Currently buzzing in a hive of publicity, Rebekah Tailor went to check out Legally Blonde The Musical, the lastest Broadway import to storm the West End.
Based on the 2001 Hollywood hit starring Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde The Musical is the lastest Broadway import to storm the West End stage. Having written off the film version as just another girlish romcom - sufficiently enjoyable but ultimately unmemorable - I was expecting the musical to evoke a similar reaction.
Playing to a full house, despite the less-than-desirable weather conditions, what followed was 125-minutes of sheer entertainment - a colourful and fast-paced production, packed with hilarious comic moments and a dynamic cast - guaranteeing a feel-good factor to chase away the winter blues.
Standing by the film's original storyline, our leading lady is sorority sweetheart, Elle Woods, a vision in pink who heads in hot pursuit to Harvard Law School, all in the name of love. Dumped by her boyfriend Warner Huntington III, who claims he needs 'a Jackie, not a Marilyn' Elle sets out to subvert her blonde stereotype, winning hearts along the way and proving the value of remaining true to yourself.
Legally Blonde is every bit as cheesy as the plotline suggests, and broken attempts to push the show's main message - always be true to yourself (in case you were wnodering) - are lost on an audience swept up in the unfolding comic action. This is no bad thing, especially at a time when sought-after escapism is preferential to a lesson in morality.
Sheridan Smith sparkles as sorority socialite turned Harvard law student, Elle Woods. Stealing every scene, and not just as a pillar of hot pink amongst the dreary 'Harvard chic' attire pageanted by her fellow cast members, Smith's flawless comic timing and sheer likeability elevate her as the uncontested star of the show. Jill Halfpenny was excellent as Paulette, the ditzy beautician with a big heart, as was Alex Gaumond, who plays love interest Emmett Forrest.
As with any production headlining an ensemble of celebrity names, while there is rarely any doubt about their ability to pull in audiences, there is always a slight scepticism with regards to how they will perform. For me, Peter Davison as Professor Callahan and Duncan James playing Elle's slippery ex-boyfriend Warner, just didn't make the grade. Despite a loyal fan base (judging by the chorus of cheers and whistles as the former boy band member made his entrance, the audience was clearly full of female admirers), their mediocre performances were further emphasised by the zeal of the other talented cast members. Personally, I was more enraptured by the canine members of the company; cute Chihuahua, Bruiser, and charismatic Bulldog, Rufus.
The action moves along swiftly, largely thanks to Laurence O'Keefe and Neil Benjamin's infectious musical score. The opening number, Omigod You Guys (yes, seriously), sets the light-hearted tone which carries the musical and promises to stay in your head for a long time afterwards, along with other memorable numbers, So Much Better and Bend and Snap (accompanying dance moves compulsory).
This modern musical score is superbly complemented by lively and polished choreography - including a nod to the Irish with a random tribute to Riverdance (confusin, quirkym, and yet it works). Worth a particular mention is the electric routine led by Aoife Mulholland (Brooke Wyndham) in the opening number of act two, Whipped into Shape, skilfuly choreographed with skipping ropes.
Props are cleverly used throughout the production, along with an imaginative stage set which lends itself to the production's comic elements. Who would have thought that a witness box and judge's pulpit could double up as a sink and toilet unit?
With the current hive of publicity surrounding Legally Blonde The Musical, and its array of big name personalities, I have no doubt that this fun-filled production will be an instant smash-hit, however the real test will be its longevity. Unlike the film, this musical version is immensely entertaining and memorable, both of which make for long-term success.
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