Legally Blonde
Apr 29th, 2007, 02:17 PM
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Legally Blonde
Has anyone seen Legally Blonde? The few reviews I've seen are pretty lukewarm. My teen daughters are interested in seeing it and I was wondering if it would be worth it. The are big fans of Christian Borle. If not, I'm thinking of taking them to see Ave Q or Drowsy Chaperone.
Apr 29th, 2007, 02:32 PM
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People seem to like it. Poster Annam saw it with teens and they all liked it.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34982608
There may be discounts on broadwaybox.com I think Ave. Q is another good option for teens.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34982608
There may be discounts on broadwaybox.com I think Ave. Q is another good option for teens.
Apr 29th, 2007, 02:37 PM
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"The few reviews I've seen are pretty lukewarm."
I'm curious what reviews you have seen. Tonight is opening night on Broadway, so there haven't been ANY official reviews yet. Meanwhile it got very good reviews in its out of town preview.
Tomorrow you'll be able to get the real reviews -- if reviews mean anything to you.
I'm curious what reviews you have seen. Tonight is opening night on Broadway, so there haven't been ANY official reviews yet. Meanwhile it got very good reviews in its out of town preview.
Tomorrow you'll be able to get the real reviews -- if reviews mean anything to you.
Apr 29th, 2007, 06:50 PM
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Well, here's the first review from tonight's opening -- The New York Times.
http://theater2.nytimes.com/2007/04/...ws/30blon.html
Reading between the lines as I usually do with Mr. Brantley, his main point seems to be that it is incredibly sweet, bubbly, and all about "Barbie". Well, duh? What kind of musical based on Legally Blonde wouldn't be all those things?
He does mention that the lead, Laura Bell Bundy, despite having a great voice, super looks, and good dance talent just doesn't have "star quality".
Oddly enough tonight I finally watched the film, in preparation for our upcoming NY trip and tickets to the show. All I could think about was "where is Kristin Chenoweth when they really need her"? She would have eaten that role alive.
http://theater2.nytimes.com/2007/04/...ws/30blon.html
Reading between the lines as I usually do with Mr. Brantley, his main point seems to be that it is incredibly sweet, bubbly, and all about "Barbie". Well, duh? What kind of musical based on Legally Blonde wouldn't be all those things?
He does mention that the lead, Laura Bell Bundy, despite having a great voice, super looks, and good dance talent just doesn't have "star quality".
Oddly enough tonight I finally watched the film, in preparation for our upcoming NY trip and tickets to the show. All I could think about was "where is Kristin Chenoweth when they really need her"? She would have eaten that role alive.
Apr 30th, 2007, 04:10 AM
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I guess I'd call it lukewarm, but then I can't imagine in my wildest dreams Ben Brantley raving about a musical that's designed to be nothing but a fun piece of fluff. He gives it a lot of offhand "compliments" such as talking about the extreme energy of the cast unlike other musicals based on movies, etc. As I say, I read between the lines. Hey, anyone who goes to a musical called Legally Blonde would be crazy to be surprised by sterotypes, caricatures, and dizzy headed musical numbers.
Yes, I'm seeing Stairway to Paradise, but those few performances wouldn't preclude Kristin Chenoweth from doing a major Broadway show. I believe the more major conflict is another TV project she's working on, as well as her obligations to The Apple Tree which she was still working on when Legally Blonde started its out of town previews.
Of course, there are a lot of reasons for casting or not casting, but I can't help but think of her in pink singing "Popular" in Wicked without picturing her in a musical version of Legally Blonde. So perfect.
Yes, I'm seeing Stairway to Paradise, but those few performances wouldn't preclude Kristin Chenoweth from doing a major Broadway show. I believe the more major conflict is another TV project she's working on, as well as her obligations to The Apple Tree which she was still working on when Legally Blonde started its out of town previews.
Of course, there are a lot of reasons for casting or not casting, but I can't help but think of her in pink singing "Popular" in Wicked without picturing her in a musical version of Legally Blonde. So perfect.
Apr 30th, 2007, 04:23 AM
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And now the New York Post review is out as well. Not unlike the one in the New York Times, it mainly complains that it is missing "Two things -- Reese and Witherspoon". It's kind of sad, that so far both these reviewers have talked about how great the leading actress is, but then simply complain that she isn't the one in the movie. Again, it talks about the empty headed lyrics and plot. Duh!! And when he says the choreography is to dance what paint by numbers is to portraiture, he then goes on to point out "That said, his dances certainly have a slick snap, crackle and pop." That's all I care about if I'm going to a fun musical. Do we expect Martha Graham or Alvin Ailey choreography in such a musical? The paint-by-numbers choreography is just fine by me if it is done in a lively and fun way -- and even the reviewer says it is.
Apr 30th, 2007, 06:33 AM
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Love, love, love Kristin Chenoweth, but isn't she rather too old to play the lead in Legally Blonde? I know she's tiny and there are no close-ups in theater, and she looks fabulous, but--what's-her-name is supposed to be in her early twenties, at most, right?
Apr 30th, 2007, 06:48 AM
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Kristin Chenoweth won her Tony for playing a 5 year old at the age of 30 something in You're a Good Man Charley Brown. She was sensational as the teenaged Glinda in Wicked when she was in her mid 30's.
Apr 30th, 2007, 07:28 AM
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Well, she is amazing and could probably sell snow to an Eskimo. I can't help feeling Legally Blonde would benefit from some star power; but stars have to start somewhere, don't they? Maybe Laura Bell Bundy will be the Next Big Thing.
