Legally Blonde
at Newport Harbor High School

Reviewed on April 22, 2017

Elena Plumb
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Newport Harbor's "Legally Blonde" is fabulous fun
written by Elena Plumb, a sophomore at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

The famous movie-turned-musical "Legally Blonde" tells the hilarious tale of perky sorority girl Elle Woods as her seemingly perfect life takes an unexpected turn. When her beloved boyfriend dumps her to find a more serious woman, Elle enrolls in Harvard Law School to prove to him just how serious she is, and of course, win him back in the process. Full of boundless energy, upbeat musical numbers, and laugh-out-loud moments, NHHS delivers an absolutely captivating production of this lovable, comedic musical.

Alina Aguirre lights up the stage as the bubbly, pink-clad Elle Woods. Her charisma and powerful voice command attention throughout the performance, yet she shows a more delicate side of her character during the ballad "Legally Blonde." She successfully transitions from a fun-loving sorority girl into a serious, driven woman while staying true to her character's cheerful personality.

As Elle's love interest and fellow law student, Emmett Forrest, Keishaun Burroughs brings an unassuming charm to the stage with fluid, earnest gestures and a smooth voice.

With a pompous attitude and suave facial expressions and movements, Christopher Surridge perfectly captures the self-obsessed aura of Elle's ex-boyfriend, Warner.

Replacing Elle as Warner's girlfriend is the sophisticated Vivienne (Rebecca Bailey). Her proper posture and snooty attitude make her character's slight superiority complex evident. Bailey also impresses with her powerful belt and presence on stage.

Jillian Brazelton excellently portrays Elle's larger than life hairstylist and friend, Paulette. She is initially somewhat meek and insecure, but Brazelton adds strength to her character with a sonorous voice as Elle helps her gain confidence.

Paulette's one weakness is Kyle (Henry Miyao), the UPS Guy for whom she falls. Miyao induces riotous laughter with his exaggerated winks and slick dance moves.

Stage Management by Gavin Lattimer keeps the fast-paced show under control with well-timed cues and quick, seamless scene changes.

Manal Benjelloun, Serena Velazquez, and Lauren McCracken's makeup reflects character traits well, with bright makeup for the exuberant Delta Nu sisters and spirited Paulette, and duller, old age makeup for the distinguished professor Calahan.

Sound by Nick MacDonald and Maggie Rose is impeccably timed, especially with noises of Elle's dog barking. MacDonald and Rose also ensure the sound is clear and resonant throughout the production.

To borrow a line from Elle Woods, "Omigod You Guys," NHHS's production of Legally Blonde provides a fabulously entertaining experience for all.

Madison Arne
Fountain Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Dazzling Production of ‘Legally Blonde The Musical' at Newport Harbor High School
written by Madison Arne, a senior at Fountain Valley High School

Do you believe in love? Elle Woods sure does, and she's willing to do anything for her true love. Elle goes to Harvard Law School to win over a boy but ultimately builds alternate goals for herself. Newport Harbor High School presents a lovely production of "Legally Blonde The Musical" complete with comedic acting and an adorable dog.

Leading lady, Elle Woods (Alina Aguirre) flaunts around the stage with her bubbly personality. Aguirre clearly understands her character which helps her with the monumental character arc Elle goes through. Aguirre has a crystal clear voice that she showcases in many songs. "Legally Blonde" in the second act is a shining moment because it shows the many powers of Aguirre's voice. Alongside Elle, is Emmett (Keishaun Burroughs) her partner in crime. He uses a velvety voice to win over Elle and the courtroom. Burroughs has a cool and laid back persona that complements Aguirre's sparkly personality.

Paulette (Jillian Brazelton) has a large stage presence that commands attention. Brazelton uses attitude, dramatic motions, and her consistently powerful voice to wonderfully portray Elle's best friend. Paulette ends up falling for the UPS guys, Kyle (Henry Miyao). Miyao fills his shorter times on stage with gut busting moments. Together Brazelton and Miyao convey a quirky and lovable couple.

The cast as a whole has electric energy. During "Gay or European" in the second act nearly the whole company is on stage and they seem to be shining and having the time of their lives. The ensemble of Delta Nu stands out while portraying typical sorority girls and helping Elle along her journey.

No show would be complete without amazing tech elements. The show is run smoothly by the stage manager (Gavin Lattimer). The assistant stage manager (Lauren Babin) and her stage crew do an impeccable job with the swift and organized set changes. The prop master (Kyla Wyld) does an amazing job paying attention to detail, she has everything prepared from nice champagne glasses to the many red bull cans in Elle's room.

Newport Harbor High School puts together an amazing show that will be remembered for years.

The actors and crew seamlessly blend together to create a dazzling production of "Legally Blonde the Musical."

Emma Neu
San Juan Hills High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

Love, laughter, and law at Newport Harbor High's Legally Blonde the Musical
written by Emma Neu, a senior at San Juan Hills High School

Similar to the film, Legally Blonde the Musical dives into the story of Elle Woods as she realizes her full potential while trying to win back her ex-boyfriend. Full of lively and upbeat music paralleling the elevated energy of the entire cast, Legally Blonde the Musical is a spectacle!

Leading the show as the lovely lady in pink is powerhouse, Alina Aguirre. With every scene, Aguirre presents her cute character with consistence and energy equivalent to multiple cans of RedBull. Always presenting her confident character to a tee, Aguirre owns her stage presence with utter strength. Alina Aguirre owns her role!

There to help along the way is Emmett Forrest. Keishaun Burroughs portrays the wise and caring law student with just the right amount of smoothness and simplicity to keep the character real. When Burroughs sings, he shines. His voice presents an apparent strength as well as skill.

Paulette, Elle's spunky hairdresser and friend, owns her eclectic persona. With her Jersey accent and flamboyant gestures, she supports Elle as if she is a lovely New Jersey fairy godmother. Making her role even more lively and enjoying are her hilarious remarks and nuggets of wisdom.

Taking advantage of their limited stage presence to the best of their ability are Henry Miyao as Kyle the UPS Guy and Diego Rivera as Nikos. Miyao plays Paulette's crush and UPS delivery man with casual body language as well as humorous gestures to the crowd such as bold winks and showy smirks. Rivera's portrayal of Nikos is an exciting and fun character complete with completely hyperbolic movements. From rolling his head and eyes to snapping, Nikos adds incredible humor with every action. Miyao and Rivera are hilarious and exuberant!

Aiding this musical are the works and efforts of the makeup team consisting of Manal Benjelloun, Serena Velazquez, and Lauren McCracken. They keep the story real and appropriate to the personalities of every character. Whether the design is bright and eccentric like Paulette's or simply pretty and pink like Elle's, the makeup is consistently fitting for each actor and actress.

Sing about bending, snapping, and more at Newport Harbor High School's Legally Blonde the Musical.