The Oregon Cabaret Theatre production is fast-paced, filled with music and razzle-dazzle dance moves
By Lee Juillerat for Ashland.news
It’s true: Blondes do have more fun.
But in “Legally Blonde,” the new offering at the Oregon Cabaret Theatre, the blonde works hard to earn her fun time.
Elle Woods is a cute, cheerleader-perky blonde who works to prove that she’s more than just a pretty face when her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III, declares their love affair is over. Instead, he’s on his way to Harvard Law School with plans to eventually become a U.S. senator.
Initially devastated, Elle sets a course of action. Combining smarts and charm, she weasels her way into Harvard and its fabled law school, where she’s treated with scorn by her follow students, professor and the dumbfounded Warner.
The deets
‘Legally Blonde’ runs through Sept. 1. Show times: 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and Wednesday nights. Matinees at 1 p.m. Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Reservations required for pre-show dinner or brunch. Tickets, $32 to $49, available by phone at 541-488-2902 or visit oregoncabaret.com.
Fast pace and razzle-dazzle
Unlike the movie, which starred Reese Witherspoon, the Cabaret play is fast-paced, filled with music and incredibly razzle-dazzle dancing featuring gymnastic moves that could impress Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles.
Too often, however, blaringly loud music overpowered words spoken and sung by the performers. Wondering if it was just me, during intermission I asked others if they were able to clearly understand the dialogue. “About half the time,” was the recurring reply.
Still, “Legally Blonde” is charming, delightful and fun-filled. Morgan Hecker, in her Cabaret debut as Elle, glows with vitality and verve. After finding the way to earn admission to the prestigious law school, she’s gobsmacked when she learns that Warner has a new love and she fends off the womanizing professor. But in the process, she earns the respect of the woman who had scorned her.
Strong cast
The strong, deep cast showcases Austin Miller as Emmett, who becomes enchanted by Elle’s charm and smarts; Marcus Brooks as the confused Warner; and Cabaret favorite Galloway Stevens as the pompous Professor Callahan.
Displaying their talents in supporting roles are Kristen Calvan as Paulette, Eva Dugre as Vivienne, Alyssa Yard as Brooke Wyndham, and Gabrielle Smith as Pilar. Several others also have their moments, including Bilbo Baggins Swanner, who, as the program notes, “is excited to em-bark on his paw-fessional” career as Bilbo Baggins Swanner the cuddly dog.
The singing, dancing and overall choreography is on display for many musical numbers, including “Take it Like a Man,” “Gay or European,” “Chip on My Shoulder,” “Blood in the Water,”and “Positive,” to name a few.
Overseeing “Blonde” is director Lauren Blair, who previously choreographed and played Brooke Wyndham in a Los Angeles production of “Legally Blonde” and is in her second season as the Cabaret’s associate artistic director. She has previously served as director and choreographer for several Cabaret plays.
Other production team members include music director Daniel Koh, assistant director/assistant choreographer Lili Fuller and stage manager Phillip Randall. The design team includes set designer DeAnne Kennedy, lighting designer Chris Wood, sound designer Tye Hunt Fitzgerald, prop designer Todd Nielsen, costume designers Kristie Mattsson and DeMara Cabrera, and projection designer Michael Stanfill.
If it were a movie, “Legally Blonde” would be rated PG-13 due to adult situations and mild language.
Show closes Sept. 1
“Legally Blonde” runs through Sept. 1 with Thursday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 1 p.m. and evening performances at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Monday and Wednesday nights.
Reservations are required for pre-show dinner or brunch. Appetizers, cocktails, beverages and desserts are available without reservations. Tickets range from $32 to $49. The Cabaret offers a 15% ticket discount for groups of 12 or more for select ticket types and performances, and $15 student rush tickets can be purchased 30 minutes before curtain with a valid student ID, subject to availability.
For additional information or to purchase tickets call the Oregon Cabaret Theatre box office at 541-488-2902 or visit oregoncabaret.com.
Email freelance writer Lee Juillerat at [email protected].
