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A Real
Feel-Good Hit
Legally Blonde
Newcastle Tyne Theatre
& Opera House
Until Saturday 28th
November 2015
Newcastle’s West End Musical
Company have an entertaining hit that keeps away the winter blues.
This
hit musical is based upon the Amanda Brown novel and 2001 film starring Reese
Witherspoon. Elle Woods is president of UCLA's
sorority Delta Nu. She cares about her appearance and her boyfriend Warner and
cannot wait for him to propose to her.
 |
Elle Woods and her
sorority sisters.
Alisar Taylor, Mel
Hodgetts, Cheryl Moody (who plays
Elle Woods),
Melanie Tate, Jobeth
Maddison
Photo: Adrian Jackson
|
Her
plans fall apart when Warner dumps her and heads off to Harvard Law School. Adding to the cruelty,
her ex explains that he needs someone more serious “more Jackie than
Marilyn.” But Elle is a determined
individual and she decides, with the help of her sorority friends, to get into
Harvard herself and follow Warner.
 |
Alex Easten (Emmett),
Cheryl Moody (Elle), Kevin Rhodes (Warner)
Photo: Adrian Jackson
|
Harvard
is a culture shock to poor Elle. Her lecturer, Professor Callahan, has both 4
internships to offer and a ruthless reputation.
Warner has already found himself a new serious girlfriend, Vivienne, who
makes life difficult for Elle.
Elle finds friends in the shape of older student Emmett and her beautician Paulette and together they tackle their problems.
Elle finds friends in the shape of older student Emmett and her beautician Paulette and together they tackle their problems.
 |
Cheryl Moody as Elle Woods
Photo: Adrian Jackson
|
The
reason why Legally Blonde works as a musical is that Elle is not a quitter and
she has a good circle of friends. The feel-good play is not afraid to suggest
issues of snobbery, misogyny, homophobia and elitism. Yet, it keeps a cheerful
positive mantra which makes the audience both warm to the characters and leave
happy.
The
hardworking cast had to sing and dance the night away. Elle, Paulette and
Emmett came across as loveable thanks to the consistent efforts of Cheryl
Moody, Alex Easten and Nicola Hewitt. Kevin Rhodes and Caroline Sabiston played
the role of love rat and power hungry new girlfriend well.
Steve
Halliday had sufficient presence to carry off the role as the tough professor.
The chorus of sorority girls often helped lighten the mood too.
 |
Nicola Hewett who plays
Paulette and
Cheryl Moody who plays
Elle with their
on-stage dogs Patsy, who plays
Rufus, and Chi-Chi, who
plays Bruiser.
Photo: Adrian Jackson
|
The
script has a number of lighter moments and director Martyn Knight takes
advantage of these without letting the pace slow down. Whilst the set was sometimes slow to fall
into place, it is credit to the cast that they kept on going. Special mention
goes to Stephen Mason, whose appearance as Kyle the UPS guy, had the perfect mix
of humour and audience interaction.
Unlike
a jukebox musical, the musical numbers help deliver the story and these were
well sung. For such a large cast, there was no weak link in the vocals. The
music was played live by a talented 11 piece band under the musical direction
of Andrew Soulsby.
 |
Cheryl Moody and Chi-Chi
who play Elle Woods and Bruiser
Photo: Adrian Jackson
|
Everyone,
though, is in danger of being upstaged by two very cute dogs who appear as
Bruiser and Rufus. Both animals were well behaved.
This
is a heart-warming show, with a positive message, delivered by a great
dedicated and talented cast. It is well worth checking out.
This
review was written by Stephen Oliver for the North East
Theatre Guide from Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com).
Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo
on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo
Read
the original North East Theatre Guide preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/preview-legally-blonde-at-newcastle.html
Tickets:
Legally
Blonde is on at the Tyne Theatre, Westgate Road, Newcastle. Performances are nightly at 7pm from Tuesday 24th until
Saturday 28th November, as well as matinee performances at 2pm on the Thursday and
Saturday.
Tickets
can be booked online at www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk, by calling 0844 2491000 or
in person at the Tyne Theatre box office.
