VALDOSTA —
A strong case can be made for seeing Peach State Summer Theatre’s “Legally Blonde: The Musical.”
EXHIBIT A: Andrea Rouch is a beauty and a charmer as Elle Woods, a role that made Reese Witherspoon famous in the non-musical movie, “Legally Blonde.” Rouch reminds audiences of Witherspoon then makes the sorority girl turned law student Elle something all her own. She has a tremendous voice, graceful dance moves and the ability to bring depth and sympathy to a character who has had everything from good genes to money handed to her. She finds the “Serious” side of Elle without ever losing touch with the fun. See her now ... Rouch leaves Peach State before month’s end for a national tour.
EXHIBIT B: The supporting cast. Kelly Methven as Emmett Forrest, the economically struggling law student who believes in Elle. Robert Teasdale as Warner Huntington III, the young man who dumps Elle to pursue a serious career and a more serious girlfriend. Sarah Michele, as the more-serious girlfriend Vivienne Kensington. The sorority sisters who play Elle’s friends/Greek chorus.
EXHIBIT C: The stand-out performances of Matthew McGee as Professor Callahan, and Rose Cutuli Wray as Paulette. McGee has appeared in several past PSST! shows. He often plays characters who demand an over-the-top performance. As the “Blood in the Water” attorney Callahan, McGee presents a nuanced performance, crisp, professional and as cutting as a starched shirt; he subtly owns the stage in each of his scenes. Wray provides “Legally Blonde’s” larger-than-life character. As Paulette, Wray is a dynamo of comic timing.
EXHIBIT D: “Gay or European” is a laugh-out-loud, funny song.
EXHIBIT E: Many audiences may not realize or may forget that a live orchestra plays behind the scenes in all of PSST!’s shows. Conductor Paul J. Guilbeau’s orchestra never overwhelms the singers on stage, but the music remains as vital as Elle to the success of this show.
EXHIBIT F: The direction by Jacque Wheeler, the choreography by Eric Brandt Nielsen, the costuming, technical direction, lighting, sound, scenery, vocal direction and stage management are all superb. For many who know PSST! and Valdosta State University Theatre & Dance, the simple mention of the names Jacque Wheeler and Eric Brandt Nielsen are reason enough to purchase a ticket. With “Legally Blonde,” it’s reason enough again.
EXHIBIT G: The “Whipped Into Shape” jump-rope choreography and production number.
CROSS EXAMINATION: As fun and as well done as “Legally Blonde” is, there are no real hummable songs. The songs serve the plot and provide laughs, but there is really no one song that stands out that will have audiences humming as they leave the theatre.
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE JURY: Audiences are instructed to remember that this show is based on a movie rated PG-13. So don’t be surprised when the show provides several PG-13 moments live and in person on the Sawyer Theatre stage.
THE VERDICT: PSST!’s “Legally Blonde: The Musical” is found guilty of being a fun, funny and smart way to spend the afternoon or evening at the theatre.
“Legally Blonde” continues 3 p.m. June 17, 24; 7:30 p.m. June 28, 30, July 5, 7, 10, 12, 14; Sawyer Theatre, Valdosta State University Fine Arts Building, corner of Brookwood and Oak. Reservations, more information: Call (229) 259-7770; or visit the website www.valdosta.edu/psst
This review is based on the Sunday, June 10, matinee.
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June 12, 2012
The Verdict: ‘Legally Blonde’ rules
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