Rhiannon Hansen's First Performance as Elle

[broadwaymedley]

Posted: 10/9/09 at 12:37am

I attended the matinee performance of Legally Blonde in Sacramento at the California Musical Theater. I went in expecting Becky, but the call board let us know Rhiannon would be on. The only other "understudies" were Cortney Wolfson as Brooke and Sara Andreas as Margot.

Before curtain, I was sorta doubtful in Rhiannon's performance. This was based on what I saw on the reality show of her performance as Elle. On the show, she came off as a ditzy, clumsy Elle. I was hoping she improved a lot over the past year. Overall, I think she did a great job for having performed with EVERYTHING for the first time. Of course, she's not the strongest singer. But maybe, just maybe, she'll improve a lot understudying Elle from now on.

From the start of "Omigod You Guys", I don't know if it was just me, or the mics were turned way down. It was hard to hear anything. It bugged me. And another thing that bugged me were the constant ripples in the "cyc". There were several in each scene. I thought you WEREN'T supposed to walk behind it?

Anyway, back to Rhiannon. There were a couple of lines that usually get laughs, but the way she delivered them were in an odd fashion. I don't know if that's because "her" Elle is a little bit more serious and not so animated, or the house was just lame. I thought she played a "cute" Elle. She riffed up "So Much Better", even though they were all the same riffs, I give her credit. She shocked me in SOME songs with her vocal skills.

With her performance, I was pleased. We got a Q&A afterwards with her and Natalie Joy Johnson, and Rhiannon was glowing and smiling for days. She was proud of herself and Natalie gave her props for pulling it off.

Cortney did an amazing job as Brooke. Barely even winded after "Whipped". I loved her acting choices.

Sara disappointed as Margot. Didn't make us laugh at all. I guess she didn't wanna copy Rhiannon...

After the show, someone asked a question about any mishaps that have happened on stage and Natalie explained the one that happened during THAT performance. During the "Bend and Snap", she usually chews a piece of gum on stage to keep her mouth "moist", and while she was dancing it got caught in her wig. And she was trying to stand in the corner and pick it out while "acting cool". After attempting to get it out, it flies out and lands on the stage somewhere. She wanted to pick it up so nobody would step on it, so each time she 'bended', she would glance around. She did a great job covering this up, because I don't think anybody noticed. I just thought I would share that with you.

This performance was great with only a couple of flaws. I give props to Rhiannon and can't wait to hear how she improves.




Updated On: 10/9/09 at 12:37 AM

[gustof777]

Posted: 10/9/09 at 12:48am

oh Lord! I had to double take when I thought i saw "Rhianna's First Performance as Elle"

please tell me I wasn't the only one.

[ElphieDefiesGravity]

Posted: 10/9/09 at 12:58am

^^ You were not. I had that exact same reaction.

[Craww]

Posted: 10/9/09 at 1:23am

I always wished she were a better singer, because (on the show) she was my favorite in terms of looks and personality.

[broadwaymedley]

Posted: 10/9/09 at 1:38am

I agree with you. She seemed really down to earth and didn't care that she was wasting her dinner break before the second show to answer questions. Her and Natalie both. But I also think that the role of Margot is perfect for her.

[ljay889]

Posted: 10/9/09 at 1:41am

. Updated On: 10/9/09 at 01:41 AM

[beingalive123]

Posted: 10/9/09 at 2:45am

i was at the performance as well, and she seemed extremmelly nervous. granted she did very well for her first time though, but i do agree i wish her singing was stronger. and she really seemed super excited at the q&a, so im proud of her.

and broadwaymedley, what school do you go to? because i was there as well and im just curious

[broadwaymedley]

Posted: 10/9/09 at 3:00am

I was with YES Company. The lady shouted it out.

[Anakela]

Posted: 10/9/09 at 3:07am

...Cortney Wolfson as Brooke...

How long has Cortney Wolfson been a Brooke u/s? This sounds perfect- her Serena was one of my favorite parts when I saw the tour last year, I can totally picture her as Brooke.

[angelxschunard]

Posted: 10/9/09 at 3:10am

Cortney's first ever performance for Brooke was on October 4th at the matinee. She said it was her first time and she only found out she'd be doing the role three days prior. I attended the show and she was f#@cking amazing.

[broadwayrob]

Posted: 10/9/09 at 5:29am

because cortney is amazing.. this is why.

[ILuv2shop531]

Posted: 10/9/09 at 9:31am

I thought Cortney was done with Blonde?

[broadwaymedley]

Posted: 10/9/09 at 1:30pm

I think she returned only for the Sacramento run to cover Brooke while Coleen may be on vacation. I don't know for sure.

[angelxschunard]

Posted: 10/9/09 at 2:28pm

Both she and Lauren flew in to cover the Brooke and Elle tracks respectively for the Sacramento stint.

Updated On: 10/11/09 at 02:28 PM

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 10/9/09 at 2:43pm

Yeah, had Rhiannon's singing been better she probably would have been my favorite choice for Elle.

[andrewcomp]

Posted: 10/9/09 at 5:34pm

How would you rate her versus Lauren and Becky?

[Parks]

Posted: 10/9/09 at 5:43pm

Wow, it took Rihannon this long to get a chance to go on? I thought she would have gone on before now for sure... crazy! I loved her as Margot! Glad she got to go on finally!

Posted: 10/9/09 at 5:44pm

When does Becky leave the tour?