LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL is a perky musical comedy based on the hit movie of the same name. The story follows sorority girl Elle Woods on her journey to Harvard Law School after she is dumped by her long time boyfriend for not being serious on the night she expected a proposal. The fashionista refuses to take no for an answer and unleashes her style and personality on the unsuspecting folks at Harvard. Elle meets a lot of colorful characters along the way and learns that she can remain true to herself and still find true love. LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL opened on Broadway in April of 2007 and ran for a year and a half earning ten Tony nominations. It ran in London for three years and landed three Olivier Awards including Best New Musical.
Burlington County Footlighters’ LEGALLY BLONDE stars: (left to right) Sean Flaherty as Emmett, Rachel Comenzo as Elle and Amanda Fredericks as Paulette, with Rufus.
Burlington County Footlighters’ new production stars Rachel Comenzo as the bubbly yet driven Elle Woods. Comenzo gave a sparkling performance as the vivacious effervescent blonde. Comenzo was joined by Sean Flaherty as the studious graduate assistant, Emmett, who helps Elle discover her true talents and learn that she doesn’t have to change who she is to be successful in law. Flaherty was lovable as the sweet study partner / friend turned fiancé. Tim Petrillo played the incredibly handsome yet shallow Warner who ditches his “Marilyn” Elle for a more “Jackie” version in Emilly Miller Huddell’s Vivienne. April Lindley was hysterical as lesbian law student Enid. Lindley’s comic timing was impeccable. The highlight performance of the show was Amanda Fredericks’ portrayal of beautician and friend, Paulette. Fredericks was vocally outstanding, hilarious and stole the scene every time she was onstage. Finally, the sorority girls / greek chorus commanded the stage with their perky performance, fun attitude and exceptional vocals. The dazzling performance of the chorus truly made the show. Unfortunately, the chorus was so strong that the individual vocals were often over-powered and lost. The show is so strong but the choice not to use microphones for the soloists was tragic as it left the stars’ performances weak in comparison to the chorus and lacked the power necessary to move the audience.
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL is a fun evening for the entire family. Packed with humor, fabulous choreography and an outstanding ensemble, the verdict is in, LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL is a hit.
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL
Music & Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe & Nell Benjamin
Book by Heather Hach
Based on the novel by Amanda Brown
Directed by Jillian Starr-Renbjor
Musical Direction by Sean Melhlbaum
May 3-18, 2013
Burlington County Footlighters
808 Pomona Road
Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
www.bcfootlighters.com
