Legally Blonde - review

[Jane Zussman]

Omigod, you guys — what a fun show! Legally Blonde manages to be totally entertaining while supporting some of those serious “Barbie-Movie” principals of feminism, self discovery and empowerment. This is a standing-ovation, nearly-sold-out-on-opening-night show; get your tickets SOON, or you may have to take the slightly-obscured-view upstage side seats.

Director/choreographer Brian Farnham has made the most of a versatile cast that includes many new faces as well as a few of the faves. Kudos to the costume team led by Colorogio Romero, (and the dressers!) for making 22 cast members seem like a hundred. Andrew Wittbrodt’s set design of  ivy covered walls was beautifully “scenographied" by Elisha Smith. The floor is a masterpiece. Music Director Angie Schwab leads a nine-piece live orchestra.

As the iconic Elle Woods, Tess Klygis makes her Riverwalk debut with a bang, beautifully embodying the evolving values of this “dumb blonde” with the untapped potential to conquer Harvard Law School. Another newcomer, Nick Kreider, is sufficiently dreamy to start as Elle’s husband-goal in life . Then he dumps her for a “serious” girl — the also evolving Vivienne well played by Beck Murphy. Spencer Sullivan is another very talented and charming newcomer to Riverwalk who helps unlock Elle’s potential. 

Kameron Going brings his trademark gravitas to the Shark/Lawyer/Scumbag Professor Callahan. Ron Meyer was charmingly hunky as Delivery Guy and I was lucky enough to get one of his “gift packages” (lLet it be a surprise!) A highlight was the adorable hairdresser Paulette, played with compassion and flair by Lindsay Parr Fleming, who still feels like a “fresh new face” with only one previous Riverwalk role. Ireland was a show-stopper.

It was fun to see Matt Ottinger as Elle’s Dad and multiple small roles in the ensemble, departing from his beloved emcee persona. But I was most impressed with how he carried off a small table set with filled champagne flutes during a scene change without spilling!

Note that bios have been removed to slim down the beautiful Riverwalk Programs but the color head shots remain - yay! (Gruner Graphics and Jackson Printing) You can use the QR code or go to https://www.riverwalktheatre.com/cast-and-crew-bios.html  to read bios.

Also don’t forget to check out Claudia Ottinger’s fun art in the lobby. Her Lansing landmarks, classic cars, cats and more have unique charm. Her work can be found at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClaudiaOttingerART. Claudia also has art and jewelry at The Little Red Schoolhouse.

Legally Blonde continues at Riverwalk through September 21 — and sellouts are more than likely. Get your tickets a thttp://riverwalktheatre.com $25 Adult; $20 Senior/Student/Military; $15 Child (under 12yrs) $2 off the slightly obscured view seats in orange on the seating chart.

Jane Zussman

G.L.U.T. List

(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)

cell 517-930-0932

JSZu...@gmail.com

http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net 

To review past emails as they were sent, click “About the G.L.U.T.” and choose “email list” from the drop-down menu — also check out the all-theatres calendar.

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