Finally saw Bailey as Elle...(photos added)

[defyinggravity42694]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 2:14pm

It took me a while, mainly because I doubted I would ever get to see Bailey in the role, but yesterday I got to the Palace for the Matinee.

This was definitely one of the better performances of the show I have seen. Before I get to Bailey, I must talk about Orfeh. She has changed so much since LauraBell, for the better. She had me laughing to no end, I love how she now says "I see dead people" and her singing was even more amazing than usual!

Christian was must better than I thought he would be, and actually seemed very refreshed.

Richard and Kate were amazing as Usual.

One of the real highlights of the show was Lucia Spina as Enid, I absolutely love what she has done with the role.

Kevin Pariseau, was on for Callahan and out this was my second time seeing him in the role, it was my fourth time seeing the show, and I just love him in the role.

Nicolette Hart continues to be my favorite Brooke, I've seen her twice, and Niki and Beth once.

Now to Bailey, her singing has improved so much and I thought she was amazing. The only thing I noticed is when she isn't singing her contact with the audience is very poor. Overall though I really loved her as Elle and I think she was able to embody the role very well and make the best of it.

Three malfunctions took place, at the beginning of "Omigod You Guys" the pink curtain went up but there was no Sorority house, there was this yellow/gold sheet I guess like a back curtain or something which went up, very quickly I might add right before Kate Rockwell(who was amazing) had to open her window.

The second one was at the end of "So Much Better", there was no black out after it, and a stage crew guy came out, saw the lights on and the audience looking at him, and ran off, Bailey just skipped off. The Greek Chorus just froze until the curtain went down.

The third one, I don't really consider that big of a deal, but after the curtain call the pink curtain went down, and the yellow sheet didn't and there was no black, so the cast continued to dance until the yellow sheet finally came down.

The stage door was surprising and very pleasant after Nicolette, Kevin, and the regulars came out, some lady I did not recognize came out and starting signing, after she signed mine I realized it was Orfeh, who had an amazing disguise (I'll post the picture later). I had never met Orfeh before so I was very excited.

Before, the show I asked a security guard if Bailey was going to come out after, he said absolutely not, so I stopped hoping for it.

Believe or not as I was looking from behind the barrier to see who was coming next I see Bailey who came out and signed, but no pictures were allowed. I still snapped two though.

Over all, it was a very enjoyable afternoon, that night was also amazing, I saw 13, and loved it!

Updated On: 9/14/08 at 02:14 PM

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 2:17pm

Bailey is great in the show...was the theater crowded?

[defyinggravity42694]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 2:22pm

Very crowded. I was in Front Orchestra so I couldn't really get a view of the whole theatre, but from the sound of the cheers, it was packed.

[Vespertine1228]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 2:23pm

I understand it's live theatre and that things can go wrong, but to have so many technical mistakes in one show is a little ridiculous. Sounds like they're getting lazy at the Palace.

I got a free ticket for Wednesday's matinee. It was my second time seeing the show. (I saw the original cast about a year ago.) I thought Bailey had absolutely no star quality. None of the jokes landed at all. She was also clearly very flat at the end of "Positive" and "Legally Blonde." I would feel bad for her if she wasn't just handed the chance to be on Broadway. I felt like Christian and Orfeh treated her as sort of a lost cause as they both also seemed to be taking the show off.

I liked Bailey on the reality show, so I assume part of it is just the reality of being in a show 8 times a week after the initial gleam of her summer win has worn off. Still, I would've been angry if I was paying money.

[sondheimgeek]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 2:30pm

I wouldn't say they're getting lazy. Three mistakes is a lot, sure, but it sounds like if they could've fixed them right away they would've. They may need to inspect certain rigging systems, and lighting cables. Who knows, but I doubt they're just getting "lazy".

[Parks]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 2:36pm

I was at yesterday's matinee performance as well--and I LOVED it. I wasn't expecting to be really enjoy it that much, but it was the most fun I've had in a theater in a while (along with Xanadu).

I didn't catch the technical errors you pointed out except for the lack of blackout at the end of Act I. That was upsetting.. it all seemed so perfect until then. haha

I was VERY impressed with Bailey--I loved her and she was very sweet at the stagedoor to my friends. I didn't talk to her, but I took a picture of them with her (while she was signing autographs.

Orfeh is WONDERFUL. Christian was better than I was expecting (since the last review I read said that he was pretty bad in the role now--just phoning in). He was phoning in a little, but he is still loveable. He doesn't play the dramatic scenes very well, but every other scene, he is great.

What about KATE SHINDLE? Holy Bajesus! OK--the last note of Legally Blonde Remix gave me SERIOUS goosebumps. The best I have EVER heard. I will go back to see that show again JUST for that note. During applause for that song, I turned to my friends, stunned, and said, "Holy. Sh!t." I have never heard anyone sing like that before... Ridiculous!

[TooDarnHot]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 2:38pm

lazy.

[Vespertine1228]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 5:29pm

Out of curiosity, does anyone know what note Kate Shindle is belting at the end of "Legally Blonde Remix?" It was one of the more exciting things at Wednesday's matinee.

[Anakela]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 5:44pm

I believe it's a high A flat?

[defyinggravity42694]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 8:33pm

[wicked_beast4]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 8:44pm

Awww, frumpy Bailey!!!!!!! Yet she still looks fab! LOVE HER!!!

[notyourmomma]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 8:46pm

Yeah, it's an Ab.

[HometownGlory]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 8:47pm

She's so cute and I loved her performance. I think I may hit the stage door next time I'm near the Palace, I want to meet more of the principals. Only Nicolette came out and I was hoping to see Bailey as well

[defyinggravity42694]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 9:05pm

I know how you feel, I've seen the show 4 times and I have yet to meet Richard Blake or Christian Borle.

Last time I saw the show I was shocked when Kate Shindle came out, and took pictures, it was a night show but still, I was shocked. Michael Rupert also came out that night and to my very surprise Laura Bell Bundy came out, but didn't take pictures.

When Orfeh came out yesterday, I was shocked! I must admit, her disguise got me.

When Bailey came out, I can't describe it, I was totally not expecting it and she was really nice!!

[Parks]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 9:10pm

Does Orfeh usually not come out after matinees?

[defyinggravity42694]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 9:17pm

First time I saw Blonde matinées and stage doored, I heard she did, but she didn't come out that day but she did have visitors, who knows? The second time I staged door was at night and she did not. The first time I saw it I was not aware stage doors existed.