Omigosh you guys! The explosive and glitzy pink phenomenon that is Legally Blonde burst onto the stage at The Bay C.E. school in Sandown. A bubbly audience, encouraged to wear Elle Woods signature ‘Pink’, excitedly awaited the start of this show. Gleefully, they were able to take in the stunning efforts made to turn the fairly standard school hall into a vibrantly, shimmering performance space. We sat in trepidation awaiting the start of the Junior version of this energetic and fast-paced musical adaption of the much loved film. Looking over the programme, I wondered if the sizeable cast could match up to this demanding script; thankfully we were not about to be disappointed!

To set the scene, this script is a junior version of the multi-award winning musical. Paced at a one and a half hour runtime, the show packs a significant punch with multiple ensemble and solo numbers. Transitions between scenes move at great speed and multiple costume and prop changes abound. So you would be forgiven in thinking this may be too tall an order for a school production. The cast and crew, supported where needed by skilled staff, managed to grasp this challenging musical with determination and a glamorous energy that Elle Woods herself would be proud of.

In short, this show tells the story of our favourite Malibu-born, Sorority President, Elle Woods (played by Mary S). She seemingly has the perfect life set out in front of her. Elle goes to meet her soon-to-be fiancé Warner Huntington III (played by Matthew M) for a ‘romantic’ meal. We learn that he is actually breaking up with her as he needs to ‘Get serious’. Elle makes a choice to fight for her man. She then embarks upon a voyage of self-discovery and development, meeting many interesting characters that she sparkles some of her own infectious vibrancy on. These characters in turn encourage her to have the strength to take charge of her life and embrace her own wondrous brilliance. Ultimately, this culminates in Elle defending exercise queen Brooke Wyndham (played by Daisy H) in a high-profile murder trial, where she must not only save her client but also prove her own credentials.

Mary S shines as the lead in this production, she encompasses all of the sparkle and righteousness of the role. Skillfully, she handled the many musical numbers demanded of her and managed to pair this with the effortless air of genius and drive that emanates from Miss Woods. Whether in solo, duet or ensemble numbers, Mary excelled. We must also acknowledge that Elle would be nothing without her trusty canine sidekick Bruiser, a unique casting with Mason G channeling his best chihuahua skills! Turning our attention to Warner, Matthew M manages to deliver this role with the perfect egotistical entitlement of an imagined college-fund brat.

Now, as we all know, behind a great sorority president must be a thriving and supportive sorority. Supporting Elle with clever costume changes, fluffy pencils and apt clothing advice are her trio of bestie ‘sisters’, Margo (played by Betty M), Serena (Jaya B) and Pilar (Lana G). All three of these cast members met these vibrant and dynamic roles with the fizz and energy needed. They opened the show with the wonderfully lively ‘Omigosh you guys!’ with the number leaving the audience in no doubt to the type of musical-rollercoaster evening they were about to be treated to!

Leaving the safe and comfortable surroundings of the Delta Nu house, Elle studies her way to Harvard. An admissions meeting like no other ensues and the stuffy and uptight Winthrop (played by Erica A), Lowell (Sophia H) and Pforzheimer (Dominic D), come to be left in no doubt that Elle is ‘What You Want’. During her first day at the law school, we are then treated to a new host of enabling characters- fellow students Enid Hoops (played by Evalyn H), Aaron Schultz (Rebecca M) and Sundeep (Sienna P). With brevity of lines, these three members of the cast are able to successfully conjure the mis-matched comrades excellently.

However, Elle really finds her main ally in the reserved but gifted Emmett Forrest (played by Poppy M). Poppy manages to embody the bookish, supportive role very well, attacking the musical numbers with the same rising level of confidence as Emmett himself. It is also at this time that Elle is reunited with her ‘love’ Warner…and his new ‘serious’ girlfriend Vivienne Kensington (played by Frankie M-F). Vivienne is a complex character who shows a great deal of metamorphosis during the later stages of the musical. Frankie skillfully manages to demonstrate this both with her strong characterisation and great vocal talent.

Along the journey and in a bit of a dramatic spin, Elle bumps into one of the show’s main catalysts, Paulette Bonafonte (played by Ruby C), the radiant but loveless beautician. Ruby stunned the audience with her delivery of ‘Ireland’; heartfelt, believable and humorous- a wondrous combination! After her introduction to the plot, Ruby manages to add passion and bite to all of her dialogue and energetic dance moves. Bend and Snap was a standout moment that was thoroughly enjoyed by all the audience.

As the plot barrels along towards its radiant finale and with Elle finding her legal feet, we learn that Professor Callahan (played by Mona S), who is charged with teaching this diverse group, has been hired to defend exercise mogul Brooke Wyndham. Mona manages to deliver this role with confidence and the required air of old-school entitlement that comes with a billion-dollar legal firm. Brooke (played by Daisy H) is then fully introduced during the impressively intense ‘Whipped into Shape’ – thankfully all skipping ropes remained safely on stage!. Daisy commanded the role of the strong and independent Brooke very well, demonstrating physical skill and a burgeoning acting talent.

With Callahan exposed as a lecherous ‘dinosaur’, it is left to Elle to save the day! Bursting into the courtroom and delivering the decisive blow to treacherous Chutney (played by Martha C), Elle is able to save her sorority sister Brooke and vindicate herself as worthy of being truly ‘Legally Blonde’. Martha’s excellent cameo role as the murderous daughter was one of the finale’s highlights.

The show concludes with another large ensemble performance, showcasing the clever use of raised staging, enabling the audience to see all of the action and the full impact of the large cast completing another slick costume change and a well-drilled choreography routine. The choreography throughout was on-point, which was to be expected with Jake Alabaster at the helm supported by a team of current students and ex-student, Charlotte.

With students taking roles both on stage and in the production of this show- designing and painting set, back-stage, supporting with hair and make-up, Ryley D on sound and Toby A on lighting and design, it was just another indication of what a ‘team effort’ this production was for all involved from start to finish. The technical students are to be especially commended on their efforts given their young ages as the lighting and sound was ably managed throughout including having to deal with any hiccups when they arose. The commitment and effort of the whole team created a thoroughly enjoyable production. It was obvious throughout that the students had been drilled on vocals and harmonies and this is down to the efforts of Mr Griffiths. Finally, special mention should be made to Mr Alabaster on his directorial debut for creating a funny, impressive and heartwarming take on this sparkling musical.

This summer’s colour is most definitely PINK…or maybe even Legally Blonde!

Review by Rob Walker-Green