REVIEW: Legally Blonde
by Rabbi Stan Miles
Once again John Leffert begins the Centerstage season with a perfect summer musical. For 2013-2014 the offering is Legally Blonde: The Musical, based on the hit movie.
The main color scheme is pink, shocking pink, you know the color of cotton candy. The talented CenterStage cast, musicians and crew whipped up a theatrical confection just like cotton candy.
The orchestra for Legally Blonde The Musical seemed larger than other groups in the past. When the overture began it was an electric moment. For the duration of the play the energy level never abated.
All the performer were strong and likable. Special kudos go to Kate E. Reedy who played Elle Woods, the female lead; Mitch Donahue, the likable male lead Emmett Forrest; Lauren LeBlanc (Paulette) and Laure McCombs (Brooke Wyndham).
Ms. McComb led the company in “Whipped Into Shape”, an incredibly spirited dance number. Choreography on the tiny JCC stage is always a challenge. Frank Goodloe III truly used his talented cast and that confining space well.
Sadly, when you read this review, Legally Blonde The Musical will have ended its run at CenterStage. The crowd at the performance I attended was SRO(standing room only), a well deserved SRO. In fact, folks were turned away; too many people, not enough seats.
As we left the performance members of the cast greeted us in the lobby, thanking us for attending. I, in turn, thanked them for sharing their wonderful talent with a magical evening of theater.
Six plays remain in the 2013-2014 CenterStage season. If you enjoy theater, I urge you to purchase season tickets for the rest of the season. Download a season brochure at www.CenterStageJCC.org or call 238-2763.
Next up is A New Brain, which opens August 15. Based on the real life struggle of the author, this show is about making the most out of life in the face of tragedy. When a neurotic, frustrated composer is confronted with a terminal illness, he finds salvation in the healing power of art.
Purchase your individual show tickets online at www.CenterStageJCC.org, at the front desk at the JCC or by calling 459-0660.