In yet another musical adaptation of a feature-film, Legally Blonde: The Musical premiered at the Lyric Theatre at The Star on October 4.
There is a lot of pink, glitter and sparkle, which will overwhelm even before you enter the theatre. You can pick up your glowing pink cocktails at the bar and your pink handbags with a little stuffed doggy inside at the merchandise stand. There's also an opportunity to dress like Elle Woods (Lucy Durack) and many of the younger audience members jumped at the chance.
Durack, who is used to playing the ditsy blonde (as Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked) had the speech and movements perfected. Whilst she looked slightly uncomfortable in the 'What You Want' number, she soon loosened up and was quickly in top form.
The most impressive element of the Sydney performance is the casting. Every performer nailed their o.t.t. character (over the top, omigod you guys!). David Harris (who plays Emmett Forrest, Woods' new love interest) offered a brilliant portrayal of the intelligent, caring young student lawyer.
Woods' original love and the reason why she enrols in the Harvard Law School is Warner Huntington III. Warner is played by Rob Mills with a boyish charm that showcased the determined, self-absorbed and sometimes cheeky role to its full potential.
Cameron Daddo was exceptional in his role as Professor Callahank; so good that it took a while to recognise him. Daddo's poise, immaculate American accent and shark-like attitude succeeded in making Professor Callahank quite attractive despite his tough persona.
The first act of the show is great fun, but it's the second act that will have you belly-laughing. It reaches its pinnacle in the court sequence, with the musical number inquiring Is he gay or European? Another highlight is the introduction of a new character, Kyle the UPS guy (Mike Snell, who also plays Grandmaster Chad and Dewey). Snell is a great physical performer; just posing in a certain way made the females in the audience giggle and blush.
One of the biggest surprises is Erika Heynatz who plays Brooke Wyndham. Heynatz, known more for her modelling/hosting career, proved to be a talented musical performer with abs of steel.
Inevitably one will draw comparisons with the film, Legally Blonde, however the film's narrative was surely born to be a musical and it translates well to the stage, with a few minor adjustments.
The diversity in the audience and their response suggests that the show will have wide appeal. Legally Blonde is so full of joy it's hard to leave the theatre without a giant grin on your face.
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Legally Blonde: The Musical
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Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star (www.sydneylyric.com.au)
Season: till January 27, 2013
Performance Times: Tues 7pm, Wed-Sat 8pm, Matinees Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm & Sun 3pm
Price: $75.90 - $139.90
Bookings: 1300 795 267 or www.ticketmaster.com.au; Groups of 12 or more (02) 8240 2290
