Legally Blonde

The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts’ production of Legally Blonde is their biggest production of the year. For many years, the combined Second and Third-Year Musical Theatre Students show has been held in an outside venue. Now back on campus, it is perhaps not surprising that this sold out quickly, but it is worthy of the excitement and buzz that surrounds this show.

Designed and crewed by WAAPA Production and Design students, with, as always, Production Management students expertly looking after Front of House, this production also features an orchestra consisting predominantly of current WAAPA students. The set, a combination of moveable trucks and flown pieces catered well for multiple locales and was designed by WAAPA staff member Bryan Woltjen. The costumes, plentiful, well-chosen, bright and fun were designed by student Elisa Von Perger, with a vibrant lighting design, also from a student - this time Jay Covich.

At first thought, the usually dark-haired Emma Caporoso, with a strikingly deep speaking voice and lovely resonant vocals, seems an unusual choice for the bubbly, and at first seemingly vacuous Elle Woods. An excellent leading lady, she anchors this show beautifully, although her intelligence is obvious early, and we are less surprised that Elle has hidden smarts. Her initial love interest Warner Huntington III is given an Ivy League vibe and the feel of old money in a strong performance from Jake Binns, while boy-next-door type Emmett Forrest is played to perfection with genuine charm by Ben Goldsbrough.

Delta Nu Sorority Sisters come singing and dancing Greek Chorus - Margot, Pilar and Serena - are played with excellent teamwork and great camaraderie by Kathryn Desmier, Asha Kerr and Second Year Student Christina Anastasiadis, filling in for an injured Jayda D’Agostino.

Rival for Warner’s affection, Vivienne Kensington, was played with great sophistication by Katie Green, while the less-than-likeable Professor Callahan was well portrayed by Adam Pavis. Great work from fellow students Tabitha Galluccio, a strident Enid Hoops, and others including Aydin Suitela as Sundeep

Ellen Ebbs, who excels in playing quirky characters, was in her element, and quickly became an audience favourite as Elle’s new bestie, hairdresser Paulette. She was well paired with Samuel Austin playing both her repulsive ex-partner and new sexy love interest Kyle.

Murder defendant Brooke Wyndham was expertly portrayed by Geena Hutton, who aced “Whipped into Shape”, while Blake Douglas was good fun as witness Carlos, paired nicely with Harrison Ion as Nikos, and Madison Randl was a delight on the stand as Chutney.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Stephen Heath