Review: Legally Blonde - The Musical (National Touring Company - Starlight Theater, KCMO Opening Night 090630)
How would you describe Elle Woods?
Cute, perky, energetic and way more intelligent and clever than you
might first suspect. And Pink, VERY Pink...
That also describes her musical... ;-)
The cast was consistently good, with outstanding energy and were undeterred by the unique venue.
Starlight is an outdoor theater, with all the challenges that entails, up to and including winged 'extras' flying overhead into the fly-space.
(The stage was covered sometime in the last 25 years, I forget when. Back when I trod those boards there were not the amenities, AC,
normal-sized sets, etc. I remember dancing in the rain and stomping in puddles on-stage during one night of the run of Oliver...)
Back to THIS show: (Sorry about lack of names, Playbook is @ home)
The young lady playing Elle Woods was excellent, but I would expect nothing else, given her bio.
Paulette was also everything you could hope for.
Emmet played it to a T, with a few chances to show off a fine voice to boot.
Filed under - OMG Moments in live theater: The actress playing fitness mogul Brooke Wyndham performing "Whipped into Shape"HOW could she sing that well while performing such a demanding physical number?
Has to be seen to be believed!
On the tech side: This theater is a special challenge for the Sound Crew, especially with touring companies. It is NOT easy to get it right and opening night will usually show any 'cracks' in the Soundman's craft. Sound was spot-on with one minor exception. I could hear every word of the ever-so-clever lyrics. (BTW, pay attention, the test is NOW! There is a treasure trove of well-turned phrases to be enjoyed, but it comes fast and furious!)
AND as it is MUSICAL Theater it IS all about the Singing: Vivienne is outstanding when given a chance to open up the pipes. A truly amazing voice, among a very strong cast vocally.
In short: A Pinktacular Good Time was had by All!!!
Trust me, I AM a trained professional, not just someone who criticizes people for a living @ the KC Star...
(Not sure what show HE saw.) #Insert Bronx Cheer here#
Recommended!
Note: The preceeding opinions are based upon 25+ years of professional experience making Musical Theater, not just writing about it.
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