Legally Blonde Musical, first preview reactions — Page 7

I am rather surprised the "bend and snap" number isn't getting more positive responses. That is one scene in the film that is practically a musical number already, so adapting it should have been a...well...snap.

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"Bend and Snap" is fun but like I said it is just a little all over the place right now, it will get tigher and be better.

Have a good time carymetorent2, can't wait to hear what you thought.

legallyblondemusical, do you have a picture of the cover of the Playbill?

Can someone explain why Jerry Mitchell was walking around my neighborhood this week? Shouldn't he be in SF?

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Updated On: 1/26/07 at 12:48 PM

Playbill scans, including cover are on page 3 of this thread.

In the quick clips from the show on CBS you can see her for like .5 seconds she looks great.

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Sorry to burst the Orfeh bubble but her comic timing with Paulette is seriously lacking, there were far more awkward silences and polite titters to the majority of her "comic" moments. I know I'll be be crucified for saying it but I feel she was miscast.

I took my two daughters (12 & 10) to the 3rd preview, and my overall reaction is that this will be a huge hit among the female ‘tween crowd, and a very good time for others. Our house has been overwhelmed with “Wicked” and “Rent” music for the last several years, so it will be nice to get a change! There were many young girls at the show, and all seemed to be thrilled with it. We overheard 3 separate girls talking on their cell phones after the show, giving it glowing reviews, and good-sized lines at the merchandise booth. My 12 year old was literally squealing with delight after the show, and came bouncing down to breakfast this morning wearing all pink…after a 2 year run of nothing but black and green (thank you Elphaba…). Both girls can’t wait to get a hold of the cast recording, which we were told would be out by May. Whether or not this is a success on Broadway, it will make a nice sum in future years selling rights to every high school in America – this is the perfect show for a high school with lots more women than men parts.

My personal view is that this is a fun, high-energy, very well choreographed show, with songs that are well sung and varied. The cast seemed to really be enjoying their performances, and it showed. Some specific thoughts (with spoilers) are below:

SETS – Nice, but a bit minimal. I thought the exterior Harvard scenery should have been a bit grander, but it got the point across. The opening scene with different sorority girls popping out of the Delta Nu house windows was an eye-catching way to start the show (but due either to lack of diction or the sound system, I couldn’t hear the lyrics here). They do use the under-stage lift extensively for both the scenery and actors.

MUSIC/DANCING – I loved the overture. It’s not too long (just long enough for people to settle down and stop talking), and really does set a mood for the show. There is another musical introduction that opens the second act. The opening number is effective is conveying the character of Elle, and catching us up on the background of the story, all with a very catchy song. I agree that the “Blood in the Water” doesn’t work musically, but it does do the job of conveying the ‘dog eat dog’ atmosphere of law school. Personally, I felt that the lyrics were just too accurate – I think some attorneys actually do feel that you have to play dirty to win, but the song brought the show from a light, optimistic tone down to a cynical dose of reality. So, more accurately than saying it was a bad song, I think there might need to be a more gentle way of conveying this information without killing the mood of the show. I loved the opening number of the second act, where Nikki Snelson sings while jumping rope. It is really phenomenal how the cast is able to carry such tricky choreography with such synchronization and accuracy. Overall, the dancing is very impressive. It is really is a highlight of the show. There was some talk on this thread about the “Riverdance” number. It actually does fit into the show in that it was prefaced beforehand, and I think it works well. (Based on audience response, it seemed to be one of the most well-received moments.)

CAST – Laura Bell Bundy was great. All around a very strong performance, and is very believable walking the fine line between self-absorbed sorority girl and determined law student. Christian Borle was also outstanding, and the chemistry between him and Ms. Bundy read very well. Orfeh had the audience with her from the first time we see her. I’ve heard her sing before, and was amazed by her talent, but had no idea what a great actress she was. Her comic timing was spot on. I just wish that her first song “Ireland” could have ended with a big vocal finish, and instead it ended with a spoken joke. Hearing her powerful voice throughout the song, you really want the satisfaction of an equally strong conclusion. I also enjoyed the performance of Natalie Joy Johnson.

Lastly, the show seemed to be quite well received, by the prolonged standing ovation during curtain call, as well as the “buzz” afterwards. As a mom, there is nothing offensive that I can recall, and would be perfectly suitable for kids from 6 up (as long as they can sit quietly during a very lively show!). There are a few references to gays and lesbians, but if anyone is still trying to shield their kids from this, they should probably move to another planet (or at least not go to the theatre).

From what I've seen on the 7 pages (so far) of this thread, it doesn't take someone with an Orfeh avatar to like her performance! Theatermom just chimed it with pretty much the same opinion we've seen over and over here.

Friedrich, I don't remember reading your review of the show. Are you sure you've even seen it?

Didn't want to post a review out of respect for the show, huh? How noble of you. I think your agenda is painfully obvious.

Updated On: 1/26/07 at 06:00 PM

everyone else was giving a STANDING OVATION at the end of the performance.

That means nothing these days.

I thought the highlight of the show was the Riverdance number. It was hilarious. Orfeh is perfect for the role (at least it sure seems like it).
And "Gay or European" was hilarious as well.

I talked with some of the cast afterwards, some were really friendly, but a lot of them weren't. I can understand completely since the show is so physical, they must have been exhausted, but it was still kind of disappointing.

I'm curious to see what Pat Craig thinks of it. Although I definitely won't be surprised if he bashes it.

I'm curious to see what Pat Craig thinks of it. Although I definitely won't be surprised if he bashes it.

Pat Craig either gushes or is really cranky and unreasonable. Somehow I think it'll be the latter.

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