Familiar and fresh - that's Wonthaggi's Legally Blonde

WONTHAGGI Theatrical Group (WTG) is proud of the entertainment it brings to the community and beyond through harnessing the support of hundreds of volunteers, creatives and businesses.

And their latest production, which opened in the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre at the weekend, Legally Blonde, is another striking example.

Director Kerryn Lockhart is bringing these creative skills to WTG for the first time, however, many audiences have been wowed by her many performances including as Donna in Mamma Mia last year.

Kerryn has created a fresh and dynamic team with choreographer Emily Laughlin and alumni of the community Mitchell Brusamarello as Musical Director.

Emily has created frenetic, interesting and snappy choreography with attention to detail at the forefront.

Locally educated, Mitch Brusamarello, has been musically directing for other companies and it's a delight to have him in his home community sharing his knowledge and expertise.

Kerryn is a strong believer in what community theatre creates and has worked tirelessly alongside Emily and Mitch to bring the best out in the cast.

WTG audiences will be familiar with the work of Jade Dalton in the lead role of Elle Woods.

Jade has dazzled audiences in many WTG ensemble and dancing roles, with her soaring voice captivating as Cosette in the 2018 production of Les Miserable.

Jade is a powerhouse as the iconic lead character. She’s got a strong voice and will deliver some truly heartbreaking moments among the ‘pep’ of Elle Woods’ infectious personality.

We welcome Zac Krause to WTG who offers an endlessly sweet and straightforward voice-of-reason to the role of Emmett, while local Drama teacher Steven Boon’s interpretation of the jerky ex-boyfriend (Warner) will provide a perfect balance of faux-charm and smarminess.

Seasoned WTG performer Kerryn Moren (Paulette) is set to hilariously steal scenes whether she’s bending and snapping or traipsing around her hair salon in her leopard print, spindly heels below her double denim!

Enhancing the show’s comedy and Elle’s support system comes in the form of Elle’s sorority sisters Margot (Helena Leonardos) Serena (Ellen Kavanagh) and Pilar (Cassie Kirk).

This powerful trio sizzle across the stage in fine style with snappy dance moves, amusing character traits and beautiful harmonies.

Imogen Whittaker (Vivienne) brings her incredible voice and fine-tuned acting skills to the fore providing the perfect foil to Elle’s ‘perkiness’.

Jay Nelson (Professor Callahan) is extremely well known to WTG audiences, however, his attention to detail in his character work means that many people keep thinking they are seeing a new actor every time!

The ensemble shine both in energy, theatricality and friendship.

The challenges which have been thrown at them due to the ongoing COVID landscape have not dampened their spirit or a striving for excellence.

They are a community, relying on and trusting each other whilst bringing their ‘A’ game to each and every rehearsal - let alone once they’re under the lights!

The dynamic duo Mark Harrison and Orla McCarthy have steered the ship as production managers. Working across WTG and Leongatha Lyric theatre they have been a marvellous addition to our theatre scene and provided cast and crew with support, structure and immense problem-solving skills.

Set design by the multi-talented Louise Adkins is cleverly highlighted by the creative, highly experienced and respected Trevor Wyhoon’s lighting design.

Miriam Robinson is designing her first show as Costume Designer. Miriam attended Newhaven College and has started at the Victorian College of the Arts in 2022.

Committee member and seasoned creative Sara Skate has brought her usual high standard to the creation and sourcing of props.

Let our Front of House team warmly welcome you into the foyer of the Wonthaggi Community Arts Centre for a night of feel-good entertainment.

Book tickets now through trybooking.com or at the box office in the foyer of the Arts Centre.

Classic film to feel-good musical

THERE’S no shortage of movies-turned-stage musicals, however, they can have varying degrees of success in translation. Legally Blonde the musical doesn’t have this problem encompassing all the elements that made the cult-classic film so beloved - and in doing so, is just as relevant and timely in 2022 as the movie was in 2001.

There is something so intoxicating about the empowering ‘feel-goodness’ of the film which is perfectly captured in the musical.

Legally Blonde the musical tells the story of Elle Woods (Jade Dalton), an intelligent young woman and a stereotypical ‘blonde’ with plenty of brains hidden under layers of designer bags and pink dresses - who follows her ex-boyfriend Warner (Steven Boon) to Harvard Law school to prove that she can be serious enough for him.

Along the way, she struggles to fit in with her snobby classmates including Warner’s new girlfriend Vivienne (Imogen Whittaker), finds friends in her Law 101 TA Emmett (Zac Krause) and local hairdresser Paulette (Kerryn Moren), and works her way through the imposing, critical
legal industry while upholding her trademark positive nature.

Legally Blonde the musical is a straightforward feel-good story packed to the brim with catchy numbers and demanding choreography (Emily Laughlin). There are clichés, but it doesn’t lean on any one point too heavily.

The message is a simple one - the story of a girl who works hard and comes out on top, all while remaining true to herself.
Director (Kerryn Lockhart) loves the message of the musical and has passionately pursued bringing the cast into Elle’s world with the same optimism.

It’s a simple yet important reminder for women in a world where it seems like the main narrative girls grow up with is that they need to be someone else to succeed in their careers, or to find love. Something that runs that deep in how our world functions can’t be resolved by a two-and-a-half-hour musical, but it’s a great start!

You are guaranteed to leave the show happier than you came in and during these ongoing challenging times – what a bonus.