Legally Blonde is a delight for the senses, a dazzling musical with a concurrent message in support of a badly typecast minority group: the beautiful blonde.
Now playing at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, the stage version is adapted from the novel and 2001 blockbuster movie starring Reese Witherspoon.
A hit on Broadway as well, Legally Blonde leads the audience through an allegory in song and dance with little to no dialogue. The lyrics maintain the edgy intellect. Every number was met with applause as each actor displayed talent and an invigorating enthusiasm for their craft.
Star of the show Jayme Armstrong, as Elle, “blondedup” for the part and brought with her the skill and flawless execution garnered by her vast experience. She has played the leads in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music for Drayton Entertainment, among many other credits. While conveying the multifaceted Elle, she dominated with her stage presence and beauty, even in her bunny costume for the party that was not supposed to be costume.
A noticeable audience favourite was Elle’s hairdresser and friend, the earthy and benevolent Paulette as played by Kristen Peace. Her charisma and beautiful voice provided an Irish melody.
JD Nicholsen as Professor Callahan was all too authentic as the Harvard bigwig bursting with vitality and arrogance.
Lindsay Croxall played the usurping “constipated, polo wearing” girlfriend Vivienne who comes full circle to eventually embrace sisterhood while surprising with her powerful voice in the remix.
Among the wonderful multi-tasking ensemble cast, whom the audience was exhausted just looking at, were Karen Burthwright, Cleopatra Williams and Matt Nethersole.
A different species altogether further enhanced the cast with their sweet style. Twilight as Bruiser and Bebe as Rufus, both in their Drayton debuts, were right on cue with hardly any doggie treats required. Elle’s sidekick Bruiser was the chosen Chihuahua from an audition held in March.
The story begins with a jilted Elle, whose boyfriend with the revealing name of Warner Huntington III thought she wasn’t the right type – in other words a “dumb blonde” who would not further his career. When Elle decides to pursue his love right through to Harvard Law School, even her father discourages her with his notion that law school is only for unattractive females.
However, her misguided motive for Harvard entry, granted partially on their “multiculturalism” ticket, started her on a path most in keeping with her instincts and innate abilities, no matter the colour of her hair. She inadvertently finds her niche in law and life.
Choreographer Robin Calvert designed a multitude of enjoyable dance numbers in the telling of the tale such as Whipped into Shape, Bend and Snap and of course Omigod You Guys to start and finish.
Music director Robert Foster led the unseen and talented band through contemporary pop tunes, ballads, and even a bit of reggae-style music.
The colour pink ruled in set, lighting and costume design by Ivan Brozic. A pink bedroom festooned with “Hello Kitty” accessories, a Harvard law school classroom and a cozy hair salon came and went as easily as changing heels.
Audience members were encouraged to wear pink to the performance though apparently many “forgot.” However, they did bring a wonderful display of enthusiasm and appreciation for the performance as directed by David Connolly.
Legally Blonde plays through May 18 at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse. Tickets are available online at www.st.jacobscountryplayhouse.com, in person at the box office, or by calling 519-747-7788 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
