Legally Blonde
at Thomas S. Wootton High School

Reviewed on April 9, 2016

Maggie Shircliff
Chantilly High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Montgomery

A blonde walks into Harvard Law School and dismantles every stereotype used against her; finding both herself and the love of her life along the way. In Thomas S. Wootton's production of Legally Blonde, Elle Woods' underdog tale is told through incredible vocals and empowered by the casts' amazing energy.

Beginning as a novel written by Amanda Brown, Legally Blonde was first adapted into a movie in 2001 and later debuted on Broadway in 2007. Legally Blonde the Musical features music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin and book by Heather Hach.

Starting off the show strong, the vocals and stage presence of Margot (Melanie McLean), Serena (Julia Fanzeres), and Pilar (Rachel Lipson) set the stage for the entire show, bringing the energy and passion seen throughout the rest of the show. Every actor, whether,] they had a whole song or just a solo, blew the audience away with their impressive vocals and commitment to the role. Take for instance Warner (Myles Frost), Elle's ex-boyfriend, who, while singing to Elle, left the audience feeling as if they had just been serenaded. Another vocalist that stood out was Paulette (Emily Ray), who gave an incredible performance of the song "Ireland". Callahan (Brett Cassidy) had the audience convinced he was a real adult with his vocal and physical choices.

The second act of the show highlighted the development of many characters. Elle (Jacqueline Kempa) became more confident as both an actor and a character. The transformation of Emmett (William Memmott) in "Take it Like a Man" was simple yet effective and showed just how powerful the right outfit can be. Vivienne's (Denise Nalibotsky) change of heart was well done and was complimented by the incredible vocals of Ms. Nalibotsky. The second act was full of increased energy and was exceptionally fun for the audience. Kyle (Krystian Ochman), the UPS guy, brought even more humor to the story with his wonderful use of physical comedy.

The set was simple and scene transitions were seamless, with a few minor exceptions. Costuming the running crew was an excellent choice as it gave the illusion they belonged by allowing them to blend in with the actors. The lights were well done and stood out during "Blood in the Water" as well as during "Bend and Snap," where the lights matched up with the snaps and claps. While the show was not particularly set heavy, it was prop heavy. All props were well placed and fit the show beautifully. The sound was a little off in some places, but considering there were twenty-two mics being utilized, the sound crew did a commendable job handling and controlling the sound. The orchestra did a lovely job and never overpowered the actors.

Thomas S. Wootton's performance of Legally Blonde was a wonderful time. Full of strong vocals and empowering energy, the cast left the audience feeling as if anything is possible.

Kelly Brents
James Madison High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Montgomery

Grab your law books, magazines, and your best canine friend, because Elle Woods is coming to town! Thomas S. Wootton presents a rousing production of the 2007 Tony nominated musical Legally Blonde.

Starting out as a novel by Amanda Brown, Legally Blonde tells the story of sorority girl Elle Woods who marches from Malibu to Massachusetts to win back the man of her dreams. She comes to find that Harvard Law isn't exactly a walk in the park. However, with a bit of studying and a little encouragement from her new friend, Emmet, Elle finds success, love, and a new outlook on life.

The bubbly blonde was flawlessly portrayed by senior Jacqueline Kempa. She brought a refreshing depth to her character, emphasizing her transformation from a hopeless romantic to a goal-oriented lawyer. Kempa's voiced paired wonderfully with her co-star, William Memmott (Emmett). Their moving rendition of the title song "Legally Blonde" showed off the true chemistry the two young performers.

Featured characters enriched the show with their comedic quirks. Maria Sampler as the passionate feminist, Enid, reflected many members of our society today. Her authentic portrayal brought charm to the otherwise radical role. Jarod Glou as Carlos also brought an element of charisma to his performance of the flamboyant boyfriend, quickly making him a crowd favorite.

In the show stopping number "Bend and Snap", Emily Ray (Paulette) shined as a powerful vocalist as her character gained confidence in herself. The dynamic ensemble of girls brought the energy as they moved their "red hot booties" all around the stage. The harmonies of the female ensemble sounded fantastic throughout the number and the entire production, blending seamlessly with each other as well as with the leads.

None of the fantastic performances by the cast would have been possible without the tireless efforts of the technical crews. The many scene changes were flawlessly executed by the running crew. Decked out in Harvard crimson sweaters, they blended in perfectly with the ensemble while they were working. Another standout technical aspect was the lighting design by Cameron Walkup. The highly saturated pinks and blues accentuated the tone of the scene. With 350 light cues, the team rose to the challenge.

The sound crew, consisting of Roma Vankateswaran, Nathaniel Rosov, and Matthew Silverman impressively used over 20 body microphones throughout the course of the show with minimal issues.
The entire cast and crew of the Wootton Center for the Arts pulled off a phenomenal production and left the audience feeling "so much better" than before.

Lydia Gompper
George Mason High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - ARL/MC/Mont/DC

Behind well-styled hair and manicured fingernails, a beautiful girl can possess as much depth as anyone else. This is true, too, of musicals. Behind its bright colors and bouncy musical numbers, Thomas S. Wootton High School's production of "Legally Blonde" presented a touching, powerful message - that anyone can be anything, while still maintaining their own unique identity.

Arriving on Broadway in 2007 as an adaptation of the popular 2001 film of the same name, "Legally Blonde" tells the story of Elle Woods, a bubbly, energetic fashionista, who follows her ex-boyfriend Warner to Harvard Law School in a quest for true love. Once there, she faces a harsh professor, judgemental classmates, and even a high-profile murder trial. Ultimately, she discovers a strength and intelligence inside herself that no one, not even she, would have thought her capable of, while still remaining true to her bright pink, perky personality.

The students of Thomas S. Wootton High School have created a fantastically fun production. Upbeat and "aw"-inducing, the show was a delightful tribute to all things girly - not just to cute clothes and nice hair, but to the power of women standing together and rising above expectations. The principle cast was outstanding across the board, with even smaller featured roles making lasting impressions. The ensemble was dynamic and devoted, armed with solid harmonies and enthusiastic dance moves.

Leading actress Jacqueline Kempa was well-suited to the pivotal role of Elle Woods. She upheld an endearing liveliness throughout her performance, and only got stronger as the show progressed, adeptly handling the heavier themes of the second act. Her singing voice was strong and clear, particularly impressing in such musical numbers as "Legally Blonde," a heartbreaking duet between Kempa and her co-star William Memmott, who played the driven and wry romantic lead Emmett. Kempa and Memmott's voices matched beautifully, and their harmonies were lovely. Memmott himself performed strongly throughout the night, giving an excellent portrayal of his character's transformation into a straight-backed, confident young man and showing off fantastic vocals in "Chip on My Shoulder."

Every one of the show's many supporting roles was handled with incredible skill. Myles Frost, in the role of Elle's ex-boyfriend Warner, charmed the audience with his smooth, warm singing voice and sprightly dance moves. Despite his character's elitism and condescension, Frost himself was completely likeable. Other standouts included Emily Ray as the kindhearted, downtrodden stylist Paulette and Brett Cassidy as the shark-like law professor Callahan. Ray gave a sweet and quirky performance, and her voice absolutely soared during her bittersweet solo, "Ireland." Cassidy, meanwhile, handled his decidedly unlikeable character with great maturity, and demonstrated wonderfully well-developed vocals throughout the production.

Among the production's many strengths were its lighting design and stage crew. The lighting, designed by students Cameron Walkup and Trevor Goss-Packard, deftly created mood and followed cues crisply. The show's stage crew faced an impressive challenge - changing scenery in full light in the middle of the show's action - but they handled it smoothly and quickly, without awkwardness.

Thomas S. Wootton High School's production of "Legally Blonde" was a head-bobbing, light-hearted good time, with catchy musical numbers, loveable characters, and a fiery exuberance that could be felt in every single performer on the stage. It left every audience member in a happy mood, whistling "Omigod You Guys" all the way home. All who had a hand in the show, both onstage and off, should be immeasurably proud.

Apollo Yong
Washington Lee High School
Submitted for publication to Maryland Theatre Guide

There's a new girl on campus, and she's painting the town... pink? Thomas S. Wootton High School's vibrant and energetic production of Legally Blonde is positively "What You Want" to see!

Legally Blonde is the story of Elle Woods, the gorgeous president of UCLA's Delta Nus. After being dumped by her boyfriend for not being "Serious" enough, Elle resolves to prove that she isn't merely a "dumb blonde" persona; she has substance. After successfully, albeit unconventionally, earning admission to Harvard Law, Elle redefines what—and who—is important to her.

Adapted from both Amanda Brown's novel and the popular 2001 film, all by the same name, Legally Blonde premiered at the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco on January 23, 2007. The new musical quickly made its way to Broadway, instantly becoming a hit at the Palace Theatre on April 29, 2007. Following 595 performances, the sevenfold Tony nominated show enjoyed international success.

Accompanied by the fantastic Wootton Pit Orchestra, the cast and crew of Wootton's Legally Blonde gave life to a magnificent visual and auditory spectacle. The two leads, Elle and Emmett, portrayed by Jacqueline Kempa and William Memmott, respectively, led a breath-taking tour de force, never losing vocal quality, not even in the Finale. Kempa wondrously demonstrated Elle's wide range of emotions and character traits with her purposeful mannerisms and stunning voice, and Memmott expertly created Emmett with his fantastic vocal range and control.

The leads were joined by an equally impressive supporting cast. Myles Frost, playing Warner, completely enthralled the audience with his excellent voice, especially noticeable on his perfectly executed riffs, as well as his smooth dance moves. Denise Nalibotsky (Vivienne) also showed great vocal talent, committing to her high notes. Brett Cassidy, who played Callahan, exhibited fabulous character work, instantly taking over the stage with his mature and commanding voice and attitude, especially during his solo "Blood in the Water." Emily Ray brilliantly portrayed the quirky Paulette, and Gabriella Bianchi presented true endurance during her solo in "Whipped Into Shape" as Brooke. Standout performers included Krystian Ochman, who had a clear understanding of his need for physical humor as Kyle, and from Julia Fanzeres, playing the sorority girl Serena, who set the energy for show extremely high from the opening scene.

The show was impressive from a technical standpoint. The sound department performed admirably, considering a shortage of mics, and only had a few noticeable hiccups. The stage crew performed well, despite having to move the set in full light. The crew did not detract from the main action at all, and if anything, enhanced the background with their costumes. The lighting department showed very involved work. Vibrant color changes added to the show's finesse, especially in the details, such as momentarily changing from pink to blue on Emmett's line, "It just got colder." The light department deserves kudos for its attention to intricacies.

Wootton's Legally Blonde was a delight and pleasure to see. The whole team should be proud of such a fantastic production.