Entertainment

Theatre Review: Legally Blonde

With some excellent talent involved on and off the stage, this is a quality, enjoyable, no-brain-required, good time.

Presented by The Metropolitan Musical Theatre Company of SA inc. (aka The Met)
Reviewed 6 May 2021

Based on the novel by Amanda Brown, and the 2001 movie starring Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde The Musical tells the story of sorority President Elle Woods. After a blind-siding break-up, Woods follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School in order to win him back, but unintentionally discovers personal transformation instead.

I didn’t mind the film, but I wouldn’t rave about it. But rave about this production I shall.

This was a lot of fun. I was accompanied by my 6-year-old daughter, and we were seated next to some senior citizens, and everyone was captivated throughout. We laughed, we cheered, and we didn’t even notice how long the show was until it had finished.

Witherspoon nailed the character so iconically in the movie that it did take a couple of scenes to embrace Lucy Carey in the lead role. But Carey soon had us all engrossed, and her portrayal of Elle was playful, fun, and well executed.

The supporting cast were a lot of fun too. Great casting, and some excellent character development work from Director Carolyn Adams I suspect.

Personally, I enjoyed Jay Manusco and Kristin Stefanoff’s performances the most. As Professor Callahan and Vivienne Kensington respectively, their character portrayals were very convincing, with Stefanoff especially providing some excellent comedic moments.

Parts of the show are ridiculous. But unashamedly ridiculous, which only increases the fun. Some scenes towards the end of the production made little sense (to me at least), yet it didn’t detract from the amusement at all.

The set was functional and clever, but not finished to a high standard. The set changes were tight and unobtrusive.

The orchestra were in good form, with only the occasional eyebrow raising moment (mainly from the horn section, sorry guys). The bass player has a future career making pornography soundtracks if she chooses.

If you liked the movie, I think you’ll love this production. With some excellent talent involved on and off the stage, it’s a quality, enjoyable, no-brain-required, good time.

Reviewed by Doug Phillips
Twitter: @DouggyOz

Venue:  The Arts Theatre
Season:  6th to 15th May
Duration:  2.5 hrs
Tickets:   $36, Conc $30, Groups of 10+ $29
Bookings:  0407 457 821. https://themet.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/events

Disclaimer: Kristin Stefanoff is an Arts reviewer for Glam Adelaide

More News

To Top