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Review by Kathy Carpenter
Associate Reviewer sdtheatrereviews.com and Freelance Writer, Splash Magazine
August 7, 2017 (Casa De Oro) - Young Actors Theatre took on Legally Blonde to show that beyond fun and fluff, the real message is for young women in today's society to stay positive, believe in yourself, dig deep and stay strong. For the rest of us, not everything is as it first appears. Look beneath the blonde to find what's important.
Elle Woods is like a Malibu Barbie at the start of the play. After her boyfriend dumps her, she follows him to Harvard to win him back. Along the way, she becomes a strong, independent woman. earning the respect of her peers and outgrowing what she thought she wanted.
Maggie Glenn played Elle, doing a perfectly admirable job. She could dance, sing and act. However, for me, she lacked the likability factor of the Elle we know and love. Should you see the play? Definitely, but Maggie still has room to improve.
Thomas Reasoner was perfect as Emmett. Jackson Schaffer as Warner was also strong. Julia Way and Alexa Cohen stand out as Elle's backup girls. Grace Lehman nailed the role of Vivienne. Scene stealer award goes to Elisabeth Renda as Brooke.
My favorite scene was the choreographed synchronized jump rope dance. Kudos to Sarah Soares, who did an excellent job as choreographer.
Co directors Jessica Isaac and Joe Dionisio teamed up to bring the best out in this high school/college cast. The entire cast worked hard putting on a great show. Smiles abound as they left us feeling happy and empowered.
This show packs eighteen songs into two hours and twenty minutes.
YAT brings their summer show from Caso De Oro to the Lyceum theatre downtown--allowing the performers to experience a professional venue—and a great place to cool down.
Horton Plaza Lyceum Theatre
August 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 @ 7 p.m.
August 5, 6, 12, 13 @ 2 p.m.
Coming August 31 - Sept. 10, 2017
My Son Pinocchio
Remember these students work hard and deliver great entertainment - but the shows usually just two weekends – so go quickly.
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