Curtain Call served up a super sonority smash hit with “Legally Blonde”, the musical based on the early 2000’s Reece Witherspoon and Jennifer Coolidge movie about a girl trying to make it in a Law Degree at Harvard University. A favourite of mine I dare say, filled with cracking one liners, a whole lot of pink and a real sincere message of not compromising your own values to make it in the world. “Perfect Day” is a great needledrop and the film proudly stands the test of time on the dvd shelf.
Any fears I had about this production living up to that were dealt with very quickly…
The set, unlike some productions where the fast changes in location can lead to a manic cluttered series of backdrops being wheeled on and off, was thankfully fixed and solid, with only the occasional prop or wall making an appearance. Overall it was clear and allowed the show to happen unimpeded by sudden area transitions.
The live orchestra, ably directed by Andrew Woodford, was largely on point tune wise and really gave the performers on stage an energetic rendition of the score, a slight area to work on being that the volume from them in the first half was a little too loud which did sadly cover some dialogue, something that gladly sorted itself out by Act 2.
Ava Cowan commanded the stage: blonde wig, heels, small dog (kudos to Spanky) and all as Elle Woods. This young hot shot actress again shone with a belting delivery on her songs. It’s been a real pleasure seeing her develop her acting chops, something that I feel sometimes is overlooked in her primarily musical based previous work. Her scenes with Alfie Luke’s Emmett had a real genuine easy chemistry and both anchored the show well.
Tom Thorne, playing Elle’s snobbish former boyfriend Warner, shone in a smaller role which really marks out a growing skilled actor. Special props must go to both Ellen Careless, who was a definite stand out as Brooke Wyndham, leaping over a skipping rope like a pro before sinking straight into the next scene as if the whole number beforehand had been a piece of cake.
Another person of note was Rafe Hodge-Thomas, who has shone in previous reviewed productions, but really came to the fore as Callaghan, Elle’s law lecturer, suitably snarky and sleazy, he delivered a difficult song in “Blood in the Water”, and it was a joy to see him get a role you could tell he enjoyed sinking his teeth into.
Enid Rees as Paulette was a sparky presence on stage who got laughs a plenty with her “bend and snap” routine. She bought energy by the gigawatt to the piece as Elle’s friend (ably backed by power pug Gino). Cally Parry played Vivian, Elle’s nemesis with the kind of school bully attitude you just love to hate, big props for standing out in the music numbers with volume a plenty in her vocals.
The chorus around the main actors were on point with fast choreography and good tuneful harmonies, I can single out “Gay or European” as a classic example…that song never fails to get a laugh.
All in all, myself and my fiancée watching really had to feel nothing but pride in such a golden crop of young upcoming island talent. To have assured performances of that standard across the board really shows how high the ceiling could be for this lot.
It really makes a 30yr old guy really feel like he’s going to be sweeping theatre’s after the shows instead of being in them with this lot turning up to auditions.
All in all, like any good legal case. It had Drama, was well put together and showcased the evidence that the Island’s young creatives are well on their way to becoming fully fledged performers.
… I for one would love to do a show with this lot!
Reviewed by Olly Fry
IWtheatre 