Review: 'Legally Blonde' at Musicals at Richter

Danbury, CT - Musicals at Richter (MAR) opened its season of GIRL POWER with an energetic production of LEGALLY BLONDE, the story of the strong and sincere Woods, Elle who follows her dreams (and her beloved Warner) and gets accepted to Harvard Law School. The very pink musical is directed by the current MAR Artistic Director Lauren Nicole Sherwood and Zachary Kampler served as musical director and conducted the eight member orchestra. The fabulous dancing bore the signature of the wonderfully talented choreographer Matthew Farina, who directs and choreographs the big productions at Immaculate High School in Danbury. It was a special treat to see Mr. Farina dancing the role of Kyle the sexy UPS guy on opening night.

MAR is CT's longest running outdoor theater, with emphasis on the word outdoor. Due to the weather this week in late June, the cast missed two chances to rehearse on their large outdoor stage, so opening night was in essence their final dress rehearsal. Taking this fact into consideration, the cast did a great job keeping up with some technical glitches, and the large audience, some armed with floral bouquets for cast members, enjoyed every minute. From the strong opening "Omigod You Guys" to the classic "Bend and Snap" to the Finale, it was a fun evening full of memorable performances.

The lovely Melody Atkinson brought a sincere charm and lovely singing voice to the role of Elle Woods. At times she reminded me of Reese Witherspoon in the movie and at others she had the voice quality of Laura Bell Bundy on Broadway. Ms. Atkinson is a rising senior music theatre major at the Hartt School and appeared in A Midsummer Nights Dream at Hartford Stage. Kudos to this up and coming actress on a wonderful performance.

Matthew Farina was most memorable as the dancing man in brown shorts who catches the eye of the hairdresser Paulette. Mr. Farina, who directed/choreographed HAIRSPRAY and FOOTLOOSE at MAR, did an outstanding job with the "Positive" choreography and every dancer appeared to be having a great time with every move. Matthew Blank shares to role of Kyle in his first appearance on the MAR stage.

Standout performance award goes to Aaron-Noel Treppeda as Paulette. Last year she nailed the role of the Sour Kangaroo in SEUSSICAL and she was simply perfect as the hairstylist who talks Elle off the edge when she wants to change her signature hair color. Ms. Treppeda's daughter will perform the title role in the upcoming MAR production of ANNIE in July.

Bobby Bria returns to the Richter stage to cover the roles of Harvard's Winthrop and Paulette's ex Dewey. Stephen Emerick, who directed HAMLET for The Lipstick Project, was charming and effective as Emmett and Janina Rosa returns to this stage to jump rope ("Whipped into Shape") and fight for her freedom in the role of Brooke Windham.

Hartt School rising senior Voni Allegra gave her all to the role of the snooty Vivienne and Will Armstrong appeared as Grandmaster Chad and Nikos. Bill Warnchke played Professor Callahan in his MAR debut. Chris Balestriere did well as the vapid Warner in his MAR debut and Ethan Beaulac (GREASE at Immaculate HS) was a convincing Harvard student Padamadan. Sarah Baker as Margot, WCSU grad Margaret Buzak as Serena, and Kate (Valiska) Patton as Pilar led the Greek chorus in all white.

Jean-Marie Mcgrath of Naugatuck, where she is the resident choreographer for NTT, was adorable as Kate, the girl who helps Elle pass her LSATs, in her MAR debut. WCSU sophomore Kevin McNulty was Aaron Schultz. Caitlin Burke of Danbury played Gaelen, Monica Castillo played Chutney and a Delta Nu, Haley Huxley, Daisy Stott and Maddy Oldham played other Delta Nus. Rob Mayette and Alysia Ross and played Elle's parents; Ms. Ross also played DA Joyce Riley.

Daniel Pettibone was a riot as Kiki the colorist in Paulette's hair salon, as was Joseph Riedel as Carlos. What a treat to see the MAR vet Dolly Conner as the court stenographer. Maiya Urquhart was great as Enid Hoops in her MAR debut. The ensemble included Renee Cunningham, Madeline de la Parra, William Dooley, Robert Fontenelli (who was great as Eugene in GREASE at Immaculate HS,) Vincent Fontenelli (GREASE,) Abby Giansiracusa (GREASE,) WCSU student Andrew Neil Kocur, Emma Lubbers, Emily Malavenda, and Jenna Vieuz.

Ms. Sherwood took a "Serious" approach to all the fun (and the cute set design) and Mr. Kampler, a professor at Westchester Community College, kept the musicians together with aplomb. The producer of the show was Joyce Northrop and Technical Director Will Armstrong doubled as the dog handler for the two canine cast members. Costumes designed by Molly Farrell-Savage worked well overall, but there were definitely some sound and lighting issues that need to be worked out. Stage Manager David Mercier's credits include several NewArts productions as SM and previous roles at Immaculate HS; he heads to University of North Carolina School of the Arts for a degree in Stage Management.

Pictured above: Emmett, Elle, Warner and Vivienne (Stephen Emerick, Melody Atkinson, Chris Balestriere and Voni Kengla) take on the challenges of life, love and the law in LEGALLY BLONDE, the high-energy, fun-filled musical adaptation of the adored 2001 film. The production plays under the stars June 29-July 14 at Danbury's Musicals at Richter. Tickets and info: musicalsatrichter.org --David Henningsen Photo

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417