Rhode Island native Alyssa Gorgone, center, stars as Elle Woods in Ocean State Theatre’s Company’s production of “Legally Blonde.” Photo by Mark Turek Photography.
By Kim Kalunian, WPRO News
“First it’s foremost, it’s great fun.”
Alyssa Gorgone, a Rhode Island native who stars as “Elle Woods” in “Legally Blonde,” hits the nail on the head: the inaugural summer production at Ocean State Theatre Company’s new Warwick space is “great fun” from beginning to end.
The musical, based on the book and movie of the same name, enjoyed great success on Broadway, and made its first national tour stop in Providence back in 2008. Now Ocean State Theatre Co. is giving “Legally Blonde” its first Rhode Island regional staging, with direction and choreography by Russell Garrett.
The musical is non-stop fun, with lots of peppy, upbeat numbers that feature great dance routines by the entire cast. But there are also poignant moments, too.
The story follows Elle Woods, a blonde from Malibu who gets into Harvard Law School – with the help of some fancy dance moves – to follow her former boyfriend, Warner. But Elle soon discovers that the opportunities at Harvard Law are greater than Warner could ever be. By staying true to her (blonde) roots, Elle discovers her true potential and everything ends happily ever after.
Along the way there are a lot of laughs,catchy tunes and terrific performances from the cast.
Gorgone is wonderful as Elle, and makes the nearly two hours of non-stop singing and dancing look easy. Adam Ryan Tackett, who stars opposite Gorgone, is excellent as Emmett, the loveable student teacher who helps Elle find her way. Co-stars Christopher Swan, Nicole Paloma Sarro, Laura Scherf and Marc Thomas Koeck all have powerful voices that they get to showcase in their respective roles. There are hilarious bit roles performed by the rest of the multi-talented cast, too.
Many of the ensemble members are local actors, who grew up doing theater in and around the state.
“The combination of New York talent and local talent…I learned from the people in New York,” said Amanda Ellis Kouri, from Narragansett. “We all learn from each other and that’s what makes a wonderful show.”
Gorgone, who appeared in Trinity Rep’s “A Christmas Carol” last season said it’s “not a secret there aren’t a whole lot of venues where we can do this” in Rhode Island. Her cast mates agree: the new Warwick theater is great for them and their audiences.
“I live 12 minutes down the road from here, so when I heard this was going to open up I was like, ‘Oh my god, this is so perfect,” said Caroline Bateson who plays Elle’s sorority sister, Margot. Bateson grew up in East Greenwich and said her family and friends were thrilled when they heard she would be performing so close to home.
“It’s so nice there’s a new theater in the area,” said Derek Capobianco of Cranston. He previously appeared in OSTC’s “Rent.”
“People love the arts, and they don’t like to drive very far,” he said with a laugh.
Even some of the talent that now calls New York home once resided in Rhode Island or Massachusetts. Whether they’re from here or elsewhere, their excitement to be involved in “Legally Blonde” at Ocean State shines through in their performances.
For a truly top-notch production of this fantastic musical, head to Ocean State Theatre Company now through July 28 for their peppy production of “Legally Blonde.”
Show times and ticket information available here or by calling (401) 921-6800.
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Kim Kalunian
