Omigod, It’s on Stage Now
This article originally appeared on Aug. 2, 2012, in Compass, published by The Lakeville Journal Co.
Theater: ‘Legally Blonde’
By Darryl Gangloff
If you saw the 2001 movie starring Reese Witherspoon, then you already know the plot of this song-and-dance-filled show by Up In One Productions, at Rhinebeck’s Center for Performing Arts. Sorority girl Elle Woods (played perfectly by Victoria McCarthy) longs for a proposal from her boyfriend Warner (Ryan Waterman), but he breaks up with her because she’s not serious enough for his political aspirations. She follows him to Harvard Law School in an attempt to win him back. Comedy, life lessons and musical numbers ensue.
The opening “Omigod You Guys” quickly sets the mood, making it apparent that Elle’s “Greek chorus” of Delta Nu sorority sisters is a highlight of the show. Whenever it appears on stage, the actresses work to bring a smile to the face of everyone in the audience. Also, it’s a safe bet you’ll be humming the tune of “omigod, omigod you guys” as you leave the theater and head home.
As I mentioned, McCarthy perfectly fills the stylish shoes of the lead character. Her upbeat perkiness is infectious, and she effortlessly switches to a more serious tone for some of the introspective moments of the show.
“Legally Blonde” hinges on the audience rooting for Elle, and I certainly was, thanks to McCarthy.
Another major standout of the show was Emily Woolever’s scene-stealing performance as Paulette, Elle’s manicurist friend. Woolever’s powerhouse voice is impressive, and her comedic timing as she attempts to “bend and snap” her way into the heart of a delivery man is excellent.
Each member of the large ensemble cast is necessary to the production. While Warner is technically a villain, Waterman’s charisma makes him difficult to hate.
Jonah Acosta makes his debut as Emmett, Elle’s shoulder to lean on at Harvard, and he has good chemistry with McCarthy.
David Foster aptly captures the “blood in the water” mentality of Professor Callahan.
Morgan Dean is able to cover both the mean spirit and softer side of Vivienne Kensington, Warner’s new love interest.
And then there are all the performers who should be applauded for taking on multiple roles without missing a beat.
There are too many to list here, but one name to keep in mind is Corey Crysler, who brings a wonderful sense of comedy to every one of his numerous characters. Keep an eye out for his performance as Carlos during the song “Gay or European?” and his various scenes in the salon with Paulette.
Also, I’m pretty sure I saw the two dog stars, Empress and Ludo (who play Elle’s Bruiser and Paulette’s Rufus, respectively) signing autographs outside the center. Don’t ask me how.
Director and choreographer Kevin Archambault led his troupe through some impressive dance routines, including one involving a lot of fast-moving jump ropes. Also, the minimal set designs gave the cast room to shine.
If you’re a fan of the movie or just like to laugh, “Legally Blonde” is well worth the price of admission. Omigod!
“Legally Blonde” runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. through Aug. 19 at Rhinebeck’s Center for Performing Arts. For tickets and information, call the box office at 845-876-3080 or go to www.centerforperformingarts.org.
Theater: ‘Legally Blonde’
By Darryl Gangloff
If you saw the 2001 movie starring Reese Witherspoon, then you already know the plot of this song-and-dance-filled show by Up In One Productions, at Rhinebeck’s Center for Performing Arts. Sorority girl Elle Woods (played perfectly by Victoria McCarthy) longs for a proposal from her boyfriend Warner (Ryan Waterman), but he breaks up with her because she’s not serious enough for his political aspirations. She follows him to Harvard Law School in an attempt to win him back. Comedy, life lessons and musical numbers ensue.
The opening “Omigod You Guys” quickly sets the mood, making it apparent that Elle’s “Greek chorus” of Delta Nu sorority sisters is a highlight of the show. Whenever it appears on stage, the actresses work to bring a smile to the face of everyone in the audience. Also, it’s a safe bet you’ll be humming the tune of “omigod, omigod you guys” as you leave the theater and head home.
As I mentioned, McCarthy perfectly fills the stylish shoes of the lead character. Her upbeat perkiness is infectious, and she effortlessly switches to a more serious tone for some of the introspective moments of the show.
“Legally Blonde” hinges on the audience rooting for Elle, and I certainly was, thanks to McCarthy.
Another major standout of the show was Emily Woolever’s scene-stealing performance as Paulette, Elle’s manicurist friend. Woolever’s powerhouse voice is impressive, and her comedic timing as she attempts to “bend and snap” her way into the heart of a delivery man is excellent.
Each member of the large ensemble cast is necessary to the production. While Warner is technically a villain, Waterman’s charisma makes him difficult to hate.
Jonah Acosta makes his debut as Emmett, Elle’s shoulder to lean on at Harvard, and he has good chemistry with McCarthy.
David Foster aptly captures the “blood in the water” mentality of Professor Callahan.
Morgan Dean is able to cover both the mean spirit and softer side of Vivienne Kensington, Warner’s new love interest.
And then there are all the performers who should be applauded for taking on multiple roles without missing a beat.
There are too many to list here, but one name to keep in mind is Corey Crysler, who brings a wonderful sense of comedy to every one of his numerous characters. Keep an eye out for his performance as Carlos during the song “Gay or European?” and his various scenes in the salon with Paulette.
Also, I’m pretty sure I saw the two dog stars, Empress and Ludo (who play Elle’s Bruiser and Paulette’s Rufus, respectively) signing autographs outside the center. Don’t ask me how.
Director and choreographer Kevin Archambault led his troupe through some impressive dance routines, including one involving a lot of fast-moving jump ropes. Also, the minimal set designs gave the cast room to shine.
If you’re a fan of the movie or just like to laugh, “Legally Blonde” is well worth the price of admission. Omigod!
“Legally Blonde” runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. through Aug. 19 at Rhinebeck’s Center for Performing Arts. For tickets and information, call the box office at 845-876-3080 or go to www.centerforperformingarts.org.