Legally Blonde

Nine Lives Theatrical Production Company bumped into Koorliny Arts Centre to present this fun and upbeat musical.

Annika Kononen, a tall, striking natural blonde was a picture-perfect Elle Woods who revelled in the central role. She was nicely paired with Jethro Pitt, making a stirling West Australian debut, as a loveable and convincing Emmet, with a lovely voice.

Almost stealing the show was Vikki Walker as Paulette, in a gorgeously sung and beautifully acted performance, in her first major role. Partnering her was Clayton Mitchell making a very promising debut, tripling the roles of Kyle, Dewy and Aaron.

Legally Blonde has eighteen named roles and a plethora of cameos, and to mention all is impossible. Those standing out included Taneeka Loreto as Enid Hoopes, Sarah Elizabeth Hubber as Brooke Wyndham and Caris Read as Kate. Brad Tudor played anti-hero Warner Huntington well. The most memorable number was probably 'Gay or European', with Nathanial Prosser (Nikos) and Joshua Munroe putting the button on this song beautifully.

The large and enthusiastic ensemble were always in the moment and cameo performances handled with relish. The joy of performing this show was palpable and crossed over to those watching.

Anita Telkamp in her choreographic debut, coped well with the varied experience of the big cast with some energetic dancing, while Kenn Ellis led the five piece band, which was placed on stage.

Costumes were generally very well chosen with some lovely attention to detail, and costuming was used to great effect. The set was very simple, as can be expected in a borrowed venue — although I would have like to have seen better finishing on the band surround, and the details on the set did not match the polish on most of the production.

Finally, I cannot fail to mention the four-legged stars of this show. Cooper Tudor as Bruiser and Toto Tudor as Rufus were calm, confident performers, who delighted the audience.

Legally Blonde was a feel-good production with lots of joy radiating from the stage.

Kimberley Shaw