‘Oh my God, oh my God you guys!’ Legally Blonde hit the stage
with all the glitz and glamour of any smash hit musical at St James High School
Spirit Theatre this evening. Directed by Johanna Hassouna-Smith and directed musically by Mr
D Bahakam I knew I was in for a treat following their highly successful Les
Miserables last year.
I met Johanna Hassouna-Smith before the show who told me
that her theory with a high school production is that you want to produce a
show which is as close to the professional productions on the West End as your budget allows. As schools
don’t offer budgets for
shows it’s bums on seats that matter so they need to make shows that are worth
watching. She doesn’t believe in leaving anyone out and her shows are
completely inclusive regardless of the audition, “ of course those who excel
will get the lead roles but all students who want to be on the stage can as
it’s the only time in their life they can do exactly that - to feel the
adrenaline and soak up the applause giving them priceless memories”.
The scenery
and set was built
by the caretaker and Art Department which was magnificent in its design giving
any professional designer a run for their money. The choreography was put
together by three very talented students
Caitlin Browne, Alisha Hope and Peace Ojerinola.
The story
of Legally Blonde follows the 'girl power' story of the beautiful sorority sister Elle Woods
who is deemed not ‘serious’ enough by her boyfriend Warner as he heads off to Harvard Law School. In order to win him back
she gets herself a place at the prestigious school and works her way up to being taken seriously by getting herself an internship with a little help
along the way from her Delta Nu friends played by some extremely
talented and versatile students, Emmett played by Rohan Macleod and Paulette the
vivacious hairdresser
who all guide Elle to her destination and place in Law.
The scenes were full of energy and all the cast seemed to be
having a lot of fun on stage. Special mentions must go to the fantastic
cheerleaders and ensemble who kept the show going with their high energy
numbers. Also huge credit to the wardrobe department as the costumes were
outstanding throughout the show especially the cheerleaders outfit, the prison
outfits, the Irish dancers, but best of all was the amazing amount of pink and glamour.
Emily Griffiths played a great Elle Woods with her
impressive vocals and stage presence, Kenyon Garrish matched her perfectly
playing Warner but the highlight for me was the young fella who played
Callaghan, a 13-year old Ethan Browne, who held the audience with his tremendous interpretation of the mean and
ruthless lawyer and lecturer who hits on Elle.
The school production of Legally Blonde is a perfect script
for young up-and-coming stars to showcase their talents with in its high
energy and sassy script and where the underdog comes on top leaving the
audience with the warm glow of positivity at the end as they leave the
auditorium.
Well done to all involved and I look forward to next years
production.
Reviewer - Katie Leicester
on - 5/7/18
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