Pure exuberance best describes the Hills Musical Society’s Legally Blonde, that classic tale of the perky girl who learns to lead with her brain rather than just cheering for some jock.
Graduating in fashion merchandising, Malibu sorority Delta Nu president Elle Woods looks forward to nothing more than engagement to Warner Huntington III. Trouble is, with his acceptance into Harvard Law School, it’s time for him to get serious – though not with Elle. His pretentions have him aiming for someone much more Connecticut-connected.
Elle is heartbroken over the break-up, but her besties help blitz her a spot at Harvard, where she will slough off her trademark fuchsia to become an intern lawyer. How she manages to stay true to herself is the fun ride.
Any girl playing the character of Elle has to live up to the 2001 film version’s Reece Witherspoon, plus some, because on stage there’s all that singing and dancing. Tegan Gully charms from start to end, whether tripping around in her high heels or sombrely attired in legal blues. She has gorgeous girls accompanying her who appear in the form her Greek chorus – including Serena (Sophia Bubner), Margot (Millicent Sarre) and Pilar (Danae Lloyd), all of whom are particularly winsome, not to mention sweet-voiced and nimble-footed.
This is unashamedly girl-power theatricals and Fiona DeLaine is a hoot as beauty parlour worker Paulette. Even the new girlfriend is a dish, with Rebecca Raymond playing posh Vivienne. When you think there can’t be more glam talent on stage, Act 2 jumps in with Shenayde Wilkinson-Sarti as Brooke Wyndham in the hottest skipping routine you are likely to see.
The Hills Musical Society’s Warner (Matthew Prime) plays it less obnoxious than the Hollywood model and is delightfully self-focussed. Brady Lloyd is Emmett, the nerdy attorney with heart, and Nicholas Bishop is a decidedly creepy Professor Callahan. Most popular with the sell-out audience on opening night was Lindsay Prodea as Kyle, who suffers Paulette’s trials with the “bend and snap” technique.
Not to be left off the bill are Bruiser and Rufus, playing the two dogs – and well-behaved additions they are.
The players enunciate clearly, sing and dance energetically, and provoke some great laughs. There are catchy songs, but watch out for “Oh, My God!”, as it’s likely to worm its way into your head for some time. All this in the splendour of the recently repainted Stirling Community Theatre.
The Hills Musical Company is presenting Legally Blonde the Musical at the Stirling Community Theatre again from November 13-15 and 20-22.
