REVIEW: Legally Blonde the Musical Jr. - Second Star Youth Theatre

Legally Blonde The Musical Jr. – Second Star Youth Theatre

Directed and Musical Directed by Lauren McNamara | Choreography by Isabella Maric

Second Star Youth Theatre may be new on the scene, but they’ve already made a bright and bold impression with their second ever production, Legally Blonde The Musical Jr. A clear favourite for youth theatres this year, this 60-minute version of Legally Blonde is a vibrant, high-energy show packed with challenging vocals, quick changes, and some deceptively tough choreography — and this young cast rose to the occasion with flair and a whole lot of heart.

Taking on the iconic role of Elle Woods was Ava Keller, who brought natural charm, clear and confident delivery, and solid vocals that carried her through the demanding score. Ava had all the makings of a leading lady and handled the role’s emotional and comedic beats with poise, though a little more visible heartbreak in her solo "Legally Blonde" would’ve taken it to the next level.

Harry Zappert was so likeable as Warner that it almost made me forget I was supposed to root against him—quite the achievement! His voice sparkled in "Serious", capturing the character's brutal honesty with a beautiful tone. Meanwhile, Emma Lindsay made a wonderfully preppy Vivienne, and when her moment came to belt it out, she did so with a powerful, showstopping voice that earned her a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.

Ainslie Orcullo Ryan brought hilarious sass and heart to Paulette, with a crowd-favourite rendition of "Ireland" that had the audience giggling and cheering. Sacha Fleming, as Kyle, delivered a performance full of swagger and comic timing — exactly what the role demands. The "Bend and Snap" number, featuring the whole salon crew, looked like such a fun scene to be part of and was executed with energy and confidence.

Harry Morgan as Emmett continues to prove himself as one of the standout young male performers around. He brought a genuine, grounded presence to the stage, matched with confident vocals and strong acting choices for his solo "Chip on My Shoulder." Ben Waller also surprised as Callahan, with a commanding performance that brought the necessary intensity and slickness to the authoritative role.

Portia Taggart had a huge task ahead of her as fitness queen Brooke, with "Whipped Into Shape" demanding cardio, vocals and skipping rope choreography all at once — and she handled it well. Indi Siepen, Mackenzie Knyvett, and Chloe Coleman as Serena, Margot and Pilar brought bubbly charisma to the Delta Nu trio, while Mia Morrison nailed the courtroom comedy as Chutney. Special mention goes to the dog toy version of Bruiser — a hilarious touch!

Choreography by Isabella Maric stood out particularly in "What You Want" and "So Much Better", which were slick, energetic, and visually dynamic. The ensemble as a whole maintained stamina impressively across the show’s many fast-paced scenes and songs. The clever use of screen projections helped to establish the many different locations quickly and smoothly, an effective tool for a one-act production like this. Costuming was bright, character-appropriate, and most importantly, looked comfortable for the performers. The cast also tackled their American accents with impressive consistency — no easy feat for young Aussie actors! While the microphones did begin to misbehave during the finale "Find My Way", and had some balance issues against the backing tracks, the performers remained clear and audible — a testament to their excellent vocal projection and professionalism.

Director and MD Lauren McNamara deserves major kudos for pulling this production together in under a week — an unbelievable effort that paid off in spades. It’s no small challenge to get a youth cast whipped into shape in such a short time, and yet this show still sparkled with personality. The finale wrapped up the story in a joyful burst of energy, sending the audience out on a high.

Legally Blonde Jr. by Second Star Youth Theatre was a confident, high-energy showcase of emerging talent. With a fun, fast-paced script and so many standout performances, it’s clear that Second Star is a group to watch. Their future is looking so much better with productions like this under their belt!