REVIEW: Spotlight makes energetic case in new show
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Rebecca Casad certainly didn’t think small when making her community theater directing debut.
The multi-talented 2022 Augustana alum helms the massive – and massively fun — new show, “Legally Blonde: The Musical” in an exuberant, pulsating production at Spotlight Theatre, 1800 7th Ave., Moline. Casad directs with passion, purpose and confidence, and the result is a ridiculously good time.
Of the 30-person Spotlight cast, it’s definitely a female heavy show, but there is a solid ensemble of guys, including several key roles.
In a part first immortalized in the beloved 2001 movie by Reese Witherspoon, southern California girl Elle Woods appears to have it all. President of the Delta Nu sorority at UCLA, her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law.
Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.
The relentlessly perky, heartfelt and funny 2007 musical (with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin and a book by Heather Hach) stars the supremely sunny, down-to-earth and relatable Olivia Hedden as Elle, as she discovers how knowledge of the law can help others.
The appreciative audience on opening night (Friday, Feb. 16) was so into the show that it roared when Hedden made her star entrance, during the opening “Omigod You Guys.”
There are many twists and turns (and costume changes) in Elle’s journey to find herself, her man, and win at law school and life, but Hedden is an expert guide and passenger. Elle is much more than a pretty blonde and her character arc is suitably inspiring and empowering.
“It’s a blast,” director Casad said before the show’s opening, and OMG, she’s so right. “It’s about women being strong, proud of themselves and confident, and I love pink, so that helps too. It seemed like an amazing opportunity to bring forth the values I hold dear in my personal life, to the stage and audiences as well.”
While the musical’s songs are far from memorable, you will leave the Spotlight humming with joy over the indelible characters and strong, energetic performances.
Jacob Johnson is the ambitious Warner, who dumps Elle at the outset to get serious about his law career. Noah Hill is the far more sympathetic Emmett, the Harvard teaching assistant who’s awkward and idealistic, but becomes Elle’s true love.
Rachel Winter is the bitchy, snarky Vivienne, a rival to Elle who becomes Warner’s girlfriend. Sara Wegener is perfectly cast as hairdresser Paulette (an actual hairdresser and makeup artist in real life), who’s a cynical, world-weary friend to Elle and steals the show in highlight numbers, “Ireland” and “Bend and Snap.”
The bouncy, sorority-sister Greek chorus (Amber Whitaker as Serena, Jordyn Mitchell as Margot and Haley Tromblee as Pilar) is absolutely delightful and gives much of the show its dynamic jolt, with breezy choreography by Lily Blouin (who has one of the best lines in her bio – “When she’s not groovin, Lily enjoys cheese and playing with her sword collection.”).
The show’s plot turns in the second act, when we’re introduced to fitness instructor Brooke (the always dependable Becca Johnson), who is accused of murdering her billionaire husband. In “Whipped Into Shape,” at the start of Act II, the fittingly lively group number showcases amazing physical feats, including singing while jumping rope.
The show’s silliness is ramped up in the hilarious “Bend and Snap” number (when Paulette learns key moves on how to snag a guy – she’s charmed by a handsome UPS guy (Erik Finch) with a big package (natch), and they later get their Irish up. An even funnier courtroom scene puts a Greek pool boy on the stand (Joseph Nguyen as the flamboyant Nikos), and the company gleefully debates if he is “gay or European.”
Joel Vanderbush is tremendous as the cruel, intimidating Professor Callahan, and he emerges as the story’s villain, which he plays to the hilt.
The bountiful, boisterous fun extends to the cute dogs who make appearances on stage – courtesy of the judge here, played by Spotlight veteran Nancy Teerlinck. Her boys Branch Manager Tugboat Meatloaf is Elle’s little Bruiser, and the much bigger Spud DoodleDo is Paulette’s Rufus.
Special kudos also should go to music director Christine Rogers, set designer Roger Pavey and costumer Lisa Ferguson.
Spotlight again acquits itself impressively and makes the case decisively with “Legally Blonde.” Performances will continue Friday and Saturday (Feb. 23-24) at 7 p.m., and Sunday (Feb. 25) at 2 p.m. Tickets are $27 (floor tables) and $22 (stadium seating), available HERE.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
