THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024
Legally Blonde: The Musical
Elle Woods (Karen Hawthorne) and Emmett Forrest (Sean Harkin)
Photo: Melissa Gordon
Escalation of spark and elevation of spirit are key to the Ulster Operatic Company's take on Legally Blonde: The Musical, an energising adaptation of an adaptation which bends and snaps a deceptively slim but significantly rich narrative arc into a consistently watchable musical spectacle. There are genuine audible and visual joys to be found in the open minds, open arms and open hearts on not merely the stage itself but also in the increasingly receptive audience at Belfast's Grand Opera House.
In Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith's frankly terrific big screen adaptation of Amanda Brown's novel Legally Blonde, there remains a life-affirming and breezy tale of passion and the courage of one's conviction tied into a foundation of logic and reason from several perspectives. I'm pleased to say that this invaluable strength remains intact in both Heather Hach's book and Laurence O'Keefe & Nell Benjamin's show tunes, which are given unique thrust by Tony Finnegan's sturdy direction and his game cast and crew. It's a musical that does appear to fully play on the potential in the larger-than-life archetypal characterisations in the material, skilfully broadening them for the sake and necessity of a fantastical and intimate stage experience while tailoring, rather than diluting, the filmic nuance for a theatre audience.
Elle Woods, portrayed consummately by Karen Hawthorne, is an endearing and endearingly flawed heroine taking a step out of her comfort zone into a world where she seems to be taken for granted, ignored or mocked. A shocking parting of the ways with her significant other, played out here in a compelling duet, sparks her into a new life, and from there on in it is we the audience who take metaphorical steps into a theatrical world where the reassuringly light meets the strikingly grim and brings laughs, drama, song and dance.
At centre: Callaghan (James McGinn) and Elle Woods (Karen Hawthorne)
Photo: Melissa Gordon
It's all very active, this Legally Blonde, but never too chaotic, and credit both Finnegan and choreographer Matthew Watson for ensuring that the tonal balance is accordingly struck, with further stand out performances, notably from Sean Harkin's Emmett, James McGinn's Callaghan, Caitlin Johnston's Vivian and Jordan Arnold's Paulette, all emerging. Each role fits the bill as part of a kaleidoscopic, relentlessly fascinating collection of personalities and tunes which we circumnavigate and enjoy, respectively, with Elle as the dependable and distinctive centre of affairs.
While I'm not going to dwell on or even mention the many surprising moments and set-pieces within the show – they really are best left as surprises – I will say that the substance comes through just as boldly as the style. One of the many things we take from Elle's adventure, and with us, is how the impact of social class can take precedence over everything else – a lesson worthy of the great John Hughes – along with the challenge of adaptation and open-minded thinking in various situations. Yes, there may well be sharply satirical aspects to this tale as well as dreamy ones, but rest assured that the cynicism is sufficiently doused and that the realism is tied into a broadly sunny optimism which feels entirely appropriate and entirely right. This musical Legally Blonde is, without question, a journey worth taking - a production just as refreshing, and just as vibrant, as its inspirations.
Simon Fallaha
The Ulster Operatic Company's production of Legally Blonde: The Musical runs at Belfast's Grand Opera House until Saturday October 12. For more information, and tickets, click here.