Dick Kerekes & Leisla Sansom
A JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY LINDA BERRY STEIN COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS THEATRE DUAL CRITICS REVIEW
Jacksonville University opened Legally Blonde – The Musical at Swisher Theatre on their Arlington campus (at 2800 University Boulevard North) on March 28, 2019. Additional evening performances are scheduled during March 29 – 31 at 7:30 pm; followed by a concluding matinee on March 31 at 3:00 pm.
Legally Blonde began as a novel based on the real-life experiences of author Amanda Brown, was adapted as a film starring Reese Witherspoon in 2001 which became a blockbuster, and transformed into a musical in 2007 which also became a blockbuster. The musical remains popular, with many productions staged each year throughout the country.
The music and lyrics by Nell Benjamin and Lawrence O’Keefe (of Batboy The Musical fame), are upbeat and along with the book by Heather Hach, very humorous. Briefly the plot concerns the very blonde Elle Woods (Sara Stepp) who has led a charmed life during her college years at UCLA. Stepp, with a strong stage presence and voice, handles this demanding role well. Elle has majored in fashion merchandising, loves to dress in pink, and is beloved by her sorority members. But her life changes after being cast off by her rich boyfriend Warner (Angel Gavillan) who is on his way to Harvard Law School. She had expected they would marry, but as he dismissively explains, he needs someone serious beside him for the political career he has planned – “a Jackie, not a Marilyn.”
The spunky Elle is determined to show Warner that she is more than a blonde with a million-dollar smile and gets herself accepted to Harvard Law School. While this California girl is out to show those New England stuffed-shirt students, professors, and Warner’s new fiancée, Vivienne (Kristen Oliver) that a pampered blonde can have brains, it’s not easy when she comes to classes attired in flamboyant clothes and totally unprepared. When Elle finds a new love interest in Emmett (Axel Barry), a smart, handsome, and easy-going teaching assistant, she begins seriously applying herself to her studies and finds a bright future awaits her.
Colorful characters abound. Aaron DeCicco appears as Paulette, a very funny vivacious hair stylist, who sings the lovely song “Ireland.” Elle befriends her and advises her how to survive a dormant love life in “Bend and Snap,” a hilarious number. Paulette does find the love of her life with Kyle (Loic Adjevi) the UPS delivery man.
Professor Callahan, played by Christopher Mandel, was the picture of authority, and notably sang the provocative “Blood in the Water.” If you know any lawyer jokes, you know the unflattering lyrics are about sharks. Mandel graduates this year and is embarking on a professional singing career.
The remaining members of the cast were constantly on and off stage in various roles and costumes including appearances as Harvard students, marching band members, cheerleaders, inmates, salespersons, waiters, and guards. Elle is supported by a fantasy Greek Chorus of talented sorority sisters who act as a backup for many of the songs. The sisters included Rachel Sadowski, Taylor Covington, Maitlin Hart, Cailyn Cook, Vera Keyes, and Isabella Martinez.
Director Erik DeCicco did a terrific job bringing this romantic comedy to life. Dedication was required: the cast included sixty-plus performers. Music was provided by track accompaniment; Jay Ivey was the Musical Director.
Brandon Lettow was the technical director. The scenic design, by Ben Wilson and assistant designer Austin Kelm depicted multiple settings, including the sorority house, Elle’s bedroom, a no-nonsense Harvard classroom, and an upscale restaurant.
The many costumes ranged from colorful California wear to serious dark business suits, designed by Curtis J. Williams who was also the choreographer; he was assisted by Angelika Lorraine. Of note, the college did obtain the rights to employ the original Broadway choreography of Jerry Mitchell for the production.
And then there were the dogs. Chickie the Chihuahua, owned by Debi and Brian Mitchell, made his show business debut tucked into Elle’s purse. Leia the Jack Russell was born in Alabama, has lived in New York City, and now makes her home in the DeCicco’s backyard. Both were big hits.
The full house opening night audience loved the show. We’ve found attending performing arts productions at JU is a pleasant experience, with excellent actors and musicians, reasonable ticket prices, and free parking. See https://www.ju.edu/cfa/cfa-events.php for scheduled future events.
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