If you are overdue for a good laugh, then you can’t miss The Virden and District Chorale’s production of Legally Blonde the Musical, November 22 - 25, at the Aud Theatre in Virden. Many people may have heard of the show, but maybe don’t know the story. Here’s a bit of a rundown of what the show has to offer.
Legally Blonde is a lighthearted musical comedy balanced between silliness and charm. The songs are great, the dance numbers fast paced and energetic, and the story line nearly impossible to dislike.
Some of Westman’s most talented actors and singers have come together to once again present a top-notch production that will leave its audiences thoroughly entertained. The cast of Legally Blonde the Musical is made up of over 40 performers, including two loveable dogs, Minnie (Bruiser Woods) and Diesel (Rufus).
Virden’s own Erin Poole plays west coast sorority girl, Elle Woods. If you liked Erin as Maria in The Sound of Music, you will love her in Legally Blonde. Elle moves in a cloud of pink, dispensing advice on grooming, hair care and accessorizing; she has a perfect grade point average in her major, which is fashion.Elle is not a clueless, spoiled brat - Elle, like her hair, has a heart of gold, and it belongs to her totally cute boyfriend,wealthy Warner Huntington III.
Warner is played by Brady Chyzyk (Wed, Friday and Saturday evening) and Souris’s Grant Jackson (Thursday and Saturday matinée). Just when Elle is sure that Warner is going to pop the question, he dumps her, explaining that his future plans do not include Elle because she is “just too blonde,” “not serious enough,” and thatto reach his political ambitions, he needs to marry a Jackie, not a Marilyn”. Ever the optimist, Elle decides to follow him to Harvard Law and win him back.
Elle’s west coast university lifestyle doesn’t really fit into the Harvard “blue blazer” world of law school, but she eventually lands an internship with the famous Professor Callahan played by Virden teacher Darrell Corbel. While at Harvard she meets a host of people, including classmates Enid Hoopes, a fierce feminist played by Tawnya Tychynski, exchange student Sundeep Padamadan, portrayed by Josh Hildebrant, new high society mean girl Vivienne Kensington, played by the talented JaysaLee Davies and Callahan’s assistant Emmett Forest. Sharing the role of Emmett are Brandon’s Cam Tataryn and Colin Evans. New to the Virden stage, both Cam and Colin are talented singers and actors, and bring years of stage experience to their roles. Elle’s sorority sisters from California (Quinn McLean, Brena Abbey, Brenley Palmer, Laurel Eslinger, C.C. Rogers, Jadyn Burr, Alana Moorehead, Shelby Cranston and Christine Reyes), are her biggest fans and pop up often to lend advice and cheer Elle on as she navigates her new life as a “serious” law student.
During a trip to the local hair dressing shop, “The Hair Affair”, Elle meets and befriends owner Paulette Buonofonte, played by veteran actress Enya-Rae Wilson. Their friendship produces some of the funniest scenes in the play, as Paulette helps Elle find her confidence, and Elle helps Paulette with her problematic boyfriend Dewey, played by Todd Beltz. Audiences will remember Todd from his comedic role as the bartender in last year’s Crazy for You.
Elle proves that she is not a “dumb blonde” and is placed on the defense team in the sensational murder trialof fitness guru Brooke Windham, played by the beautiful Brittany MacDonald. Accused of murdering her much older husband, Brooke puts her trust in a fellow Delta Nu Sorority sister, and hires Elle to defend her in the ultimate exhibition of girl power. With clever, light-hearted digs at blondes and brunettes, men and women, and the silliness of labels of any sort, Elle overcomes the “dumb blonde” stereotype to ultimately proudly declare herself “Legally Blonde.”
Scenes from the murder trial lead to some of the biggest laughs. Strong performances from Josh Hildebrandt, Michael Wenham and Susan Martens will keep you laughing all the way home.
Other Westman performers in this production include Todd Plaisier, Wendy Bancescu, George Baker, Gary Goodridge, Daniel Brick, Dane Leslie, Lisa Pearn, Laura Wright, Jean-Anne Overand, Janelle Wood O’Grady, James Sorza, John Sorza, Jennifer Glendenning, Emily Cochrane, Shalen Plaisier and McKenna Charles. Once again this production will feature a live orchestra directed by Brandon’s Brent Campbell.
So, if you want an evening of singing, dancing and laughs, then Legally Blonde the Musical is just what you’re looking for.
Tickets are still available for this production, and can be purchased at Flower Attic & Gifts in Virden, or online at www.legallyblondethemusicial.eventbrite.ca.
