Legally Blonde

Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, Book by Heather Hach. Iona Presentation College. Directed by Joshua Brant. Regal Theatre, Subiaco, WA. March 22-24, 2019

Iona Presentation College presented a beautifully polished Legally Blonde, with outstanding production values, a talented and united cast and a fabulous feel-good vibe.

A show that looked fabulous - with an outstanding set by Laura Heffernan and Patrick Howe, expertly constructed by Onstage Arts. Costumes, under Wardrobe Manager Michelle Ward, had an “of the era” feel, an unusual attention to detail in such a recent show, and were shown to great advantage in choreographer Coby Brant’s big production numbers, especially the opening number and Elle’s Harvard application “essay”.

Musical Director Tim How has guided some impressive vocal performances and leads a polished 16 piece orchestra, of students and community artists.

Tabitha Kerlin is a picture perfect Elle Woods (credit to her hairdresser as she is not a natural blonde) and she has the talent to back it up, leading the cast of over forty (including two canines) with style. She sparked nicely with guest performer Charlie Darlington, who was loveable as unlikely leading-man Emmet Forrest.

Claudia Fitzgerald, Isabella Radici-Nicolls and Alexa Bevilacqua were delightful leading the members of the Delta Nu Sorority and the “Greek Chorus”. Georgia Wilson was lovely as Elle’s friend and confidante Paulette, with Michael Surjan playing up her love interest Kyle.
Jade Spirito charted a lovely journey for Vivienne Kensington, working well with Jackson Briza who created a very believable Warner Huntington III, rich boy and initial object of Elle’s affection. Eliza Chaney cements her reputation as a fine character actress with a strong Enid Hoopes, with younger sister Minerva Chaney making a wonderful cameo as Chutney. Jason Nettle is likably unlikeable as the heinous Professor Callahan, and Jessica Cullity shines as fitness guru Brooke Wyndham.

Iona Presentation College should be very proud of its Performing Arts Department who have produced a top quality musical that enthralled its capacity audiences.

Kimberley Shaw