Guest Review of “Legally Blonde”

Guest Review of Legally Blonde

A bad perm job, Harvard law school, bunny costumes, and liposuction? Omigod!  Did you hear the news? Looks like the homecoming queen is finally getting married to campus catch, Warner Huntington III! Or, maybe not. Join Elle Woods on this fabulously fun journey as she follows her heart and discovers what love truly means in Franklin High School’s production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical.”

 

Based on Amanda Brown’s hit-novel, “Legally Blonde: The Musical” follows perky sorority president and die-hard fashionista Elle Woods after her devastating breakup with her boyfriend- Warner Huntington III- for not being ‘serious’ enough. Determined to get him back, the spunky blonde follows him to Harvard Law School to become a shark in the water… only to get bitten in the butt! Will Elle rise to the occasion and inspire those around her, or bend and snap under the pressure?

 

Franklin High School kept it positive throughout the whole production, working together as one company to skip, twist and hop through each hilarious musical number! With a wide range of quirky characters, energy and enthusiasm that reached new heights, and impressive technical elements to match the action onstage, the cast and crew of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” will have you whipped into shape and dancing in your seat in no time!

 

Portraying the role of Elle, Allison Feldman brought a sassy attitude, lots of liveliness, and all things pink onto the stage as she shimmied her way into Harvard Law and the hearts of everyone around her. Elle’s number one confidant and hair crisis counselor, Paulette- portrayed by Chloe Harvey- commanded the stage with her comedic presence and added energy back into every scene, from dancing the Irish jig to listening in the courtroom.

 

Grab your cardio whip 5000, if you want to get ripped! Opening the second act with intensity and stamina, Angel Dao danced, kicked, and jumped her way across the stage as fierce exercise coach Brooke Wyndham in “Whipped Into Shape.” With an impressive vocal range to compliment her remarkable dance moves, Dao created an extraordinarily diverse character that grew and transformed throughout the duration of the show.

 

Featuring four large brick buildings and a few additional moving units, scenic designer Daniel Warfield worked closely with stage manager Ryan Fife to create scene changes that moved quickly and efficiently between musical numbers. The costume crew did an admirable job including everyone in the company- even the run crew- in a wardrobe fit for real Ivy Leaguers. The sound crew commendably problem-solved and worked with actors to stay on cue with the recorded orchestration throughout the whole show.

 

Through this spunky and energetic musical, Franklin High School was able to successfully convey that being yourself will never go out of style. The cast and crew of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” will rise to the occasion and exceed all expectations.  As Elle would say, ‘like, you’ll seriously be in love with it!’

 

 

by Maura Wetzel of Liberty