StAGE LIStINGS REVIEW
Legally Blonde: The Musical
Accuracy Takes Technology & Training. We don’t need to bash holes everywhere to locate your leak.Our highly trained specialists use high-tech elevtronic equipment to locate your hidden leaks. And, because we know where your leak is hiding, there’s a lot less damage – and less expense to repair. Leaks are scary. Don’t locate leaks the typical way, the ORIGINAL LEAK SPECIALISTS...
(504) 522-9897
In the flash of neon pink that is Legally Blonde: The Musical’s opener “Omigod You Guys,” the tone of this musical is quickly apparent. the shrieking excitement of the girls of Delta Nu for Elle Woods’ (Hannah Rachal) upcoming (or, so they think) engagement might scare those unfamiliar with the strange world of Greek life. Although sugary, the show is self-aware, and a sense of humor and a game cast — which includes two dogs — propel theatre tHRu Legally Blonde: 13’s production. SEpt The Musical the word “subtle” doesn’t come to mind 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., in describing the 2001 Reese Witherspoon 2 p.m. Sun. comedy that inspired the musical, but the stage iteration makes the film seem relatively Rivertown theaters quiet. the video essay Elle submits with her Harfor the vard Law School application in the film is transPerforming Arts lated onstage as a splashy showstopper with a 325 Minor St., Kenner marching band and a hip-hop — as interpreted by Malibu sorority girls — dance breakdown. (504) 461-9475 theatre 13’s take on that number is slightly www.theatre-13.com scaled down from the Broadway version, but there’s still gymnastics, a cheerleader stunt and Kelly Fouchi and Heidi Malnar’s fresh, energetic choreography. that cast members weren’t gasping for breath by that scene, which follows a well-paced block of songs, shows their stamina. Physically, Rachal is perfectly suited for Elle, and she’s good at snapping from sorority girl to whip-smart student. She also handled Elle’s difficult vocal parts, which culminate in a long-sustained note in Act 1 closer “So Much Better.” She could have pushed further as an actor, though. Her trio of sorority friends who morph into the Greek chorus later in the show (Kayla Herrington, Katie Lynn Cotaya and Anna toujas Rosenberg) are capable singers and deft comedians. Local personal injury attorney — and frequent stage actor — Greg DiLeo plays the smarmy Professor Callahan. tammy Mansfield was funny and likeable as Paulette, the wise beautician Elle befriends. A post-sugar-rush crash sets in during Act 2, which features the cast singing while jump-roping (again, the stamina), an Irish dance number and the film’s “bend and snap” scene blown up into a pop number. Janie Heck, playing the icy Vivienne Kensington, reveals a fine singing voice at the end. Despite a few lines of sexual innuendo, this show is best-suited for teens attuned to “omigod” youth culture. But everyone can appreciate that like Elle herself, the show is smarter than it seems. — LAuREN LABORDE
30
66-0812 NOLALoyola 2012www.americanleakdetection.com Gambit Ad 9/17/12 8:48 AM Page A1LD-A028-1
Gambit > bestofneworleans.com > september 25 > 2012
NolaLoyola 2012
64
Beats of the Streets: The Brass Band Tradition in New Orleans Painting by Alan Flattmann, terigalleries.com
FEATURING The Dirty Dozen, The Young Tuxedo Brass Band, and the Loyola Faculty Jazz Band Friday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m., Roussel Hall, FREE THE CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF NEW ORLEANS For a complete schedule of events throughout the day, go to www.loyno.edu/csno
Free admission. 9 p.m. tuesday. COMEDY GUMBEAUX. Howlin’ Wolf Den, 828 S. Peters St., 522-9653; www.thehowlinwolf.com — Local comedians perform, and amateurs take the stage in the open-mic portion. 8 p.m. thursday. FEAR & LOATHING WITH GOD’S BEEN DRINKING. La Nuit Comedy Theater, 5039 Freret St., 231-7011; www. nolacomedy.com — the double bill includes sketch comedy and improv comedy. tickets $10, $5 with drink purchase. 8:30 p.m. Friday. THE FRANCHISE. The New Movement, 1919 Burgundy St.;
www.newmovementtheater.com — the weekly showcase rotates tNM house improv troupes, including Claws with Fangs, Stupid time Machine, Super Computer, Chris and tami and the Language. tickets $5. 10:30 p.m. Friday. GIVE ’EM THE LIGHT OPENMIC COMEDY SHOW. House of Blues, 225 Decatur St., 3104999; www.hob.com — Leon Blanda hosts the showcase. Sign-up 7:30 p.m., show 8 p.m. tuesday. THE LANGUAGE. The New Movement, 1919 Burgundy St.; www.newmovementtheater.com — the improv troupe
consisting of Derek Dupuy, Chris trew, tami Nelson and C.J. Hunt performs. tickets $5. 9 p.m. Saturday. SATURDAY NIGHT LAUGH TRACK. La Nuit Comedy Theater, 5039 Freret St., 2317011; www.nolacomedy.com — the theater hosts a stand-up comedy showcase. tickets $5. 11 p.m. Saturday. TNM STUDENT UNION. The New Movement, 1919 Burgundy St.; www.newmovementtheater.com — the show features up-and-coming performers, new student troupes and improv class recitals. tickets $5. 9 p.m. thursday.