OMG you guys, West-End and Broadway show Legally Blonde: the Musical has reached Southbank. Blonde babe from Malibu, Elle Woods, has been dumped by her high-school sweetheart and lawyer-wannabe, Warner Huntington III. To prove her seriousness, Elle studies and is accepted into Harvard Law with Warner. Pink dress, Blonde highlights, and heels to match – Elle has a lot of work to do to prove herself.
Based on the novel, Legally Blonde by Amanda Brown, and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Motion Picture – famously starring Reece Witherspoon; the show has been a hit in New York and London. Producers Howard Panter and John Front now bring the show to Aussie audiences with a fantastic Aussie cast.
Starring as the ex-Witherspoon Elle is Perth’s Lucy Durack, who might be recognised as Glinda from Wicked. Durack’s performance is outstanding, and a great transformation from her previous “Good Witch” persona. Also playing the intimidating Professor Callahan, is Perfect Match star Cameron Daddo. A blast from the past, Daddo received the biggest applause as he entered stage. Legally Blonde will see Daddo return to the Australian stage from a 20 years absence; and in my opinion, has not failed his comeback.
As a fan of the movie, I was even more impressed with the musical as I felt more involved with the characters, as well as being moved by writers Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin’s music composition. Included are also references to “Delta Nu” and the “Snaps” craze, introduced in the movie’s sequel. However, “Bend and Snap” took pride of place – dedicating a whole musical number (and the “Bend and Snap” Bar at QPAC before the show).
Melting the audiences hearts were guest stars, Bruiser the Chihuahua and Rufus the Bulldog. Although not featured many times during the show, their performance was a highlight.
A feel-good show, everyone left the theatre with smiles. With that, I recommend this musical – even to you who aren’t quite a fan of the movie, it’s worth a squiz. Brisbane definitely is Legally Blonde.
Kemii 