Civic Theatre, Darlington – 20 April 2016
Darlington Operatic present Legally Blonde The Musical, Jerry Mitchell’s west end production with a score by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin.
The stage show has its tongue in its cheek throughout, it knows it is ridiculous and infantile, and celebrates the fact with knowing wit. It’s a high-octane show with wildly energetic dance routines imaginatively choreographed by Joanne Hand that makes sure the pace never flags.
The plot concerns a spoilt dizzy blonde from Malibu, Elle Woods (shared by Claire Willmer and Rachel Slattery), who is studying “fashion merchandising” at UCLA. She is far more interested, however, in her boyfriend, and when, on the night she’s expecting him to propose, he actually dumps her because she’s too low-rent and he’s moving on to a serious life at Harvard Law School, she is first distraught, then determined to follow him there.
Things don’t exactly go to plan and she finds Warner (Michael Hirst) has a new girlfriend, Vivienne (Hannah Gawthorpe) and that Harvard isn’t like her old sorority days at UCLA.
With some help and inspiration from hairdresser Paulette (Hayley Walker) and attorney, Emmett (Nicholas Holmes), Elle ends up defying expectations using her fashion expertise to crack the prosecution case yet manages to stay true to herself in a world of “sharks”. And escape her sleazy Professor Callaghan (Julian Cound)
The star of the show was undoubtedly Rachel Slattery in the high-energy, demanding title role. She barely left the stage and was outstanding throughout.
She had a strong voice and confident stage presence and a beautiful beaming smile just perfect for the part.
Hayley Walker stole some of the best lines and songs in her supporting role of Paulette. Her flirtation with the delivery man Kyle played by the hilarious Luke Oldfied was superbly entertaining.
As Emmett Forester, Holmes has a likeable charm and charisma that will immediately delight audiences. His chemistry with Slattery is endearing and Holmes portrays genuine excitement and pride as her character grows and transforms. The song “Chip on My Shoulder” gives the first glimpse at Holme’s vocal abilities which are by far one of the best in the show. His duet with Slattery in the song “Legally Blonde” is emotional and Holme’s and Slattery’s voices takes your breath away.
There were a few teething problems though in this show which has fantastic potential. A few technical problems with the microphones not working properly and not being muted off stage, a few missed cues are all problems which can be ironed out of this two week run. And outstanding as they were, the orchestra mainly over powered the performers, so maybe turn down the music and turn up the singers
However, if you only go for the hilarious Irish dance sequence then you will have had your moneys worth.
This show is saccharine sweet and full of fun and Darlington Operatics are clearly enjoying themselves presenting it
In Darlington until 30 April