Sydney’s North Shore Turns Pink for Legally Blonde at The Concourse

A hit Hollywood film, a multi-award winning Broadway and West End musical and now it’s the turn of Chatswood in Sydney’s North Shore to get a dose of pink, as Legally Blonde – The Musical opens at the Concourse Theatre from October 16th.

Presented by Willoughby Theatre Company as part of their 2015 season, the well-loved story of Elle Woods is based on the novel Legally Blonde by Amanda Brown and the 2001 film starring Reece Witherspoon.

The musical tells the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrols at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner. She discovers how her knowledge of the law can help others while also defying expectations while staying true to herself.

Winner of 7 major awards, including the coveted Best Musical (2011 Olivier Awards) this all-singing, all-dancing romantic comedy features an upbeat original score by Laurence O’Keefe and Neil Benjamin.

Taking on the role of Emmett, the man who helps Elle navigate her way through the perils of Harvard Law School is Shaun Young – a role he’s relishing playing.

“Emmett is different from most other roles I've played because the relationship between him and Elle. He directly influences her and changes her way of seeing herself, which then she then turns around and does the same for him. It's the connection and interaction between the two characters which drives the story and leads to the development of each of our characters.”

In the coveted role of Elle is Laura Sheldon – a familiar leading face on the Sydney community theatre stage.

“There's so much variety and depth in Elle and she's a character I've thoroughly enjoyed exploring. Elle is a beautiful person on the inside who is continually on a journey of self-discovery. People judge her and label her as a dumb-blonde and she is anything but. She has brains and heart and you see in the show that there isn't a single new person she meets who she doesn't expect the best out of.

“Working on such a huge production with an amazingly talented cast and production team has been great experience,”said Laura.

Directing the show is Courtney Cassar. Courtney says that while the show has a good dose of pink, there is much more to the story than a sorority girl looking for love.

“The thing I love about this show is that it is far more meaningful than anyone ever expects. Sure, it's got a huge set, amazing dance numbers and is covered in pink, but it says so much more about the struggle find a sense of identity in the world. It's just so relatable no matter what age or gender you are.

“Our production will also take on its own unique feel and gives a fresh approach to the story that many already love. Our choreographer Jess T has also devised some of the most energetic routines ever seen on the Sydney stage – including an unbelievable multi cast skipping number that will leave the audience breathless at the start of act two!”
Rounding out the production team is Musical Director Mark Pigot.

The show concludes a massive year for Willoughby Theatre Company, with their two previous productions – Evita and Magic of the Musicals (Rodgers and Hammerstein) playing to sold out houses earlier this year.

“It’s been just an amazing opportunity to work with such a large theatre company who draws in the crème of the crop in terms of talent and to work in a state of the art venue like the Concourse is brilliant, you really are able to produce the best possible show,” concluded Courtney.

Legally Blonde – The Musical runs from October 16-25 at the Concourse in Chatswood. Tickets can be booked via Ticketekor 1300 795 012 or the Concourse Box Office.

www.willoughbytheatreco.com.au

Images: Elle Woods (Laura Sheldon) and some of the girls of DeltaNu (Erin Carlton, Cassandra Smith, Skye Roberts) shop up a storm in Chatswood's Alannah Hill Boutique; Laura Sheldon as Elle Woods; Shaun Young as Emmett, and Shaun Young (Emmett), and Laura Sheldon (Elle Woods) and Peter Meredith (Warner) play out the love triangle in Legally Blonde - The Musical.

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