UC Follies’ production of Legally Blonde opened this past weekend, and I had the privilege of seeing the musical on opening night. It can be difficult to critique a show, especially on opening night, when there are often little hiccups, which are usually smoothed over by the end of the show’s run. There were minor problems with tech, the ensemble work wasn’t entirely together, and the band seemed under rehearsed, often not giving the singers clear queues, resulting in missed entrances.
However, it was clear how much the cast enjoyed working on the show, which is something that cannot be faked. The ensemble’s joy onstage was infectious, and the humor of the musical immediately engaged the audience. As many people know the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon, the musical’s plot is very similar, but there is room for extra moments of hilarity with the songs. “Blood in the Water” explores the rigors of law school, “Ireland” was performed wonderfully by McEwan, and “Bend and Snap” made the audience laugh and chuckle ceaselessly.
The performances are the main reason to see the show. Olivia Lewis played Elle Woods, who is on stage ninety percent of the time. She played the role impeccably and while the character can seem over-the-top and one-dimensional, Lewis grounded her with a genuine performance, recognizing Elle’s pure felt empathy for others. The supporting cast equally matched the strong lead performance. Victoria McEwan, who played the character Paulette, stole the scenes she was in, with perfect comedic timing and a stage presence that cannot be taught. Mathew Galloway played the law professor Callahan with deadpan humor, which balanced this campy musical nicely.
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The Strand interviewed the director Cierra Walker and lead actor Olivia Lewis about their experience working on the show.
The Strand: Doing a musical versus a play requires more work, as you also have to oversee the dancing and musical aspects alongside the acting. How was it managing this big undertaking—the triple threat challenge? And what was the most difficult aspect of this show?
Cierra Walker: Managing all three elements is definitely daunting, especially when the nature of Legally Blonde is to have all three elements overlapping; rather than having an acting scene, followed by a song, then a dance number, all three aspects are constantly happening all at once. This was probably the most difficult aspect of the show, as well, blending all three elements so it created an interrupted flow. It came together, though, by having such an amazing music director, Joey Gargaro, to work with. He handled the musical elements so flawlessly, so along with him and having such a talented cast, when it came time for me to add the choreography and scene work, everything just fell into place.
TS: What do you ultimately want the audience to feel after seeing the show?
CW: Legally Blonde’s biggest tonal elements are its comedy and its heart, so ultimately after laughing and being heart-warmed for two hours, I hope the audience ultimately leaves the theatre just feeling good and uplifted.
TS: If you could describe the show in one word what would it be?
CW: Heart-warming.
TS: What has been the most exciting and most challenging part of playing Elle
Woods?
Olivia Lewis: Elle Woods has been my dream role since I was 14. It is such an honour to finally get a chance to play such an empowering women. Elle Woods is one of the hardest roles in musical theatre, but for me the challenge made it exciting. I hardly ever leave the stage, sing almost every song in the show and dance non-stop. When I was first cast, I was terrified. Despite feeling excited, for so long I thought this role would be too difficult for me. However it was given to me at the right time. I have surprised myself at how much endurance I have. It goes to show how much hard work and commitment can help you achieve things you never thought were possible.
TS: What was the experience like of working on this show?
OL: This is my first show in Toronto. I have just moved back to Canada after training at the Guildford School of Acting in the UK. I have actually done Legally Blonde before as an ensemble member, so it was very rewarding to be ‘promoted’ in a sense. Each show is unique though, every show has its strength and weaknesses. This show has an amazing dedicated cast. They have been an incredible support for me on this journey. Whenever someone is feeling down there is always someone at hand to give you a boost of positivity. ALSO Legally Blonde is like the funniest show ever! It was a blast!
TS: If you could describe Elle Woods in one word what would it be?
OL: POSITIVE
There are still four more performances this coming weekend December 4-6 in Hart House and you won’t want to miss it!
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