REVIEW: Legally Blonde the Musical-sassy, stylish and heart-warming
Grand Opera House in Belfast gives rousing welcome to romantic comedy.
Last updated 3rd Mar 2018
By Tara McLaughlin at the Opera House
"Oh my God you guys,"’ the 'Blonde Brigade' has hit the Grand Opera House with all the sass and pizzazz you would expect.
'Legally Blonde the Musical' tells the tale of Elle Woods, a vivacious, optimistic, blonde bombshell following her heart to law school, in a bid to win back her childhood sweetheart.
The storyline follows the ‘Delta Nu’ sorority queen from UCLA to Harvard in her coming of age, inspired by writer Amanda Browne, who based the original novel on her own experience.
Despite an Ivy League university being an unlikely place for a homecoming queen, Elle proves her worth by following her heart, while teaching her haughty classmates a thing or two along the way.
In spite of an unenthusiastic start, Elle begins excelling in her studies and has the courtroom eating out of her perfectly French-polished hands, when she wins a high profile case.
The murder trial of famous fitness Guru Brooke Wyndham played by Helen Petrovna, is an opportunity for Elle to prove to ex-boyfriend Warner Huntington III that she is ‘serious enough’ to be his girlfriend.
However, when Elle discovers her own hidden talents and how a positive attitude and perseverance never go out of style, she comes to realise she does not need a pompous boyfriend after all.
The musical strikes an accurate resemblance to the 2001 movie we are all familiar with, but with the added panache of lively lyrics and perfected dance routines.
The casting is flawless with Lucie Jones as the picture-perfect alternative to Reese Witherspoon. The experienced actor is best known for representing the UK at the 2017 Eurovision song contest as well as a finalist in the 2009 X Factor.
Coronation Street’s Bill Ward is seamless as the ruthless but handsome Professor Callahan, while Rita Simons sparkles as the ditsy but loveable Paulette Bonafonte.
Her endearing nature soon rubs off on Elle and the pair become firm friends, united in their love for their pet dogs.
Elle even uses her newfound legal skills to win back Paulette’s pooch, stolen by her waster ex- boyfriend. Bruiser and Rufus steal the show as doggie superstars with local pups ‘Bruisey Williams-Dodd’ and ‘Local star canine’ playing the pet roles to perfection. Their presence on stage only adds to the feel good, comedic performance that is ‘Legally Blonde the Musical.’
Fans of the film will be pleased to know the ‘bend and snap’ scene is just as entertaining as the movie, with Paulette pulling off an impressive injury to the UPS man who is the object of her desires.
An impromptu ‘Riverdance’ rendition also leaves the audience thrilled, with the ‘UPS guy’ (played by Ben Harlow), performing sevens that would give Michael Flatley a run for his money.
The scene is a hilarious sight, with Paulette in disbelief that her dream of an Irish lover has finally come true. The damsel in distress ends her run of bad luck in love in the form of the handsome deliveryman, much to the audience’s delight.
‘Legally Blonde the Musical’ is the ultimate feel good, girl power tale of positivity and leading with your heart. A must see for the Belfast crowd.
The show's last performance at the Opera House is tonight (March 3) at 19.30.