Experiencing community theatre for the first time can be an unparalleled experience. Luckily for this writer, “Legally Blonde” held its own and managed not to let its cult film franchise down at the same time.
Hosted by Waterworks Players, the musical based off the 2001 film of the same name carries a legacy weight that doesn’t accompany many plays.
Thankfully that didn’t stop the show from being a treat, as the cast was especially good, marked by outstanding performances from a few characters in particular.
As it might be a trend in stage production, the set had minimal props and design, instead opting for a large double door to carry most of the design. The live music that sequenced and paced the show was absolutely fantastic, with perhaps one slip-up in an otherwise well executed performance.
As for the show itself, the flaws were noticeable but somehow enjoyable nonetheless. In particular, the singing was a little rough around the edges. It’d be ludicrous to want actors and actresses to channel the voices of Adele, Beyonce and Sam Smith, but a refrain from hitting high notes out of respective vocal ranges would have sufficed.
Also, some of the cast could have been a little more lively in their delivery, mostly in relation to the ensemble acts where it seemed background members preferred to stay unnoticed.
The musical numbers in “Legally Blonde” had a perfect mix of laugh-out-loud lyrics and cringe-worthy ones at the same time. However, cringing at some of the lines, songs or dances didn’t feel bad as it seemed the writers purposely added a lot of that material for comedic purposes and for pure laughs.
If that was the goal, it was certainly a job well done. “Legally Blonde” excels as a comedy in every which way, including hilarious references to sexual preferences and borderline lewd dancing.
Although she’s no Reese Witherspoon, Anna Hicks as Elle Woods might be the next best thing. Bringing Woods to life exceptionally well, Hicks thrived in her solo numbers and dialogues, with a uncanny blend of personality, humor and depth.
As the star of the show that happened to be in almost every scene, Hicks commanded the stage, hardly faltering throughout her performance.
Longwood University’s own Miriam Loya as Paulette received the loudest applause of the night, deservingly so for a hilarious performance as the Italian hairdresser. If ever there was a comedic relief in an already funny play, Loya was it, as her big personality garnered laughs throughout the night.
Lastly, Kolby Grimsley as Enid was terrific. In her couple of starring moments, Enid as Grimsley stole the show. Grimsley, a former Peace Corps hardcore-styled lawyer in training was the best of the secondary supporting cast members.
Not to be overstated, but as a comedy “Legally Blonde” is hilarious. With a new-age feminist approach, the play tackles sexism and romanticism brilliantly. The hiccups are to be expected with the limitations to community theatre, but the price is worth the admission.
Photo Courtesy of Waterworks Players Inc.
