(Kayla
Liebenberg)
Energetic, funny and youthful presentation from Northcliff High. (Review
by Janet Whelan)
In the words of director and producer, Nick Jordan: “Northcliff High has
been touring its annual musical production to the Playhouse since 1999 when the
musical Chicago was presented by the
school and a tradition has been established with the return each year for the
last 16 years, of what has now become an eagerly awaited theatrical event on
the Durban social calendar.
This year it is the energetic, funny and youthful Legally Blonde - The Musical with a cast of 28, a crew of 14, a
band of 12 musicians and the various members of staff that make up this happy
touring group. The show is based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the MGM movie
starring Reese Witherspoon and involves a young blonde lady who is jilted by
her boyfriend as she is too much of a Marilyn (Monroe) and not enough of a
Jackie (Kennedy) and he has high aspirations of studying law and going into
politics. She follows him to law school, in true stalker fashion but, once
there, proves herself to be a better lawyer and also finds true love in
another.”
Outstanding scenes in Act I were played to the songs Blood in the Water, sung by Connor Foley
as Prof. Callahan and students, Ireland
beautifully rendered by Erin Fynes-Clinton (Paulette) and Chip on my Shoulder sung by John Anderson (Emmett Forrest) and
Kayla Liebenberg who is only in Grade 9 (Elle). Gay or European in Act II was performed by the Company and garnered
much applause.
Other scenes deserving of mention were the prison routine with Whipped into Shape and the Irish dance
scene; while lesser roles of individual performers that stood out were by given
by Andrea Padayachee (Enid Hoopes, the Lesbian student), Luca Monzeglio (Kyle,
the messenger) and Jenna Steed (Vivienne Kensington, the new girlfriend).
Some of the voices were a little too soft, while others tended to become
shrill with the high notes and the cast generally seemed to find it difficult
to maintain the American accent. Having said that, this was a school production
and, considering that the learners had to attend rehearsals and will be away
from home for the duration of the run while at the same time keeping up with
their studies (in some cases with Matric looming), they deserve to be
congratulated.
Legally Blonde - The Musical runs from July 1 to 5 at 19h30 in the Playhouse Drama. Booking is at
Computicket and ticket sales are already brisk and gaining momentum. Last
year’s production of Grease was a
complete sell-out so early booking is advisable – Janet Whelan
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