'Legally Blonde' is a rather upbeat and catchy musical, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but certainly a comedy romance, full of American bravado and humour, based on the 2001 hit film of the same name. The story tells of a pink-loving Elle Woods, who, on the outside, appears to be the typical dumb blonde and trophy girlfriend, but when she decides - because of love - to follow her boyfriend from the safety and wealth of her Malibu patch to Harvard Law school, she doesn't just surprise everyone around her, but herself too, and of course, she gets the man of her dreams, a law degree, and it all ends happily ever after (for her at least).
PADOS (Prestwich Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society) has a thriving Youth Theatre, and it was this youth theatre - children and youths aged I would imagine from early to late teens - who presented this musical this evening at Bury's Met Theatre.
No-one can deny the energy, enthusiasm, commitment, and raw ability on display this evening, and everyone on stage was both enjoying every second of their stage-time and giving 100% to bring about the best they possibly could. Full kudos to the youths for such an upbeat and entertaining show.
Technically however, things were not quite so slick sadly. The set design was mostly little more than some flimsy flats which required the SM team to be on stage turning them whilst action was still going on in front of them; the doors didn't close and there were at least two instances of cast colliding with set this evening which could easily have been avoided. An extra congratulations to both Ted Kay (Prof Callahan) and Josh Ingham (Kyle) for coping with these so adroitly, and keeping in character. The backcloth was forever being billowed by cast walking behind it, and it didn't touch the floor and so we saw the feet pass too which was distracting. The sound levels were too high from the start distorting the speaking and the singing and deafening the audience in the process.
Directed by Adam Bowler, the pace of the show was erratic, as sometimes scenes flowed from one to the next without so much as a breath and we didn't really know where we were, and other times we had to wait in blackout for ages for the scenes to be changed. Entrances and exits of the cast were strange and didn't make any sense as they walked vagariously through doors, around flats, and across the stage (oftentimes in front of the people performing) without understanding why or knowing the perimeters of the set / place they were supposed to be in.
It is a very difficult show to perform with British youngsters, since they do not have the requisite knowledge of the US scholastic system, nor are they old enough to bring about fully-rounded twenty-somethings with baggage; and the musical is quite sexy and saucy, deliberately objectifying the female body, and glorying in it, with cast required to "bend and snap" or be overtly gay. Once again then, I must congratulate all the cast for doing what they did, and creating characters which were fun and believable. However, from this reviewer's subjective point of view (if you will allow me the privilege), my favourite little vignette this evening was the comedy pairing of Emily Kehoe (Carlos) and Jess Dempsey (Nikos) in the court scene.
'Legally Blonde' runs at the Met until Saturday.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 15.3.23
on - 15.3.23
I also watched this same show and understand you are looking at the show in its entirety. Set design and technical direction aside, it was clear the youngsters had all worked extremely hard, with many last minute changes and as an audience member purely watching the youngsters, their acting, singing and enthusiasm was fabulous to see. Such confidence and they should all be extremely proud of putting on such an entertaining performance. Special mention to Brooke, Warner, Vivienne, Emmett, Paulette (what a voice!), the trio of Delta Nu friends, Callaghan and Elle. We were very impressed with every one on that stage.
ReplyDeleteI totally enjoyed it. Cast were brilliant, energetic and great voices. Loved Brooke, Paulette and the three friends the most
ReplyDeleteBoth nights I came I loved this show. You could really see the strong relationship between Paulette and Elle. The energy ran throughout the show, particularly Margot, Serena and Pilar continued their high energy every time they were on stage. On the second night, the actor playing Elle’s mum really showed her improvisation during legally blonde remix, although she had smaller parts, each of her characters were very thought out and strong. I loved this production, everyone did amazing and should be very proud of themselves.
ReplyDeleteThe stand out character of the whole show for me was Paulette, she was just wonderful with her comedy timing and beautiful singing voice. The energetic vibrancy of the sorority girls was infectious and fun to watch and the hilarious Carlos and Nikos really added something special. I also thought the UPS guy was very funny along with Chutney. I couldn’t fault one cast member, they all played a part in making a successful and entertaining show. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThe commitment and hard work these young people put into this show is absolutely amazing. I really enjoyed it and they all should be super proud of themselves! As long as they all enjoyed it, that’s the main thing, friendships and core memories have been made 📸
ReplyDeleteFavourite songs were the Oh My God opening number which really set the tone for show, Gay or European and Blood in the Water. Callaghan had a very strong powerful voice. I also really liked Elle’s Mum and Dad and thought they played them just right. Second night Mrs Woods made me laugh (‘your Dad’s not here let’s take a selfie’) is possibly the improvisation another person has commented on and made me chuckle as I’d seen the previous night that Dad was supposed to be there! They were all great in their roles and each had a part to play in the show’s success. Well done 👏
ReplyDeleteIt was their first production since Covid and I thought every single one of them did exceptionally well. Scene changes could have been better 1000% and we asked the MET for a revolve and set coming from the ceiling but unfortunately it wasn’t in our budget… 🥴 We lost our SM a week before the show and we all tried to do as best we could for the kids. Your review is duly noted and respected (if you may give me the privilege to say) just about. Thanks for coming and hopefully see you at the next one.
ReplyDeleteAdam