Review: Hale Academy's LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL, JR. is Energetic

The Hale Academy for the Performing Arts at Hale Center Theater Orem is currently presenting LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL, JR. in a youth production that is sure to bring a smile to your face.

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL, JR. (music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, book by Heather Hach) is based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the MGM film starring Reese Witherspoon. The show is filled with catchy tunes and a satisfying combination of humor and heart. Elle Woods is a California sorority girl who crosses the country to become a Harvard Law student in a quest to reclaim her true love. In doing so, she discovers she is capable of more than she, or anyone else, ever thought possible.

This score is very difficult to sing, and the energetic teen cast enthusiastically meets the challenge. Director/music director David Smith does a great job of providing them fodder to succeed.

Gentrey Jeppsen brings the requisite voice, attitude, and flair as Elle Woods. McKenna Hixson impresses and amuses as her hairdresser pal Paulette Bonafonte.

The supporting roles are played capably by Kevin Bigler as Emmett Forrest, Cordelia Diether as Vivienne Kensington, Camille Preston as Brooke Wyndham, and Teagan Smith as Warner Huntington III.

Ty Pew and Abbie Daniels provide enjoyably memorable cameos as Kyle and Chutney Wyndham, respectively. Also not to be forgotten are the well behaved and adorable dogs Teedo as Bruiser and Grimm as Rufus.

Hale Center Theater Orem smartly utilizes the existing set from its current mainstage production (in this case, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN) for its concurrently staged youth production. The set from scenic designers Cole McClure and Bobby Swenson works well for this show, and it is highlighted by nice lighting design from Andy Keele. The costume design by Tami Crandall also deserves a shout-out.

In addition to many youth theatre productions throughout the year, the Hale Academy for the Performing Arts sponsors private voice lessons and a variety of theatre classes for children and teens.

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL, JR. plays through October 15, 2016. For tickets or more information about the Hale Academy, call the box office at 801-226-8600 or visit www.haletheater.org.

Photo Credit: Lizzy Dabczynski-Bean. Gentrey Jeppsen (Elle Woods)

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