Legally Blonde bubbles with energy
Strong performances both from leads and ensemble cast members
Elle Woods redefines the phrase “Pink is the new black” as she teaches everyone that beauty and brains can coexist in one person, in the sugary-sweet musical, Legally Blonde. The energetic cast at Spruce Grove Composite High School proved that with some determination, and a Greek chorus, anything is possible.
Based on the film Legally Blonde, released in 2001, the musical version opened on Broadway in 2007. It has since become a favourite among community and high school theatres due to its peppy score, witty script and memorable characters. The show tells the story of Elle Woods, a bubbly sorority girl who enrols in Harvard law school on a mission for love. She tries to become serious to fit the expectations of her ex-boyfriend Warner. Elle battles her way to the top of her class on a journey of selfdiscovery.
The strength of this production was the incredible energy that radiated from the cast throughout the show. There was distinct contrast among all of the unique characters, from the highspirited Delta Nu girls to the determined law students. Each cast member created a specific character and stuck with those character choices throughout the course of the show. If ever there was anything lacking musically, the cast made up for it with their lively stage presence.
Tackling the role of Elle was Jenna Stumbur, who led the show with her powerful vocals and lovable characteristics. Stumbur was able to portray many sides of her character, from emotional moments to humorous jokes. Ryan Seider portrayed established law student Emmett Forrest, and captured the down-to-earth essence of his character. Stumbar had great chemistry with both love interests, Emmett and Warner (Emmett Thiessen).
The ensemble cast had many standout performances. Darby Peachman kept the audience laughing as the eccentric hairdresser Paulette. Also hilarious was Sabrina Jagpal in the role of Enid Hoopes. Jagpal milked every moment she had onstage and made the most of her quirky character. One of the best vocal performances came from Carlee Bacon, as Brooke Wyndham, the fitness guru charged with murder. Bacon was able to power through the intense musical number Whipped Into Shape while performing various tricks using jump ropes.
All of the technical elements of the show were impressively executed solely by students. With smooth set changes, the audience was never kept waiting for the next scene. All of the sound aspects were handled by Andrew Meier, who did an excellent job of working with a massive number of microphones. Technical errors were rare, and the cast and crew did a wonderful job of recovering when things didn’t quite go as planned.
Spruce Grove Composite High School students presented a wonderful production filled with humour and heart. As Elle discovers, and the cast and crew demonstrated, hard work and determination are worth it, especially in bringing Legally Blonde to life onstage.