REVIEW: Theatre Ancaster's Legally Blonde: The Musical is a Delightful Frenzy of Pink, Polish and Purpose
Entering an auditorium bathed in pink, Theatre Ancaster kicks off its 2023-24 season with the highly energetic Legally Blonde: The Musical. Like its cinematic source material, the musical focuses on Malibu Sorority girl, Elle Woods who goes through a breakup with her boyfriend, Warner. To win him back, Elle gains admission to Harvard Law (what, like it's hard?), challenging the 'dumb blonde' stereotype and sending an empowering message of perseverance and reaching one's full potential.
Image 1: Elle Woods, played by Jennifer Budd, and her best friend Bruiser. Photo by Ana Rancourt.
Flooded in a warm wash of pinks and projected glitter, the show opens with eagerness and girly enthusiasm as we are introduced to the Delta Nu Sisterhood featuring the always impressive talents of Ellie Miller (Serena), Michelle Wagman (Margot) and Alanna Ferguson (Pilar). This trio is highlighted throughout, especially in numbers Positive and Bend and Snap and their chemistry and comedic chops are delightful to watch.
In a surprisingly quiet intro, Jennifer Budd takes the stage as Elle Woods. Budd's voice is sweet, warm and sassy. Her early characterizations don't always match her vocal prowess but we easily fall for and root for her. Budd's performance only grows in confidence and strength and, like Elle, she transforms into a force to be reckoned with especially in numbers So Much Better (that showstopping BELT!) and Legally Blonde and its reprise.
As the show progresses, we meet Warner (a deliciously snobby and amusing performance from Riley Macnab who impresses with his strong tenor and smooth harmonizing with Budd), Vivian (played by Emily Daquano who channels frigid cruelty beautifully and surprises us later on with her change of heart and belting encouragement to Elle) and the smarmy, egotistical lawyer and professor Callahan (played expertly by Jim Broadley). To say there is an enormous cast is an understatement but know that like with most musicals, the ensemble is the heart and soul of the production and this is no exception. Some standouts include Abi Veenstra as Enid whose characterizations are hilarious, Gareth Finnegan playing multiple ensemble roles but blows us away in There, Right There!, Stacey Bishop wows us with her spunky would-be murderess Brooke in the act two opener Whipped into Shape and, in a perfect cameo, Colin Lapsley has the audience cheering and hooting for his charming dreamboat Kyle, the UPS delivery person.
Of course, in this plethora of talent, I must mention the incredible performances by Elle's unexpected love interest and salon powerhouse best friend. Zain Lapsley is a young but believable Emmett who has such a wonderfully trained voice and kindness embodied in his character that any person would be a fool not to fall for them and their adorkable charm. Kate Rodgers is Paulette, a slightly deranged but relatable dreamer. Her performances are hilarious and full of enthusiasm. Her solo Ireland is ridiculously wistful and her confidence soars in Bend and Snap. Together, these two are Elle's biggest cheerleaders (that aren't in her imagination) and there has been notable effort put into building their characters. Bravo!
Image 2: Elle Woods and Emmett Forreset, played by Jennifer Budd and Zain Lapsley. Photo by Gareth Skipp. Image 3: Paulette and Kyle, played by Kate Rodgers and Colin Lapsley. Photo by Gareth Skipp.
As per usual with Theatre Ancaster, the set design and lighting design are top notch. Since Legally Blonde is very focused on large, flashy choreographed numbers, there isn't as much set utilization as in past productions but this keeps scenes moving smoothly. The choreography is consistently impressive and deserved every moment of applause. There are some opening night glitches and the pre-recorded soundtrack leaves next to no margin for error which means this cast needs to work very hard to ensure they keep time with the tracks. This is a cast of real professionals who keep going and appear unfettered by any minor mishaps in choreography, dialogue or lighting cues.
The production team noted as well that Legally Blonde is a product of the early 2000's where usage of outdated slang, sexist language, diet culture (fatphobia in particular) and staged depictions of non-consensual sexual advances occur throughout. There are some lyric changes to smooth out some of these problematic issues, but where it was impossible to change, the audience is given warning which may sound like overkill for some, but many audience members will appreciate this acknowledgement.
The lasting impact of Legally Blonde: The Musical is very much like its leading lady. It appears fun and frivolous and it is, in the best way possible. However, the vulnerable moments throughout and the growth of the characters show that Legally Blonde is truly more than its surface level pink, glittery spectacle. Its message of persevering over stereotypes speaks as loudly as it did when the film and original Broadway production were first released. This message and its impact proves that finding one's purpose, even when the odds are stacked against you, never goes out of style.
Grab your favourite stuffed animal (extra snaps for stuffed puppies), wear pink, practice your bend and snap and get yourself to Theatre Ancaster. You will not be disappointed.
Image 4: Legally Blonde: The Musical's Delta Nu Ensemble. Photo by Gareth Skipp.
