Legally Blonde - 1/26 Review - San (SPOILERS)

[carymetorent2]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 2:37am

Just got back from seeing "Legally Blonde."
Got great seats in the front row of the loge.

Here are my thoughts on it.
I was basically undecided about how much I liked this show until the very end. The show is very low energy. My friend who was sitting with me tonight made a great point. The set was cute, not as impressive as I had heard, but cute and fitting for the general mood of the show. But, the set is very minimal and therefore, the show needs to be carried by the energy of the performers and a lot of the ensemble was lacking some energy.

Discussing individual performances first:

Laura Bell Bundy as Elle Woods is adorable. I think the phrase cute as a button fits her perfectly. She has a great voice that I think is really spot on for the part. I think a problem some people might have with liking her is that they want Reese Witherspoon or someone imitating Reese Witherspoon's portrayal of Elle and I thank god that Laura Bell doesn't try and do that. Laura makes the part her own. I found my greatest problem with her was low energy. She is the star of the show and Elle Woods needs to be this big, bursting ball of energy and Laura is energetic, but not enough so. She needs more ooph to really carry this show and I hope that she will find that as previews progress because I think she has the potential to be amazing.

Christian Borle as Emmett. Ok, I have to admit going in that I was not the biggest Christian Borle fan AT ALL. He has a nice voice, but he has never blown me away in anything. That being said, I think he does a good job with the role. I like that Emmett has a little makeover done in the musical version. It kind of makes the relationship seem more balanced with both Elle and Emmett contributing to the relationship. Also, I like that he spends a lot more time with her and it is shown. The relationship is developed more in-depth which is nice to see, although her proposing to him at the end is a little farfetched.

Richard Blake (and yes, I am a little biased) was great with what he had. I think he sounds beautiful on "Serious" I know some people don't like that song, but I enjoy that it showcases his powerhouse voice and the softer side of his voice as well. I also am glad that he doesn't look out of place. I have always found him to have a commanding presence on stage and I thought he might not be believable as a college student, but he fit right in and pulled it off. I also like his little frat boy comments throughout the show. (And that picture that Elle has of him above her bed amused me greatly.)

Kate Shindle as Vivienne was a slight disappointment to me. Her voice is gorgeous and really shines in the second act during "Legally BLonde Remix" but her acting fell flat for me. She seems too old and out of place, and I didn't believe her for a second, although she sounded gorgeous on all her singing. Another performance that could use a little energy.

Michael Rupert as Professo Callahan was enjoyable. I know a lot of people said "Blood in the Water" is too long and I do agree that it drags, but everything he says in the song is necessary to the plot and I don't know how else they could incorporate it. Michael has the same commanding presence that Victor Garber had in the movie, that believable air of superiority that makes you hate Professor Callahan, yet believe him as a good lawyer.

Orfeh as Paulette was enjoyable. She made the role her own and by the end, it definitely worked for me. While "Ireland" is funny, it is really unnecessary, but anything ORfeh is given, she always turns it up. Orfeh had enough energy for the entire cast and when she was on stage, I immediately perked up to watch her. And of course, it's amusing to watch her and Andy on stage together.

Nikki Snelson was my personal favorite. Another one with a high energy, flawless performance. I do not understand how she manages to jump rope and sing at the same time and make it look easy. Her voice is great, she has a believable character, she looks great and I found no flaws in her performance. Even when the spotlight wasn't on her, she shone.

Other enjoyable standouts
I don't think Leslie Kritzer looks too old at all. She looks exactly like Alanna Ubach did in the movie and she was, to me, the one that seemed most believable as Elle's best friend. She is a comedic genius and when she finally got to really sing out in "Bend and Snap" it was gorgeous.

Annaleigh Ashford also had some great comedic timing as Margot.
Natalie Joy Johnson...wow. Although she doesn't get to sing that much (which is a shame), she is hilarious as Enid. Everything she says and does, even the way she walks, is so completely and hilariously in character.

Andy Karl was definitely the standout ensemble boy for me along. Every character that Andy played made me laugh out loud. He goes for all his characters so totally and completely that the audience was spellbound. He got some of the loudest applause of the night as the UPS Guy. Everything he did was funny and who knew he could jump rope and sing as well!
Standout ensemble girl was definitely Kate Wetherhead. I found a lot of the Delta Nus lacking energy which is bad because they do most of the big dance numbers, but Kate Wetherhead sang and danced her heart out and I found myself watching her most of the time.
It was definitely the people who threw caution to the wind and went all out with their characters that caught my eye.

Complaint Department

Why Why WHy do they all need to go to the "Scene of the crime?"
It makes no sense, it throws people off and it completely ruined the end for me because it is just SO UNREALISTIC. You don't leave a courtroom and go on a field trip to a crime scene, it's weird and it's not even necessary!

Yes, Richard Blake is underused. He doesn't dance and he doesn' t sing that much. While it was a pleasure to see him get more stage time, I only wish he had more moments to shine because he is a real talent.

Small nitpick, but why does Michael Rupert get his own bow? I was a little shocked that Orfeh bowed with the crowd and Michael Rupert stood alone...

"The Harvard Variations" is a weird song that can be cut. It is boring, tedious and repetitive and almost put me to sleep.

I expected better choreography and was sorely disappointed.

Standout Songs

"Whipped into Shape" - some people may not have liked it, but i was impressed with it. It had great choreography and I loved the idea that they were watching a video of her to be introduced.
Also, SHE JUMPS ROPE AND SINGS.

"Bend and Snap" - It was fun and gave a lot of people some time to shine. Good beat, I liked that Kritzer failed sang and Orfeh was fierce.

"Legally Blonde" and its Remix - Wow, I didn't expect a strong ballad from this. But this is a clever and strong ballad and it works in the context of the show. The Remix also works and I love Kate Shindle in it.

The first act needs work. I looved the second act. Props to the costume designer. Elle's costumes were spot on and the doggie moments were adorable.

That's all from me. Seeing the show again tomorrow night and Sunday!

[theaterdude87]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 2:48am

Great review! Thanks for all the thoughts...it looks like you will be having a blonde weekend.

[TWSFan4Ever]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 7:46am

Quick question: What do you mean by Orfeh bowing with the crowd and Michael Rupert alone?

[Bruce Memblagh!]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 7:56am

pretty much the same opinion as you re: the review although I yet to see Richard Blake shine in anything. The times I have seen him in things he has been competent but nothing more so lack of stage time for him in this is hardly a concern.

I am not sure ultimately about this show in terms of what will eventually happen to it but a pleasant evening nonetheless

[Bwayfan4]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 9:07am

Thanks for the review! I'm glad to hear that you liked Kate Wetherhead. I have been curious to hear some reviews of her in Legally Blonde. She was so good as "Logainne" when I saw Spelling Bee, that I had hoped she would see more time onstage with Legally Blonde.

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 11:29am

I pretty much agree with almost everything you said (except "Bend and Snap," but hopefully they've tightened that since I saw it), but aww, you spoiled the proposal, my favorite part! ("Oh my oh my oh my gaaaaaawd!")

[Al Dente]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 12:35pm

Twsfan what carryme means is that Orfeh, who should obviously have her own bow (and is listed third in credits on the title page next to Borle), is currently bowing with three other characters including Snelson who also happens to be in the ensemble. It's a glaring disservice to Orfeh and more importantly, to the audience. Although, no matter what, she still got the lions share of cheers.

I'm going to see the show again next Thurs, perhaps the bows will have changed and Blood In the Water will be gone or at the very least, cut in half.

[TWSFan4Ever]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 12:39pm

Well, haha, that's not gonna work for me, haha. She NEEDS her own bow!

[TWSFan4Ever]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 12:44pm

Does anybody remember the curtain call order? If so, if some cast members bow in groups (ex: Orfeh with 2 others), put them on the same line together.

[HumATune]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 12:47pm

Thanks for the review.

I’m sorry you found the performance low-energy. I saw the first preview with a great audience, so I guess I have to see a “regular” performance to judge true energy.

I agree about Kate Shindle. She’s not bad by any means, but she needs work on her character. Vivienne wasn’t icy enough and I didn’t find her “transformation” to respecting Elle very convincing. Still it’s early and I hope Kate will improve. But can I just say she TOWERS over Laura? It’s quite humorous.

I thought Nikki was good, but IMO her character doesn’t have much to do. Some of the ensemble members have more stage time that she does, but she has a more “important” character. Still I enjoyed her.

Natalie is great as Enid. That is all.

I liked the Ireland song.

Amber Efe is pretty funny as the judge.

Andy Karl as Dewey! LMAO at the “stomach”. He’s great as the UPS guy too.

I liked Kate Wetherhead as Kate (lol) Elle’s friend who helps her study for the LSAT but I’d like to see her really dig her jaws into Chutney (the stepdaughter of Brooke). I think she can take that character even further.

I agree that everything in the “Blood in the Water” song is necessary to the plot, but maybe they can write a better song.

RE The Bows: Nikki, Kate, Richard, and Orfeh come out together and then take their little bows. Then Michael, Christian and Laura get to come out by themselves and bow. I agree that the Callahan character doesn’t warrant the bow he gets. I know Michael Rupert is a respected, award-winning Broadway actor, but does he really have that much prestige over the other cast members?

[jimnysf]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 12:47pm

the review although I yet to see Richard Blake shine in anything. The times I have seen him in things he has been competent but nothing more so lack of stage time for him in this is hardly a concern.

Bitter. Party of one. You are so wrong but I'm not shocked that you posted that. I don't think I've ever seen you post a positive thought about anything, either on this board or the other one. Richard has shined in everything he has ever been in.

[TWSFan4Ever]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 12:55pm

Thanks, HumATune, now when does "Serena" and "Margot" when/who do they come out during the curtain call?
Updated On: 1/27/07 at 12:55 PM

[theaterdude87]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 1:14pm

For some reason maybe the "bow order" may be chnaged when they get to Brodway.

[Bruce Memblagh!]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 2:13pm

"Bitter. Party of one. You are so wrong but I'm not shocked that you posted that. I don't think I've ever seen you post a positive thought about anything, either on this board or the other one. Richard has shined in everything he has ever been in. "


Dearie, get over it. Simple. Look at some of your posts and accept IF you are capable that it is possible not to have to rave and it is possible that people do have...now, what's it called? ah yes, a difference in opinion.

[carymetorent2]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 2:13pm

To address all the questions:

Bruce it is sad to hear that you aren't a fan of Richard. (jimny, you make me laugh!) To each his own, although I am curious to ask what you've seen him in? '

Bwayfan4, I saw Kate as Olive in "Spelling Bee" and thought she was adorable then as well. Her character as a Delta Nu is kind of the dorky, more intelligent one and she stands out as being one of the more realistic sorority girls, which is impressive.

TWSFan, Serena and Margot bow with the rest of the Delta Nus. The bows are done SO WEIRDLY. They clearly have a bigger part and yet, bow with some of the ensemble girls.

HumaTune, I think that the introduction of Brooke only in the second act is necessary. It illustrates how the second and first act focus around different things. I felt that Nikki made a bigger impression with the second act than some people did with the whole show!

And yes, Orfeh bows with Richard, Kate and Nikki. Although she does bow last out of the four.

[TWSFan4Ever]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 2:15pm

They need to fix the bows!

[jimnysf]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 2:19pm

Dearie, get over it. Simple. Look at some of your posts and accept IF you are capable that it is possible not to have to rave and it is possible that people do have...now, what's it called? ah yes, a difference in opinion.

You must have missed all of my posts about "Lestat". They were anything but raves! Anyway, don't be hatin' and have a good day.

[jimnysf]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 3:08pm

http://www.richardhblake.com/


Website

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 3:17pm

What is the song "Ireland" about? Why is it called "Ireland"?

[Al Dente]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 3:23pm

SPOILER

"Ireland" is a ballad that the Orfeh character of Paulette sings to Elle. It's all about how she likes to escape from her life by listening to Celtic music in her beauty shop and dreaming of finding a Irish guy named Brendan to sweep her away. It's the first real character song in the show, not to mention beautifully sung, which is probably why people love it so much. I guess she's supposed to be from one of the very Irish neighborhoods around Boston.


MAJOR SPOILER

She finds everything she ever dreamed of in Act Two!
Updated On: 1/27/07 at 03:23 PM

[Bwayfan4]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 3:34pm

Richard Blake has "The Babysitters Club" listed in his biogrpahy! Too funny...

[little_sally]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 12:06am

Great review carymetorent2! I agree its a shame Richard is not used more (haven't seen the show yet but I live in NYC so I'm planning to once it hits Broadway) because I've seen him on stage three times already and I think he's a great singer/actor. Not to mention, he's an amazingly sweet and nice guy.

I'm also very happy Natalie Joy Johnson is getting good notices for her performance. She blew me away in bare and I'm glad she's getting another chance to shine. If it were up to me, she'd always have great roles in shows.

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 12:12am

Any word on what the curtain looks like?

Updated On: 1/28/07 at 12:12 AM

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 12:17am

I feel bad for the cast because I have a feeling it's going to be eaten alive by critics. But hey, maybe it can survive?

[blaxx]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 12:23am

The reviews are likely to be bad, the question is mostly if it will have box office appeal or not.