Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde has been such a frequently performed show in WA that you might think it is running out of steam, but very healthy houses for Stray Cats Theatre’s Legally Blonde, and audible crowd reactions, show that there are still many first timers ready to enjoy this fun and vibrant musical. 

Performed with a very large cast in Manpac’s big theatre, the cast is led by the very blonde Lisa Taylor. While she feels a little mature to be a college student, against the other members of this ensemble, she brings pep and enthusiasm to role of Elle. She plays well against Alex White prepping up to play Warner Huntington III – object of Elle’s affections.

Lovely work from Braeden Geuer as ‘real leading man’ Emmett – a top-notch performance with depth and warmth. Also outstanding is Alyssa Burton as colourful underdog Paulette – with a characterisation that wins audience hearts. Another audience favourite is Dylan Randall’s scene stealing performance as UPS delivery man Kyle.

Stray Cats is renowned for its large ensembles – and in this show it is a clear asset, with the ability to have a huge number of Delta Nu sorority girls, full classes at Harvard and an expanded Greek Chorus. Leading the Delta Nus were Besties Margot, Serena and Pilar – very nicely played by Eibhlis Newman, Alyssa Murakami and Asha Perry, with Tannah Pridmore strong as the encouraging Kate.

Mia Passmore was excellent as love rival Vivienne Kensington – charting an impressive character journey, with great support from other Harvard students including Stephanie Potter’s gutsy Enid Hoops and Teaghan Lowry’s Whitney. Andy Vernie created a believable villain in the notorious Professor Callahan.

Rhiannon Garnham was a convincing Brooke Wyndham, leading an energetic version of “Whipped Into Shape”, a standout among Caitlin Wainwright’s well-thought-out choreography throughout. As is often the case in Legally Blonde, the court room scenes were a standout – with a strong version of the song “Gay or European” (strong work from Hunter Perry and Bailey Bridgman-Peters), a great witness in Meg Willis (Chutney) and Charlotte Roberts a strong District Attorney in a court room presided over by Kristie Corbishley.

The single Grecian set, with trucks, provided a suitable backdrop to multiple locales – well designed by Bronwyn White and Karen Francis – and the show was well accompanied by the Legally Blonde Orchestra under the leadership of Musical Director Vanitha Hart.

A festival of pink that clearly delighted the audience, this is a feel-good show that was good fun. 

Kimberley Shaw