Legally Blonde opened on Broadway in April 2007. This musical, based on the successful movie of the same name, received seven Tony Award nominations, and ten Drama Desk nominations. It has been well received by audiences, and because of the enormous success, an MTV show was created, the entire plot focused on finding the next Elle Woods on Broadway. Laura Belle Bundy originated the roll, to the praise of many. The New York Times called her performance “flawless.” Legally Blonde closed on Broadway on October 19, 2008.
After seeing the reality show on MTV back in 7th grade, freshman Dawaune Hayes knew he had to be in Legally Blonde. His opportunity came over the summer, when the Omaha Community Playhouse held auditions.
His favorite part of being in the show? In his words “Being in the show! It is one of the greatest casts I have ever worked with. It’s a bunch of talented and kind people who are just a blast to work with and I am so glad I got the opportunity.”
Everyone who has attended can attest to this being a very talented cast, and a great performance over all.
Legally Blonde has been running for three weeks here in Omaha at the Omaha Community Playhouse. The cast is comprised of volunteers from Omaha and the surrounding area.
“This is a very challenging show with around 30 different locations,” Carl Beck, the artistic director, said. “We often change locations 3 or 4 times within a single number. The music is also exceptionally challenging with multiple key changes in rapid succession.”
He also commented that it is easily one of the most challenging shows that the Playhouse has ever done, and gives special thanks to their choreographer Melanie Walters for taking on such a big production and doing such a great job.
The musical opens with an exhilarating song titled “Omigod You Guys.” It sets the energy of the show and that energy is carried throughout the rest of the musical. Songs take place in many different venues, such as when all members of the cast must sing and do a jump rope routine at the same time, a number that takes place in Harvard Law School, and many, many more. You will be out of your seat dancing with the rest of the theatre at curtain call.
Contrary to the movie, the musical isn’t so much a chick flick as a great family show.
“Pre-teen and older would probably be the best ages for understanding the references, and there many be material that is inappropriate for younger audiences, but it’s really a show that you can bring the whole family to” Dawaune said.
Whether you are a musical theatre fan or not, you are guaranteed to have these songs playing in your head after the show. Legally Blonde runs through October 14 at the Omaha Community Playhouse.