Last Friday, I was ecstatic to be given the chance to review HAMA Production’s opening night performance of Legally Blonde The Musical! I remember the nostalgia of renting the Reece Witherspoon film from Blockbuster video when I was 8. Being able to watch something from my childhood transform into a musical was something that I was very keen to see.

Legally Blonde The Musical focuses on Malibu Sorority girl, Elle Woods who goes through a breakup with her boyfriend, Warner. To win him back, Elle gains admission for Harvard Law, challenging the ‘dumb blonde’ stereotype, sending an empowering message of reaching to your full potential.

The musical was jam-packed with energy and fun performances that are a product of the production’s leading cast and its ensemble. Elaina O’Connor took to the stage as Elle Woods. With her powerhouse performance, it was hard to take our eyes off the star of the show. The song ‘What You Want’, which included a show-stopping dance break was one of my highlights from the show!

The leading males also performed excellently; Lloyd Hopkins who played Emmett Forrest, the friendly law teaching assistant delivered with his smooth vocals during ‘Chip on My Shoulder’. In addition to this, Greg Jarema starred as Elle’s ex-boyfriend Warner Huntington III. Jarema portrayed the character’s obnoxious qualities in a groovy yet comedic way especially during his performance of ‘Serious’. Lastly, Steve Simmons carried through to play the role of Callahan, the stern and intimidating professor.

The production was backed by strong female characters like Annie Aitken who took up the role of the sassy, Ireland-loving hairdresser, Paulette. Aitken dominated the stage, filling the theatre with ground-breaking vocals and laughter with such a fun character. Charlotte Louise and Zowie Simpson were also fantastic delivering sharp vocal performances in their respective roles as Vivienne, Warner’s girlfriend, and Brooke Wyndham, the fitness guru facing a murder trial. Louise shone with her belting in the ‘Legally Blonde Remix’ and Simpson with ‘Whipped Into Shape’ which included eye-catching jump-rope choreography.

The ensemble all contributed something that would liven up the show. Songs such as ‘Omigod’ were a great show opener and ‘There! Right There!’ was a hilarious song that incorporated all performers well. ‘Bend and Snap’ as performed by the Delta Nu Chorus, added extra heat to the show. By the Finale of the show, I was left in awe by how much energy everyone put into this production.

Legally Blonde The Musical is a must-watch if you’re a fan of 2000s chick-flicks, over-the-top performances and insane amounts of pink! Despite several sound issues and the show's unrealistic portrayal of court cases, this production pulled out all the stops. Providing audiences with incredible choreography, show-stopping vocals and lively visuals. This production was a lovely transformation from the original film and is guaranteed to make you say ‘OMIGOD!’