Legally Blonde – The Musical
★★★★☆ Perky
Pleasance Theatre: Fri 9 May and Sat 10 May
Review by Sophie Good
Queen Margaret University Musical Theatre Society brings Legally Blonde – The Musical to the Pleasance Theatre for three performances only, in a fun perky production fizzing with energy.
Omigod you guys! The QMU students give it their all in the musical version of the story made famous in the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon, about student Elle Woods who follows ex-boyfriend Warner to Harvard, where he is in pursuit of a more ‘serious ‘type of girlfriend.
Fintan McCarney (Warner) and Rachel Smith (Vivienne) (both right) with Gracie Spencer (Elle) and the cast of Legally Blonde. Pic: Janie Patterson.
Once in Harvard, Elle discovers she has more smarts and integrity than anyone gives her credit for (including herself) and realises in the end that there are more important goals than winning back her man.
Gracie Spencer is an absolute firecracker as Elle. She brings out the plucky underdog side to her character and is genuinely funny about it. An accomplished singer and performer, Spencer brings the whole thing to life in almost every scene.
Elle’s friends, who initially are waiting her engagement with Warner with eager anticipation – and much singing and dancing – act as her (literal) cheerleaders and sidekicks through the show. Erin Cameron, Zara Lloyd and Beth Key all provide the necessary dedication to her cause as this Greek Chorus.
grounded
Fintan McCarney is suitably snarky and arrogant as Warner, while Rachel Smith as his new snobby girlfriend Vivienne is uptight and mean – until she sees Elle’s true character shine through. First year student Kate Santos capably takes on the more mature role of Paulette Buonofonte, Elle’s down-to- earth beautician friend who helps keep her grounded at Harvard.
Kate Santos (Paulette) and the cast of Legally Blonde. Pic: Janie Patterson.
James Mitchell gives Professor Callahan, the shark-like lawyer with dubious morals, just the right amount of charm and sleaze.
In his first show with QMU, Mike Nixon does a fine job of being authentic and downbeat as the affable Emmett, the true underdog of the piece, so you can’t help but root for him. His make over scene Take it Like a Man perhaps misses the mark in terms of giving a real sense of transformation, but is likeable all the same. More importantly Elle and Emmett’s slow burning relationship is played just right.
Featuring a cast of 31 who need all the space they can get on the Pleasance stage, this really doesn’t demand anything more than the most minimal of sets. Charlotte Probert ensures neither set nor props get over complicated, and her stuffed toy dogs add a great comic edge. Stage management is well taken care of by Abbie Munro, Shona Menzies and Iona Baxter.
fun and well coordinated
The costumes are fun and well coordinated by Olivia Towart who has kept the signature pink going well. The only let down is a Spencer’s very dubious blonde wig which could have been better blended. Catrina Fraser lights the production well, especially given the challenges of a large cast.
Musical highlights include Emily Bannerman’s brilliant turn as the accused Brooke Wyndham. She powers her way through Whipped into Shape, impressively belting out the number whilst simultaneously skipping at full pelt. Hand that woman a medal and a bottle of water!
The featured Dancers. Pic: Janie Patterson.
Musical direction by Gabby Blackie and choreography from Mia Doyle and Taylor Kerr are in full force here and throughout. Other highlights include the almost full-cast Bend and Snap and the hilarious Gay or European from Fraser Langan and Ian Kinnear, who give much joy as Nikos and Carlos.
The joy of student production like this is it allows those of varying abilities to shine. Some are studying drama, others are on unrelated degree courses; there are veterans of many stage appearances and those who are trying it for the first time. Such a mix of experiences does make for a little inconsistency, in terms of the standard of singing in particular.
infectious energy
But the energy and commitment here are high throughout. It is a credit to co-directors Clara Ciusca and Madeline Gilroy that the whole thing runs smoothly and that every member of the large cast manages this ambitious show so well.
The fun the cast have clearly had making this show absolutely shines through. It’s an infectious energy that leaves you feeling truly positive when you shimmy back out though the door.
Running time: Two hours and 20 mins (including one interval)
Pleasance Theatre, 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ.
Fri 9 May -Sat 10 May
Evenings: 7.30pm; Sat mat: 2.30pm.
Tickets and details: Run ended.
QMU Musical Theatre Society Facebook page: @QMUMusicalTheatre
A scene from Legally Blonde. Pic: Janie Patterson.
ENDS
