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Tri-State Theater

Let's discuss upcoming shows, secrets behind the scenes, things you never knew about the theater and why live theater is so darn entertaining.

Friday, July 27, 2012

A Double Dose of "Legally Blonde"

This weekend you can see two Elle Woods - and in two towns, too!

This is the final weekend for the show Legally Blonde: The Musical for the Huntington Outdoor Theatre, and the opening weekend for the same show by the Charleston Light Opera Guild!

As my pal Ryan Hardiman pointed out, you could actually watch both shows in one day - on Sunday, you could catch the matinee of CLOG's show, then drive to Huntington to catch the evening show from HOT.

I finally got to see Huntington's version Friday night, and had a great time (although the rain tried to interfere). The show succeeds for many reasons: a great cast, wonderful songs, fun dance numbers, lots of humor and a terrific orchestra.

But the show's best move was casting Kathryn Davis in the title role. She's beautiful, immediately likable as the resourceful Elle, has perfect comic timing, she has great star power - you can't take your eyes off her - and she has a powerful voice (if you don't get chills at the end of "So Much Better," there's no hope for you). A wonderful performance!

Kudos also to Chloe Donahoe, who's hilarious as the off-kilter beautician Paulette - and she's also a terrific singer, too!

You have two more chances to catch the Huntington version - it runs Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Preshows start at 7 p.m., and the main show starts at 8:30 p.m.

If you're in a Charleston state of mind, you can catch that show at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater on July 28 at 7:30 p.m., July 29 at 3 p.m., and August 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 5 at 3 p.m.

The show is a lot of fun, and highly recommended!

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