Legally Blonde Readings Update...- Page 3

[.LittleWing. 0224]

Posted: 12/13/05 at 9:16pm

what is the process after a reading, casting wise in deciding who stays from the reading cast and who they replace? I've always wondered if it was the producer's call or if it was based off audience reaction to certain characters in the reading?

[JumpJumpJumpSoHigh]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 1:08am

So, I got really lucky today and got to see the reading of LB!

Guys, this is a fabulous show. I know I'm just about as biased as I can possibly be, but seriously... I can't wait till more people can get the chance to see this. The audience was full of Important People, and I kind of got a "Hey, go on and impress me. I dare you." type of vibe -- but it wasn't five minutes into the opening number before everyone was cracking up. It's hilarious, it's poignant when it needs to be, and it's just... just very well put together.

To everyone who thinks Cheno would be the perfect Elle: OHHHH no. I'd seen Kerry Butler perform some of the songs from the show (back in April), and I didn't really know what to expect from Laura Bell Bundy -- but she turned out to be perfectly cast. She has a similar quality to Kerry at times, a ditzy-yet-serious thing that completely works for this character. Even in the bare setting of the reading, I was impressed with her acting abilities.

I loved Christian Borle as Emmett -- they took some liberties with the character, so he doesn't start off quite as suave as he does in the film. There's a big element of Geek in his character now, and that considered, CB was a great choice.

Rachel Dratch was Paulette, and as can be expected, was hilarious. Sadly, she doesn't have a very strong singing voice -- and as much as I think she'd be a big draw if they cast her in the real thing, I don't think her voice is powerful enough in comparison to the other leads.

Scott Bakula? Awesome. Suave and skeevy at the same time. Perfect.

And although Kate Shindle (as Vivienne) didn't have a LOT to do, the bits she did have were just great.

Let's see... other standouts were the Delta-Nu "Greek chorus," let by Farah Alvin and Leslie Kritzer... Andy Karl as Kyle (the UPS guy), just because he's fun to look at... and Nikki Snelson, who was wonderful as Brooke (the client that Elle and compant need to defend).

Someone asked who the musical director was -- it's Alex Lacamoire, who also did Bat Boy off-Broadway. :)

~Lins

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 1:50am

How was the music?

I think this show has the same draw as Wicked, but I'm wondering if it has all the big show stopping type numbers that Wicked has. Just a comparsion, which I'm sure will happen.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 1:52am

Richard Blake @ Warner...hmmm...he kinda has the look! I think he'll do great I loved hearing him as Link...

[DirtyRottenGirl]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 2:06am

I know some people think Cheno would be a bad choice but I think it would be awesome. As for her being to old correct me if i'm wrong but doesn't this story take place in college. Well what is dear old shiz.

[HBG]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 2:07am

I have to say, I don't like the casting of Richard Blake as Warner...I personally don't think Richard is very attractive. He definitely has the voice, but his look is all wrong I feel.

Does anyone else think that Megan Hilty would be a perfect Elle?

[JumpJumpJumpSoHigh]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 2:31am

RentBoy86 -- Please take into account that I am very very biased where the music is concerned. There isn't a single thing that Larry + Nell have done that I don't like, so I basically went into the show expecting to love it.

But as for showstopping numbers... yes. Oh, yes. My favourites include a duet between Paulette and Elle, about how men behave like dogs and therefore should be treated as such... the opening number ("Omigod You Guys!") that takes place at Elle's sorority, leading up to the fatal date with Warner... the title song (a sad, sad ballad near the end of the show) and its reprise, which can almost be called a remix (which, I swear, will be stuck in my head till the end of time)... and most of all, a song that, for those who know the movie, happens right after Elle discovers that Brooke's poolboy is gay (and therefore couldn't be having an affair with her), and they're trying to decide whether they have enough evidence to prove it in court. The song turns into a hilarious debate. I can't even describe it. It's Larry and Nell at their best.

So, while I don't necessarily agree with the comparison to Wicked, I understand what you mean about the songs that hook you in, and yeah, LB definitely has those.

~Lins

Updated On: 12/15/05 at 02:31 AM

[Link Larkin Wanabe]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 3:08am

Does Emmett get a good ballad? or a great duet with Elle at least?

Akiva

[JumpJumpJumpSoHigh]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 3:12am

Emmett gets his own song -- well, mostly his. It's kind of a montage of him working with Elle on her law school stuff. Not a ballad though; quite upbeat. But the title song, which Elle sings toward the end of the show, is most definitely a ballad, and it turns into a duet with Emmett in the second half of the song.

Updated On: 12/15/05 at 03:12 AM

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 3:22am

Can you elaborate on Laura Bell Bundy's performance? I was hoping Kate Reinders would get the chance to play this role because honestly I'm not a big Bell Bundy fan. I believe Kristin Chenoweth would be great as Elle but like someone else said, we all know she'd be great, big deal, let someone else prove herself.

[popular_elphie]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 10:48am

HBG, that's a good point. I think Megan would be a great Elle.

[.LittleWing. 0224]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 12:00pm

the opening song was called "Omigod You Guys!"... thats hilarious!

[YankeeGal#24]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 7:31pm

EXCITING!! And to whomever posted about Leslie Kritzer before--yes! Not only can she pull off a comedic role, she has an incredible voice!!