The Court Theatre Presents LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL

Audiences are bound to be awestruck by The Court Theatre's summer musical, Legally Blonde the Musical. The award-winning Broadway sensation, based on the Amanda Brown novel and hit 2001 film of the same name, is a musical comedy that smashes stereotypes and absolutely explodes on stage.

Perky blonde college student Elle Woods is accustomed to getting what she wants and has her life all planned out, right down to the boyfriend she plans to marry. Those plans are turned upside down when her boyfriend dumps her for someone more 'serious', motivating Elle to enrol at Harvard Law School so she can prove she's capable of much more than anyone thought. As Elle wins over her sceptical classmates she also becomes involved in a high-profile trial where her particular world view may prove the key to cracking the case.

At the helm of this year's summer blockbuster is Director, Stephen Robertson.

"When you come along to Legally Blonde the Musical you will find an abundance of energy, a ridiculously youthful vibe which is, of course, unapologetically pink, and an 'OMG' song and dance spectacular. We have a stunning cast of singers and dancers who bring to life this award winning Broadway musical." says Robertson.

Robertson is not only directing the musical extravaganza but is also the choreographer and costume designer. The man of many hats works very closely with The Court's dedicated costume department who assemble each of the specially designed costumes.

Also designed and built in-house at The Court is this year's highly complex and technical set. The set is built to propel the audience into Elle's world - everything the audience sees will be filtered through Elle's eyes, pink and stylish. This year's summer musical, which is sponsored by Golden Healthcare and The Press, is bigger and better than ever.

Playing the title role of Elle is newcomer, and recent graduate from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School, Ellie Neal. Ellie has also trained under the tutelage of David Strasberg at The Lee Strasberg Film and Theatre Institute in LA. Her previous theatre credits include The Wizard of Oz, Into the Woods and Mamma Mia. Ellie also starred as Morgan in the post-apocalyptic web series End of Term (TVNZ on Demand). Legally Blonde the Musical will be her Court Theatre debut.

This high-energy show has brought back a number of Court favourites to join Ellie on the stage, with Ali Harper taking on the role of Paulette, Roy Snow as Professor Callahan and Cameron Douglas as the charming Emmett.

Also taking to the stage are Niki and Bella who co-share the role of Elle's dog Bruiser, alongside TJ and Boss who co-share the role of Paulette's dog Rufus. All four of the pretty pooches are working hard in rehearsal and are dedicated to fully embracing their starring roles.

On the creative team, Musical Director Richard Marrett has returned to work on this year's 'pretty in pink' summer extravaganza which will be supported by a live band.

After spending the last few weeks in rehearsal with the cast, Richard is thrilled with the performers who are taking to the stage this year. "Between the vocalists in the cast and the members of the band, we have some of the best talent in the country performing the music of this show."

Artistic director of The Court Theatre, Ross Gumbley, says, "It's quirkier than the movie. It's got a wonderful, unpredictable sense of humour about it. It's great fun, it's a little bit sexy but what is really exciting about the piece is that at its heart it says that in this day and age, if you're a feminist, can you still dress how you like? It demonstrates how we shouldn't really judge books by their covers. I can't recommend this show highly enough."

Legally Blonde the Musical is on at The Court from 26 November to 21 January.

Additional Information:

Cast:

Ellie Neal: Elle Woods

Damon Grebert-Wade: Warner Huntington III

Cameron Douglas: Emmett Forrest

Ali Harper: Paulette Bonafonté

Roy Snow: Professor Callahan

Jane Leonard: Vivienne Kensington

Lucy Porter: Enid Hoopes

Kira Josephson: Brooke Wyndham/Ensemble

Nomi Cohen: Serena

Erin Wells: Margot

Monique Clementson: Pilar

Emily Burns: Da Joyce Riley/Ensemble/Understudy Elle

Holly Stokes: Kate/Chutney/Ensemble

Kim Garrett: Judge/Store Manager/Ensemble

Ben Freeth: Aaron/Ensemble

Olly Humphries: Kyle/Ensemble

Greta Casey-Solly: Mum/Whitney/Ensemble

Nick Purdie: Dad/Winthrop/Dewey/Ensemble

Emiliano Pereyra: Nikos/Grandmaster Chad/Padamadan/Ensemble

Brylee Lockhart: Courtney/Cashier/Ensemble

Isaac Pawson: Carlos/Pforzheimer/Ensemble

Jack Marshall: Lowell/Reporter/Ensemble

Jeremy Hinman: Ensemble

Hayden Joseph Withers: Kiki/Ensemble

Julia Bell: Stenographer/Ensemble

Gemma Kearney: Dance Captain/Ensemble

Niki: Bruiser

Bella: Bruiser

TJ: Rufus

Boss: Rufus

Band

Ben Eldridge Guitar

Tim Sellars Drums

Chris Wethey Bass

Matt Everingham 2nd Keys

Hamish Oliver Swing

Production Team:

Stephen Robertson: Director, Choreographer, Costume Designer

Richard Marrett: Musical Director

Heather Hach: Book

Laurence O'Keefe: Music and Lyrics

Nell Benjamin: Music and Lyrics

Harold Moot: Set Designer

Grant Robertson: Lighting Designer

Ben Rentoul: Sound Designer

Glen Ruske: Sound Designer

Dave Spark: AV Designer

Darren McKane: Lighting Operator

Jonny Keating: Sound Operator

Christy Lassen: Properties

Sarah Douglas Costume Manager

Ioan Bramhall Construction Manager

Ashlyn Smith: Stage Manager

Tim Bain: Assistant Stage Manager

Scott Campbell Stagehand/Dresser

Ticket Prices:

· Adult: $67-$74

· Under 25: $45-$53

· Child (under 18): $41-$49

· Senior 65yrs+: $55-$62

· Group 20+: $55-$62

· Supporter: $52-$59

Bookings: phone 03 963 0870 or visit www.courttheatre.org.nz

Show Times:

6.30pm: Mon/Thurs

6.30pm: Forum Mon 28th November post show with cast & crew

7.30pm: Tue/Wed/Fri/Sat

2.00pm: Matinee Saturday 10 December and 17 December

Running Time: approx. 2 hours, 30 minutes, including interval

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Samantha McConnell Communications Manager

The Court Theatre, 03 963 0884, 0275 22 9700

samantha.mcconnell@courttheatre.org.nz

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