York Stage Musicals take to the Grand Opera House with a brilliantly energetic production of Legally Blonde The Musical. From the impressive set pieces to the dedicated ensemble cast, York Stage Musicals bring a lavish production which has the audience grinning with delight.
The design team have outdone themselves on the set, which is so professional it rivals that of the West End’s production. The impressive technicality of the set is met by the team’s slick scene changes, although some additional dialogue might be necessary to avoid any awkward pauses in between scenes. Similarly, the occasional ad-lib would benefit the ensemble cast in case of any forgotten lines, although on the one occasion this happens, the actor recovers well, showing a good sense of stage presence.
Maya Tether gives a show-stopping performance as Elle Woods. Her vocals are unrivalled in the performance, with a nice awareness of when she needs to play up a softer moment. That’s not to say Tether isn’t a powerful singer: her belting absolutely brings the house down. Whilst she channels Laura Bell Bundy, Tether also adds some characteristic touches to really make the part her own. I wouldn’t have expected a slightly awkward comic energy from Elle Woods as a character, but Tether embodies it well and for the most part it does suit the role. Her scenes with Emmett (Timothy Gough, who also pulls some excellent vocals out of the bag in ‘Chip on My Shoulder’) are charming and their chemistry is a delight to watch.
Not all of the vocals are as up to pat as the main leads’, but the ensemble cast work well together and it’s clear they’re having as much fun as the audience are watching them. The choreography whilst tight in some places is a little less slick in others, but the enthusiasm makes up for any slight delay in the routine. The chorus works best when participating in over the top spectacles, such as the conclusion of ‘What You Want’ or ‘There Right There’, and some excellent solo performances are given. A mention of course must also go to the two dogs portraying Bruiser and Rufus- you have some big shoes to fill and give a performance equal parts professional and adorable. 3/5
Review written by Louise Jones.
Legally Blonde The Musical was shown at the Grand Opera House York from Monday 7th until Saturday 12th September. The show will be touring the UK, and will make it’s way to the King’s Theatre, Glasgow from Tuesday 27th until Saturday 31st October. For more information on the production, visit here…
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