Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Wed 15 Aug
words: KIRSTY PEARSON
Legally Blonde started its life as a novel written by Heather Hach. It was quickly made into a movie and then watched and loved by millions. Since its movie debut, Legally Blonde: The Musical has also been entertaining audiences in The West End, Broadway and now Cardiff. The musical has won an armful of prestigious awards, including the much coveted Olivier award.
By far and away, the stars of the show had to be little Bruiser the dog and Faye Brookes, who played Elle Woods. A show-stopping performance was given in equal measure by Gareth Gates.
Pop Idol star Gareth Gates, who played Warner Huntington the third, wowed the audience with his energy and fantastic acting abilities, not to mention the voice.
The story and backdrop of the musical strongly reflects the plot that we are all familiar with. The main character Elle is dumped by her boyfriend who is bound for Harvard University. Elle is pretty in pink and has a head full of clouds. She is defiantly not Harvard material… or is she?
The show opens with the number Omigod You Guys, and the performance was vibrant, energetic and if you can excuse a few annoying Americanisms, thoroughly enjoyable! I found myself being quickly swept along with the furore. Although there is a heavy focus on Harvard University, there is nothing in this show to reflect the levels of intellect and knowledge needed to even walk past the notorious institute, let alone study there. It is a simple backdrop to the story that is veiled with singing, dancing and nauseatingly good all-round sweetness.
As with the book, the movie and now the stage show, Legally Blonde holds a deeper and more meaningful moral message based on the perils of stereotyping individuals based on appearance and social status. But if, like me, you missed that bit, it’s a well crafted, deliciously light piece of escapist entertainment for all ages to enjoy.
Legally Blonde The Musical is at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, until August 25. Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk
The first half is a little slow paced and ploddy as the story is set up. Great chemistry between Gareth Gates and Faye Brookes especially during the break up song. The second half is much punchier and faster paced. The scenes in the salon really make the show, great comedic and heart warming performances. Enjoyable show, stick with it for the first half and your patience will be rewarded in the second half!