One of the most successful musical comedies in recent history, Legally Blonde – The Musical, is currently being staged at Teatru Manoel by Mellow Drama productions. The Malta Independent on Sunday spoke to its star, Jo Caruana about why the show has been such a hit.
What have Maltese audiences seen you in so far?
A few panto princesses (Ariel in Pirates of the Mediterranean for MADC and Cinderella in Cinderella The Panto for FM, as well as Fairy Late in FM's panto Ali Baba last Christmas). I've also played Penny in Hairspray (FM), and Laurencia in Fuente Ovehuna, Claire in Yes Prime Minister and Stephanie in You've Got Hate Mail for Mellow Drama.
Is this your first starring role?
It's a pretty big role by my standards, yes, in fact I think it would be a pretty big role by anyone's standards – I come on stage five minutes into Act One and don't leave until the end, and I take part in 18 numbers. But this is my dream part – I honestly don't think there will be another one like it – and I have lived and breathed it for months now. It's as wonderful as it is terrifying and vice versa, but I'm surrounded by an incredible cast and crew who help me love the highs and sort out the challenges.
How do you relate to the character?
Well, we're both blonde… I've been getting steadily blonder since my teens – and then suddenly there's this blonde girl to play in a truly wonderful musical and I fall head over heels for her. I loved the role from the moment I saw it on the West End – which, incidentally, was minutes after telling my friends how much I was going to hate the show and how daft it was going to be. Trust me, you see this show and you can't help but love it. Elle may have a bit more life confidence than me (I lack that, annoyingly), but she is super sweet. Plus, we both love being blonde, wearing pink and having dogs. So, that pretty much makes us the same person!
What do you think is the musical’s appeal to the general public?
It is SO much fun. I really can't stress that enough. Like I said, I went in to watch the London version and dragged my feet the whole way. But by the end, I rushed back to the box office and booked to watching it TWICE the next day. Okay, so I'm a lunatic, but it just made me laugh so much that I wanted more. I don't think everyone will have exactly the same reaction (though please do!) but I have no doubt that they will be completely consumed by brilliant the pink, musical fun of it all.
You've studied theatre abroad haven't you?
I completed a drama degree in Edinburgh, Scotland and left with qualifications in drama and writing. I chose to split the two between my job and hobby – writing is my lovely day job (I run copywriting agency Writemeanything.com), and drama is my rather time-consuming hobby. I'm definitely not 'trained' when it comes to acting training in the real sense of the word, but I hope I did learn a thing or two during those four years!
What's it like working with such a large cast?
Brilliant. Seriously, they are fabulous. I feel a bit old (at 28) as half of them are sprightly 17-year-olds, but I'm trying to keep up! They're just so much fun and we laugh from start to finish – even lately when rehearsals have been long into the night and we're all over-tired. Somehow we just pick each other up and keep motivating. Of course some of my best friends are in the cast, such as Pia Zammit and Krista Paris, as well as my amazing colleagues John Montanaro, Daniel Lake, Roger Tirazona and Larissa Bonaci. We work really well together and it's going to be terribly lonely not having them around every day!
What next for Jo Caruana?
A lie down. This show has completely consumed me since Mellow Drama bosses Steve, James and John gave me the news that they would be producing it. That was last November and I have thought about little else since. I don't think there will ever be another Elle for me and I am so grateful for the opportunity, but I am looking forward to other parts – hopefully something with a bit of bite as I love a good drama. In the Legally wake, though, I'll be plonked on my sofa, flanked by my two wonderful dogs Bunny and Summer, watching DVDs and enjoying the festive season (I've been in a Christmas show every year since 2006). Then it'll be time to get excited about whatever the next part will bring. Can't wait!
Mellow Drama (the people behind local hits like Yes, Prime Minister, The 39 Steps and Keeping up Appearances) are currently staging Legally Blonde – The Musical, based on the hit Hollywood movie, Legally Blonde. The show follows determined blonde Elle Woods as she embarks on an ambitious journey to win back the love of her life by proving she is ‘serious’ enough for his political aspirations.
The show contains huge hit numbers like Omigod You Guys, What You Want and Positive – songs that have had audiences dancing in the aisles from New York to London. International critics have heaped praise on the production describing it as “sparky, witty and full of fun”, “a modern fairytale”, “utterly hilarious” and “an utter delight”.
Mellow Drama’s production stars Jo Caruana as Elle alongside John Montanaro, Roger Tirazona, Pia Zammit, Krista Paris, Daniel Lake and Larissa Bonaci. They are supported by a large and enthusiastic all-dancing, all-singing cast of extremely talented performers. The production is being directed by Steve Casaletto, with choreography by Kristina Schranz, vocal coaching by Denise Mulholland and musical direction by Paul Abela.
Legally Blonde – The Musical is on tonight and over the next weekend. Tickets prices start at €15 and are on sale from Manoel Theatre’s box office on 2124 6389 or through their website www.teatrumanoel.com.mt. All shows start at 8pm and run for approximately three hours. Due to the fact that this is very much a family show, the show has been certified as suitable for people aged 12 or over.
For more information visit www.mellowdrama.com.mt