Stage presence: Lucy Durack as Elle in Legally Blonde. Picture: Jeff Busby Source: The Daily Telegraph
Jo Litson, The Sunday Telegraph, reports
Legally Blonde is a pretty-in-pink, feel-good musical that wraps its few core themes in candy floss but it doesn't pretend otherwise, sending itself up with such affection and charm that it is altogether too much fun.
Based on the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon, the story is pure fantasy; an "as if" fairytale about Malibu sorority queen Elle Woods, a perky, pink-loving blonde who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School, where she triumphs against the odds while remaining true to herself, her friends and her girly logic.
The music by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin isn't desperately memorable but it more than serves the purpose and their lyrics are clever with tongue-in-cheek wit. They also poke fun with a playful Greek chorus of Elle's sorority sisters. The show unfolds at breakneck speed, driven by the lively dance routines of Broadway choreographer Jerry Mitchell, who also directs the slick, seamless production. A jump rope routine, in particular, brings the house down.
The music by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin isn't desperately memorable but it more than serves the purpose and their lyrics are clever with tongue-in-cheek wit. They also poke fun with a playful Greek chorus of Elle's sorority sisters. The show unfolds at breakneck speed, driven by the lively dance routines of Broadway choreographer Jerry Mitchell, who also directs the slick, seamless production. A jump rope routine, in particular, brings the house down.
Lucy Durack is perfect as Elle. She looks the part while bringing grit, humanity and excellent comic timing to the ditzy role. Singing and dancing with verve, she doesn't let her energy drop for a second. It's a huge, demanding role and she smashes it out of the park.
David Harris is gently endearing as Emmett, the only person at Harvard who gives Elle the time of day initially and eventually wins her heart, while Rob Mills does a good job as the caddish, narcissistic Warner.
Helen Dallimore belts out a generous performance as Paulette the trailer-trash beautician with a heart of gold, Erika Heynatz shows she has acting chops as the fitness guru charged with murder, Cameron Daddo finds the inner smarminess of Harvard's feared Professor Callahan, and Ali Calder lends a convincingly mean streak as the condescending Vivienne.
I Will Survive star Mike Snell, meanwhile, delivers a scene-stealing turn as a hunky delivery boy, portraying him like a genial Action Man figure complete with snappy, cartoonish walk and cheeky smile.
Backed by a strong ensemble, the production has the high energy and comic touch required, while the dogs upstage everyone whenever they appear.
Legally Blonde may have little subtext but it has heart. Its themes are simplistic but if you surrender to it, it's uplifting and, above all, fun.
David Harris is gently endearing as Emmett, the only person at Harvard who gives Elle the time of day initially and eventually wins her heart, while Rob Mills does a good job as the caddish, narcissistic Warner.
Helen Dallimore belts out a generous performance as Paulette the trailer-trash beautician with a heart of gold, Erika Heynatz shows she has acting chops as the fitness guru charged with murder, Cameron Daddo finds the inner smarminess of Harvard's feared Professor Callahan, and Ali Calder lends a convincingly mean streak as the condescending Vivienne.
I Will Survive star Mike Snell, meanwhile, delivers a scene-stealing turn as a hunky delivery boy, portraying him like a genial Action Man figure complete with snappy, cartoonish walk and cheeky smile.
Backed by a strong ensemble, the production has the high energy and comic touch required, while the dogs upstage everyone whenever they appear.
Legally Blonde may have little subtext but it has heart. Its themes are simplistic but if you surrender to it, it's uplifting and, above all, fun.
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