The musical Legally Blonde by Heather Hach was an engaging show with an easily followed and understood storyline, with captivating characters and a healthy dash of wit tossed into the mix. There are many elements that made it a very charming show to go see, and one of these main attractions would have to be the musical genius that is Lawrence O’keefe, who created the music and lyrics. Another would certainly be the brilliant team working behind the scenes of the reproduction of the show done by the University High School drama organisation, called U-Drama, which include the Executive Artistic Director Briane Green, the Director and Choreographer Joseph Lyons, and the Music Director Heather Brown. The show was performed on April 13th, 14th, …show more content…
There is one more woman, in particular, that needs to be recognised for her amazing standoffishness and aloofness, without making her feel quite like an enemy, but rather a character that was quite likable. That actress would be Katie Papineau, who played Vivienne in the play. Her emotional detachment and indifference to the emotions of the people around her was so brilliantly achieved that it sent shivers down everyone’s spines. One thing that notably stood out about her acting was how spectacularly cruel she could be. When she tricked Ms.Carbons character, Elle Woods, into coming to a serious gathering while in a scant rabbit costume, it planted the seeds of disapproval in the hearts of all people watching. Yet, maybe disapproval was the wrong word, because it was a strange mixture of emotions. There was disapproval, yes. And Disappointment. But there was also some form of affection. It’s the same feeling that people get when they understand and empathise with the villain of a film or a novel. They both love the character, and hate them at the same time. The same can be said for another actor’s performance in the show. That actor would be Brady Magruder, who played Professor Callahan. Mr.Magruder is a very funny young man, and he has been known …show more content…
The set was unequivocally dazzling and would be hard to forget. The design was very well executed. There was a sign that hung down from the ceiling and lowered down during one of Ms.Carbon’s songs that made the whole show seem so much more real and remarkable. One of the main parts of the set that was so unusual was the picture frames along the walls. At one point during a song, four young women from the greek chorus went up there and sang, framing the stage. It was very well executed and no one could keep their eyes off of them. That was something that was a bit dislikeable. They stole the stage from the main action going on with Elle. While it was very charming, it may have come across as a bit overdone. On another note, the lighting was always very good. The audience could always tell what was going on and where without any problem, and it provided just the right amount of emphasis that it was perfect. Moreover, the costumes were superb. Ms.Carbons character Elle was undoubtedly characterised by her memorable all pink entourage. The greek Choruses costumes were always perfect as well, adding to the atmosphere. One thing that particularly was very well done was the choice for Mr.Figuracion’s character, Emmett Forrest. His outfit was beautifully understated and fit his character flawlessly. His costume change into a serious suit was very well executed as well, as it showed the way his character grew
The setup of the stage was very simple. It was the living room of a home in the early 1980’s. It looked like a normal household, and it had small things such as crumpled up pieces of paper lying around the wastebasket. It also had a couch, circular class table and a recliner in the living room. The dining room was to the left side of the stage and only had the dining table and surrounding chairs. There was a door in the back of the set where characters entered and exited through. Beside the door was a table and stool where Willum presumably worked on his blueprints for the hotel. The lighting design was great; it put you into the atmosphere of the
On March 31, I had the pleasure of seeing Hello Dolly at Mandeville High School. As a talented theater student at the school, I take the shows that are put on very seriously. Being involved in the show, helping make set pieces, and working at the box office brings light to me as an individual, every little helping hand counts. I want to make sure that my school represents theater in the best way possible. With this production put on, I am proud to say that I am a theater student at Mandeville High.
The Hippodrome setting played a big role in the success of the play, because the seats were close to the stage, which made the audience feel more intimate with the actors. The set was filled with everyday electronics and video games that were popular with today’s generation, and it was good way to capture the attention of the younger audience. The costumes worked for the actors because they were outfits that teens and young adults would wear, which made it easier to relate to the characters. The lighting for the production was awesome because it went well with the sound effects. For example, when Ian was doing a simulation for his new job, he set off a missile and when it exploded the lights changed from blue to red to symbolize seriousness of the situation.
The set of the play was built decent and looked the same. The only thing I didn't like was some of color of the stones that were painted on the walls. But, that’s just my opinion. However, I did have fun splatter painting those walls and the stairs during class. I liked how there was platforms and different ground levels, that made it more interesting. Rather than just having the stage ground there were stairs you could go up or down which set it apart. Overall, I liked the set and I thought it was built well and sturdy.
The production had many elements which for the most part formed a coalition to further the plot. The characters, the three part scenery and costumes represented well the period of time these people were going through. As far as the performers entering and exiting the stage, it could have been more organized. There were a few times when the performers exited at the wrong times or it seemed so due to the echo of the music. At certain moments the music was slightly loud and drowned the performers. Many of the songs dragged on, so the pacing could have been more effectively executed. Though the music was off at times, the director's decision to have most of the songs performed center sage was a wise one. Also the implementation of actual white characters that were competent in their roles came as a great surprise to the audience and heightened the realism.
The Music Man made interesting use of the technical aspects of theatre. Sound was used appropriately, as music from the monitors did not overpower the voices of the actors. Lights, however, did not leave any sort of impression on me. Hardly any lights were utilized to enhance the mood were present. This caused for less emphasization on spectacle than what would be expected of such a dramatic play. Although, intricate costumes and set made up for the dull lighting techniques.
From the scene set up to the clothes each actor wore it was all very impressing. The scene set up was a beauty shop and was extremely accurate and realistic. The play had four scenes and each scene was a different season. For each season the “beauty shop” was filled with props. In December it was filled with Christmas trees and ornaments. The clothes each actor wore fit each character’s personality. For example, Annelle was seen as very quirky and always would wear “dorky” clothes. The use of spectacle in this play left no room for imagination because they had everything layer out for
For my final performance in Basics of Singing, I will be performing the song “Ireland” from Legally Blonde the Musical. This musical first opened February 2nd, 2007 at the Palace Theatre in New York City. Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin brought Amanda Brown’s novel and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture to a new life of song and dance. “Ireland” is a piece that presents a different side to a character, Paulette, that is not seen or noted in the film nor the book. This different side of Paulette is the reason I chose the song.
The setting was cluttered with upside chairs and a dark blue color all across the stage. I liked that everything was cluttered to represent the feeling that the characters did not what to with their life. The setting was boxes stacked on top of each other of both sides of the stage. I didn’t like their setting structure because I only felt that it matched with the waterfall scene in Puerto Rico.
One of its numerous strengths was the costuming and set. This musical would not have been the same had these elements not come together to transport the viewer. In addition to the costuming and the set, the actors were very well cast. Each actor was in a role that fit them and they portrayed their characters very well. For example, the man who played Glen really seemed like a greedy Wall Street worker. The choreography was also well done. It fit true to the style of dance in the 1980s and added to the immersion experience. The only thing that could have made this experience better would be to add more music. This may just be a personal preference, but when I see a musical I like for the music to be central like it is in Hamilton or Les Miserables. However, this musical was very good and not much could be added to enhance the
The sound design and choreography intensified the overall musical. They created the time, place, and mood through rhythm and great energy. The actors had wireless, behind the ear mikes, that attached to the mike pack which amplified the sound, making it very clear. I could easily understand what they were talking about or singing.
First impression of the play when I first walked in was one of confusion. The stage design was not distinguishable. I could not tell what was going on or what it was supposed to be. One thing I could
The acting was up and up, and executed to perfection, the various characters, movements, and emotions showed a clear understanding of the script, and made it easy, for the audience to understand the play, and its aspects. The acting was also convincing, and believable, for the actors did a great job to showcase this. The design, and setting of the play was well done to showcase the exact surrounding at the moment. The costumes, were spectacular, for they were relatable with the theme, and type of play.
The long ruffled dresses and the vest and tie added greatly to the storyline of the piece. Then, the set caught my attention - I probably did not start watching the actual dancing for quite a bit! I was very intrigued by the set because it is very minimal, yet appears very 3D and has many parts. The dancers who stay still in the background intrigued me. I wondered if they were ever going to move or change.