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Attending the inaugural night of Legally Blonde at Buena P.A.C., my mother and I anticipated an enjoyable evening, albeit with a touch of bias. After all, my sister played a role in the production, adding a personal connection to the experience. Despite my partiality, the overall impression of the musical incorporated a mix of enjoyment and notable drawbacks, particularly concerning technical aspects, actor audibility, and choreography. Although certain issues marred the opening night, the high-quality singing and commendable character portrayals offered redeeming elements.
Technical problems, such as microphone malfunctions, featured prominently in the opening night of Legally Blonde.
While acknowledging that such issues were beyond the actors' control, it remains crucial to address their impact on the overall performance. A key concern was the reliance on technical aspects alone to ensure the actors' audibility. Projection, a fundamental element of live theater, appeared to be overlooked. Despite theaters being acoustically designed to facilitate projection, the actors seemed to neglect this traditional approach.
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Proficient in: Music
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“ Ok, let me say I’m extremely satisfy with the result while it was a last minute thing. I really enjoy the effort put in. ”
The recurrent microphone malfunctions exacerbated the issue, transforming moments into near-whispered exchanges, thereby hampering the conveyance of vital plot information. This issue could have been mitigated if the actors had prioritized and practiced effective projection techniques.
Despite the evident technical issues, the impact of microphone malfunctions on actor audibility became a critical concern. While acknowledging the actors' limited control over such technical glitches, it emphasized the importance of prioritizing alternative means of audibility, such as effective projection. The theater's acoustic design, intended to amplify voices, seemed underutilized as actors leaned heavily on microphones.
The recurrent malfunctions not only disrupted the flow of the performance but also underscored the necessity for traditional vocal projection in live theater. This issue, if addressed through dedicated projection practice, could have significantly improved the overall audience experience.
Another significant area of the musical pertained to the blocking and choreography, essential components for a visually engaging performance. Towards the end of the play, a noticeable decline in the precision of blocking during both dance and conversational scenes became evident. This lapse could be attributed to either a lack of diligence or insufficient rehearsal time. Particularly affected were the Delta Nu sorority sisters, with notable discrepancies in tempo, coordination, and synchronization during dance sequences. The lack of attention to blocking extended to conversational scenes, hindering the audience's ability to fully engage with the actors' facial expressions and nuances. Despite arriving early to secure centrally positioned seats, the obstructed views detracted from the overall enjoyment of the play.
The issue of blocking and choreography unfolded as a significant aspect affecting the visual appeal of the performance. The observable decline in precision during crucial dance and conversational scenes raised questions about the preparation and rehearsal processes. The impact was particularly noticeable among the Delta Nu sorority sisters, where disparities in tempo and synchronization detracted from the overall cohesion. This lapse in blocking wasn't limited to dance sequences but extended to pivotal conversational scenes, obstructing the audience's view of actors' facial expressions and subtle nuances. Despite early arrival for optimal seating, the experience was compromised by these visual hindrances.
Amidst the critiques, Legally Blonde boasted several commendable elements, with specific characters and performances standing out. One standout character was Enid Hoopes, portrayed by senior Aubrie Bouchard. As a women's rights activist and a self-assured lesbian, Enid brought a perfect blend of humor, timing, and projection to the stage. Her character development and comedic timing were particularly praiseworthy, contributing significantly to the overall enjoyment of the musical. Additionally, the Greek chorus comprising Elle's three friends from Malibu – Pilar, Margot, and Serena – added a layer of humor and support to the narrative. Serving as a modern equivalent to traditional Greek choruses, they effectively conveyed information while maintaining an entertaining and bubbly demeanor. Notably, Serena, played by Jansen Morgen, demonstrated exceptional projection, enhancing the overall quality of the performance. Professor Callahan's character, portrayed by Braxton Olgetree, though not inherently likable within the plot, showcased commendable character work. His drab and monotone delivery, characteristic of a law professor, reflected the actor's dedication to portraying a complex role. Additionally, special mention must be made of Rufus, Paulette's dog, played flawlessly by an American bulldog named Sarge, adding an adorable and well-behaved dimension to the production.
Celebrating the highlights and standout characters of Legally Blonde, specific performances left a lasting impression. Enid Hoopes, brought to life by senior Aubrie Bouchard, emerged as a memorable character, seamlessly blending humor, timing, and effective projection. Her portrayal of a women's rights activist and a self-assured lesbian significantly contributed to the overall enjoyment of the musical. The Greek chorus, consisting of Elle's friends from Malibu – Pilar, Margot, and Serena – played a pivotal role in providing both humor and narrative support. Their modern take on traditional Greek choruses effectively conveyed information while maintaining an entertaining and bubbly demeanor. Notably, Serena, portrayed by Jansen Morgen, stood out with exceptional projection, elevating the overall quality of the performance. Professor Callahan's character, portrayed by Braxton Olgetree, showcased commendable character work, capturing the essence of a drab and monotone law professor. Special mention must be made of Rufus, Paulette's dog, flawlessly played by an American bulldog named Sarge, adding an adorable and well-behaved dimension to the production.
A noteworthy aspect of Legally Blonde was the commendable quality of singing throughout the musical. Unlike many high school productions, where a divide between choir and theater students is often evident, Legally Blonde showcased a cast capable of both singing and acting effectively. Musical numbers were lauded for their catchiness and entertainment value, with specific praise for the song "Gay or European" performed during the courtroom scene. The light-hearted and humorous tone of this number contributed to its success. Additionally, the opening number, "Ohmigod," performed by Elle and her Delta Nu sisters, set a positive and energetic tone for the entire musical.
The singing quality and musical numbers within Legally Blonde emerged as a notable highlight, distinguishing it from typical high school productions. Unlike the common divide between choir and theater students, the cast exhibited a commendable capability in both singing and acting. The musical numbers, characterized by their catchiness and entertainment value, garnered praise, with particular acclaim for the courtroom scene's "Gay or European." The song's light-hearted and humorous tone contributed significantly to its success. Furthermore, the opening number, "Ohmigod," featuring Elle and her Delta Nu sisters, established a positive and energetic tone that resonated throughout the entire musical.
Despite the acknowledged issues, the overall experience of Legally Blonde the Musical was positive. The musical recognizes the impact of personal bias due to familial connections but emphasizes the genuine enjoyment derived from the production. While technical glitches and blocking concerns affected the play's coherence, the high quality of acting and singing offered a redeeming factor. Character portrayals were praised for their depth, humor, and dedication, with specific actors earning commendation for their outstanding performances. In conclusion, the student acknowledges the imperfections but ultimately rates Legally Blonde the Musical as an "A" performance, emphasizing its positive aspects and recommending it to others despite the opening night hiccups.
The Theatrical Critique of Legally Blonde the Musical. (2016, Apr 04). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/an-acting-critique-of-legally-blonde-the-musical-essay
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