OMIGOD - for a feel good musical this one qualifies

It has been some time since I have seen an audience in Sydney as excited and enthusiasitc as I witnessed at a recent preview performance of 'Legally Blonde - The Musical'.  There is a buzz in Sydney's Lyric Theatre before the brightly lit curtain even rises, but it it towards the end of Act Two that momentum has built and the audience often responds with wolf whistles, cheers and laughter.  Lots of laughter.  Finally a musical that should be a winner for Sydney audiences.

'Legally Blonde - the Musical' follows sorority girl Elle Woods (Lucy Durack) as she attends Harvard Law School for the sole purpose of winning back the love of her former boyfriend, Warner (Rob Mills).

This musical sticks to the story of the 2001 film on which it is largely based, almost to the letter.  What differentiates it is the music and the high energy dance routines.  It is packed to the brim with catchy hummable pop tunes (often with very witty lyrics), all performed with gusto by a solid cast.

When the film became a hit in 2001 many critics attributed much of the film’s appeal to its star Reese Witherspoon.

Subsequently when the musical opened on Broadway in April 2007, several critics felt, perhaps unjustly, that lead star Laura Bell Bundy fell short in the charm stakes  and that the musical suffered without Witherspoon at the helm.

Luckily for Sydney audiences, we are in the safe hands of Lucy Durack.  Durack is the perfect Elle Woods.  Hardly offstage for a moment, her Elle is hugely likeable, energetic, and sweet without being over the top saccharine.  Durack captures everything that Witherspoon brought to the role without attempting a carbon copy.  Her voice is stronger than ever and her versatility is evident when she can belt out Act One closer 'So Much Better' and then follow it up with the more poingant and subtle 'Legally Blonde' in Act Two.  As always, her voice is wonderfully complimented by her impeccable comedic delivery.

She is surrounded by a great company to support her.  Producer John Frost has assembled an almost perfect cast to join Elle during her Delta Nu and Harvard college years.  David Harris is charming as study coach and eventual love interest Emmett. It is a joy to listen to his tenor voice, especially in ‘Chip On My Shoulder’.   Rob Mills offers a nice contrast in his portrayal of Warner, and likewise, his number ‘Serious’ in which he breaks up with Elle, showcases a strong musical theatre voice whilst allowing Durack ample opportunity to show off her finely tuned comedic chops.

Equally as crowd pleasing is Helen Dallimore as Salon owner Paulette.  Her ‘Ireland’ in which she yearns for an Irish boyfriend brings many laughs and allows Dallimore’s strong voice to soar.  

Erika Heynatz is a wonderful surprise as fitness guru Brooke Wyndham and her Act Two opening number ‘Whipped Into Shape’ hits the spot and advances the plot just after interval.

Ali Calder is dynamite in her role of Woods’ Harvard nemesis, Vivienne.  At age 21 Calder displays a voice beyond her years and her solo work in ‘Legally Blonde (Remix)’ and the finale, is scene stealing.

 

Ashlea Pyke, Chloe Zuel and Renee Burleigh are delightful as Elle's personal Greek Chorus and some of the show's most lively numbers are the songs they share with Durack ('Omigod You Guys' and 'What You Want' being two great examples).  As with Durack, they also show great comic timing.

 In a cast full of wonderful support work special mention must also be made of Euan Doidge and Andrew Ronay-Jenkings who bring the house down with their cameo roles as Nikos and Carlos in the Act Two showstopper,'There! Right There!'.  I also especially enjoyed Ash Bee who does great work with her small but crucial role of Chutney in the final court room climax.

For those seeking a little depth in their musicals there is an underlying message of being the best that you can be, but ultimately this is a fun romantic comedy and shouldn't be taken too seriously.  If you are looking for a night out at the theatre where you can check your cynicism at the door and simply be entertained by a superb cast, then head down to 'Legally Blonde - The Musical'.

Oh yeah....  and the dogs are cute too.

Book at ticketmaster.com.au

At a glance

I rave about:  The high energy of the cast headlined by Lucy Durack

Hot tip:  Grab a group of friends and make a night of it - it is that kind of show 

See it if you liked:  WICKED,  Hairspray and Legally Blonde (the film)   

My score: 9/10