection of societal norms. Mastromanno’s vocal performance, particularly her solos "So Much Better" and "Legally Blonde" showcase her impressive range and stage presence.
James Macaulay as Emmett (sharing the role with Nick Smith), delivers impressive technical control of his voice that truly stands out in the song "Chip on My Shoulder." His chemistry with Mastromanno is like a perfectly made cocktail - sweet, comforting, and leaves you wanting more! Oliver Palamara, who plays Warner, convincingly embodies the self-absorbed nature of his character, displaying his vocal talent in the song “Serious” while fully embracing the show's campy spirit.
Juliette Coates excels as Paulette, delivering a mix of heart and hilarity in their rendition of "Ireland." They are basically the long-lost twin of Sutton Foster, rocking the most fabulous costumes, accent, dorkiness, and a killer powerhouse voice. Finlay Underwood as Professor Callahan brings a commanding presence with his deep, stunning voice, especially in "Blood in the Water." Sophie Moman’s Vivien is fierce and determined, though her performance could have benefitted from a slightly louder mic level to unleash the full force of her vocal prowess in the epic “Legally Blonde Reprise”.
The Greek chorus girls, led by the fabulous trio of Kaylen de Gersigny, Charlotte Sligar, and Faith Oosthuizen, bring boundless energy and enthusiasm with their quirky choreography. Madelene Kirkwood as Brooke impresses with her stamina and precision in "Whipped Into Shape," maintaining her incredible vocals while performing a complex jump rope routine. Jack Ryan and Jay Monck also deserve special mention for their versatile performances in multiple roles, with Monck's Kyle (the UPS guy) standing out as a comedic highlight of Act Two. Their physicality and comedic timing had everyone cackling, especially during the unexpected riverdance routine.
This production is not only a showcase of talent but also an educational milestone for the students involved. The students' commitment to mastering the text, music, and choreography is evident in their slick performances. Standout numbers by the ensemble include "What You Want," featuring intricate cheerleader choreography; plus a hilarious performance by a particular member of the admissions board in a sweatervest (whose name I do not know but he left an impression). The timeless classic "Bend and Snap" is as fun and iconic as ever, while "There! Right There!" (aka "Gay or European?") serves up some creative footwork and comedic brilliance.
The technical aspects of the show are equally impressive. Penny Challen’s set design and Desley MacPherson’s costume coordination are top-notch, with the use of tech to project captions and hashtags to the top of the set, adding a modern twist. Keith Clark's lighting design and Steve Thornely's sound design enhance the performance to a highly professional standard. However, a slight increase in microphone levels during singing moments for Elle and Emmett would have improved the performance I witnessed. The costumes deserve special mention for their vibrancy, with Elle's numerous quick changes into various pink ensembles being particularly noteworthy. The attention to detail in her wardrobe tells a story of its own, perfectly reflecting the character's journey while adding a visual treat to the performance.
The dogs, handled by Lisa Alsop and Rachel Hunt, steal the spotlight with their pawsitively adorable outfits and well-trained appearances (Bella as Rufus and Peggotty/McGinty as Bruiser). The orchestra, comprised of talented Bachelor of Music students, provides an excellent musical foundation that contributes to the overall high quality of the production.
All in all, “Legally Blonde" is a triumph of student talent and professional direction. From the electrifying performances of the lead actors to the collective energy and obvious passion of the ensemble and creative team, this production is a joyous celebration of musical theatre and girlhood. The Academy’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of the performance, making it a must-see for fans of the genre. So step right up to experience this fabulously pink-hued journey, filled with humour, heart and high energy!
Now playing until 10th August 2024 at QLD Conservatorium., South Brisbane. Tickets available here
Photo credit to Kenn Santos.
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