You want the moon and sky then take it don't be shy...
Having never read the book or seen the Reese Witherspoon movie on which it was based, I wasn't the only one who was surprised by my decision to go along and see the Legally Blonde musical at Sydney's Lyric Theatre last night.
Perhaps my lack of expectation was precisely the reason I liked it so much, but that would detract from what a funny, clever, catchy show this is. The very thing which turned me off the premise (ditzy blonde) is the very topic which the story addresses in a somewhat cliched premise of 'don't judge a book by its cover'.
Early instances of feminism seemed to shame women who pandered to girly stereotypes, completely discrediting the idea of equality and female empowerment. But Legally Blonde challenges that notion with a blonde-haired, blue-eyed, pink-clad privileged protagonist who the audience (against all odds) identifies and sympathises with, because of her big heart and generosity of spirit.
We are introduced to the pink positivity of Elle Woods (Lucy Durack) by her sorority sisters in the opening number, Omigod You Guys, as she prepares for dinner with her boyfriend Warner (Rob Mills) - with high hopes of being his fiancée by the end of the evening.
When he instead breaks up with her (citing she's not "serious" enough for him and his future as a congressman), she resolves to follow him to Harvard law school and win him back by becoming the studious, serious woman he's looking for.
During the course of the show, she finds an affinity for law, thanks to encouragement from teaching assistant Emmett (David Harris), who later becomes a lover interest, and learns she doesn't have to sacrifice who she is to be happy and successful in life.
All-star casts can be a gamble, but this one works exceptionally well, with a distinguished Cameron Daddo (Callahan), and stunning Erika Heynatz (Brooke) rounding out the main characters. The ensemble is strong and energetic, filling the stage and theatre with exuberance during the big numbers, and being responsible for some highly amusing throwaways (the awesome UPS guy to name one).
As a Wicked fan, it was wonderful to see Mills and the adorable Durack onstage together again, especially when they seem to have such great chemistry and rapport. While the former didn't shine as much as he did in The Last Five Years, his increasing maturity as a performer is evident.
While there are some awkward moments ('Ireland'?!), it works as a musical. It has the bubbly, good natured optimism of its lead character and gets away with a lot because it doesn't take itself too seriously, becoming a parody at times. And the music itself does a great job of tying scenes together - Omigod You Guys and Serious weave their way right through the musical as themes and reprises.
Yes, it's fluffy and fun and predictable, but that doesn't stop it from being incredibly enjoyable. The show is crammed with witty dialogue, humour, and some fantastic songs: I defy anyone not to get Omigod You Guys stuck in their head and/or not crack up during There Right There (one of the most hilarious pieces of musical theatre I've ever heard/seen). "Omigod, omigod you guys..."
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