By Michelle Demo, page designer.
The early 2000’s hit movie, “Legally Blonde” is getting a local revival at Saginaw’s Pit and Balcony Theatre. Director and musical director Todd Thomas led the cast all the way from Malibu to Harvard in a pleasantly hilarious staging of “Legally Blonde: The Musical.” With the musical being cute, quirky, and overall a hilarious experience, it’s safe to pronounce this musical a hit.
Actress Chelsea McCulloch brings the character of Elle Woods to life as she portrays the Barbie to lawyer transition. McCulloch’s interpretation of the character was a tad bit more Sorority than both the movie, and the original broadway run. However, it fit the theme of the show well.
“Legally Blonde: The Musical” follows Elle Woods as she gets her heart broken by long-term boyfriend Warner, played by Quentin Watford. After all, Elle was more of a Marilyn than a Jackie. In other words, she is the girl with whom the affair is with, not the marriage. Elle decides that the only option to get Warner back is by getting into Harvard, because logic.
Miraculously, Elle gets into Harvard, and that is where the majority of the show takes place. Coming to Harvard with her family, the adorable pug Bruiser, Orville, Elle is immediately turned away by many colleagues at Harvard, but finds solace in vocal powerhouse Paulette, played by Cara Baker. Elle’s on-campus assistance is found in reluctant love-interest Emmett, played by Logan LaBrake. The musical, is a true “find yourself” story as Elle realizes that she can find happiness without Warner, and that her intelligence can be a weapon of legal destruction.
Overall, the show hit some bumps and bruises that were fairly minor overall. The main issue was the pit orchestra. There was a few numbers where you could hear them flubbing over the scores. However the musical numbers that they did get through were fabulous. It was also a little odd seeing stage crew not in full blacks, but that could either be a theatre or Stage Manager, Amy Spadafoe Loose, decision. While on the topic of the stage crew, they get the gold star. Most of the set movements were seemingly flawless, and if a prop or set item was left on-stage it was immediately taken care of. As a fellow technical theatre person, that level of focus on the show was well-appreciated.
I do have to say, that the choreography from Delta student Natalie Schwartz was amazing to watch. There were variations in dance style such as hip hop, classical and jazz that helped add flair to the show. One of my favorite scenes, “Whipped into Shape” led by Brooke, played by Lauren Gray, was a choreography gift. The actors danced with ropes the entire number, and apparently, Gray was battling bronchitis the entire show. She still killed it.
The true stars of the show, however, were Bruiser, played by Orville, and Rufus, played by Violet,. Violet was trained at TnT Dog Training in Midland, and was able to showcase some of her skills during a scene-change. Orville loved the audience and gave the best cheating out to the audience out of the entire cast. He would sit, and just face the audience. He demanded our attention and I loved every minute of it. Note: this part of the review may be biased as I got to snuggle the pug after the show.
As this was my first viewing of a Pit and Balcony production, I didn’t know what to expect. The set was simple, a balcony and stairs. This community theatre was quaint and the show almost didn’t match with how small the theatre was. However, if you ever get a chance to go see a Pit and Balcony show, I highly recommend it.