Experiencing BG Performing Arts' production of 'Legally Blonde JR.' felt like diving into a world bursting with pink, fun, and nonstop energy. With a strong creative team led by director Sam Caruana, choreographer Bella Gordon (who impressively worked her magic while in a moonboot!), and music director Kate Baxter, I knew I was in for a great time. What I didn’t expect was just how downright wonderful, polished, and hilarious this junior production would be. From powerhouse vocals and comedic timing to incredible dance numbers, this cast absolutely nailed it.
Legally Blonde is a high-energy, feel-good musical based on the beloved 2001 film. It follows Elle Woods, a pink-loving, perky sorority queen whose world is turned upside down when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her for someone “more serious.” Determined to win him back, Elle trades Malibu for Harvard Law School, only to discover she’s far more capable than anyone—including herself—ever gave her credit for. With the help of her quirky new friends and her unshakable optimism, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.
The show burst to life with 'Omigod You Guys', and oh my god, those Delta Nu sisters were on fire! Talk about extra—they had the energy of an entire cheer squad (no exaggeration) even after already performing a show that same day. Pilar (Mabel Tamone), Margot (Holly Anderson), and Serena (Jemma O’Donnell) were a total riot, with Holly standing out so much that she scored the well-deserved 'Rising Star' award at the end. I also loved how the sorority girls entered through the audience, immediately pulling us into their vibrant world.
At the heart of it all was Raine Barr as Elle Woods. Talk about star quality! Raine embodied Elle's signature perkiness while delivering stunning vocal performances with effortless control. Her belting abilities in 'So Much Better' was a showstopper, and I was genuinely blown away by how she made such a notoriously difficult vocal role look easy. She also managed an impressive number of costume changes. I lost track of the number of fabulous outfits she pulled off—each one cuter than the last.
Zander Hutson as Emmett Forrest brought warmth and sincerity to his role, with a lovely voice that shone in 'Chip on My Shoulder'. His chemistry with Raine felt genuine and sweet, particularly during their duet 'Legally Blonde'.
And then there was Ebony Baird as Paulette—oh my gosh, what a voice! I am so glad 'Ireland' is included in the junior version, albeit with the lyrics altered. Her comedic timing was gold in 'Bend and Snap' and her scenes with Hamish Treweeke as Kyle (aka the UPS guy) were golden. Hamish's 15 seconds of fame were everything—he owned that stage for as long as he could.
Warner Huntington III was brought to life by Jack Grey, who nailed the suave (but shallow) boyfriend vibe, complete with a silky smooth voice in 'Serious'. Chloe Mortimer’s portrayal of Brooke Wyndham was a masterclass in stamina and skill as she sang and skipped rope during 'Whipped Into Shape'. And the dancers in that number? Absolute killers—pun intended.
Ben Smith as Professor Callahan exuded authority so convincingly that I almost forgot he was a teenager and not an actual Harvard professor. Rose Hancock as Vivienne Kensington delivered top-tier vocals that blew the roof off in her few but impactful moments—her belt is absolutely incredible. Erin Hung as Enid Hoopes was utterly convincing and fully committed to her role. Minnie O’Rourke as Chutney was deliciously dramatic, and William Piper as Dewey, complete with his epic mullet wig, had the audience cracking up. And I can't forget Bruiser/Rufus, the furry star of the show, who was a hit every time they appeared on stage.
The ensemble was fully committed from start to finish, acting even when they knew the focus wasn’t directly on them (though I was definitely watching!). In the big numbers 'What You Want' and 'Positive', their high-energy choreography was matched by strong vocals—a tough feat they pulled off well.
The set was vibrant and full of pinks, using levels cleverly to accommodate the large cast. The back curtains kept the action downstage for more intimate scenes, which worked beautifully. The costumes remained true to the characters, with all of Elle's outfits being flattering and perfectly on-brand for her. One of my absolute favourite moments was the 'Ireland Reprise'—I'm completely obsessed. And seeing the entire cast decked out in pink for the 'Legally Blonde Reprise' was pure joy. The Delta Nu trio was undoubtedly the glue that held the show together, and their performances were consistently strong, hilarious, and captivating.
BG Performing Arts’ 'Legally Blonde JR.' was an absolute blast—funny, heartwarming, and packed with talent. The cast's passion was infectious, and I left with a huge smile on my face. What more could you want?
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