Rehearsals are well underway for Legally Blonde The Musical, which will be presented by Blue Mountains Musical Society (BMMS) next month. Adapted from the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon, the stage version opened on Broadway in 2007, winning audiences over with its energetic storyline, catchy songs, and vibrant choreography. Now, BMMS is bringing Elle Woods and the hallowed halls of Harvard Law School to life in Springwood.

Legally Blonde The Musical is packed with dancing, movement, and energy, and at the helm of the show’s choreography is experienced local dancer and dance teacher Bella Blackwell. The show marks Bella’s first time as a choreographer for the society, however she is no stranger to the world of choreography. She follows in the footsteps of her mother, Bec Blackwell, who has choreographed four full shows for the society, with several additional guest choreographer credits. Bec is thrilled to hand over the reins of choreographer to her daughter.

“It’s a very proud moment as a mother,” shared Bec of watching Bella step up to choreograph her first full-scale musical.

“Bella has worked tirelessly at teaching over the past several years.

“I’ve loved watching her perform since her first BMMS show in 2014, so watching her grow as a performer and now take the reins as a choreographer and truly bloom is very rewarding,” Bec said.

Bella has flexed her choreography muscles as a dance teacher in the Blue Mountains before, but choreographing her first musical is an experience which she is really relishing.

“This is my favourite style of dancing – it’s so much fun being able to show character in the musical theatre style,” Bella said. 

This lively, contemporary musical demands a range of dance styles to tell its story, setting scenes that range from the effervescent spirit of a Los Angeles sorority house to the academic prestige of an elite tertiary institution. Bella has enjoyed the experience of melding all these styles together.

“It covers a lot of jazz and hip-hop, particularly Y2K and ‘90s-style jazz – there’s even some Irish dancing!” 

While dancing is of utmost importance, at the heart of rehearsals is a trusty JBL Boombox speaker, a staple for choreographers at BMMS. Over time, a tradition has developed – passing the speaker from one choreographer to the next, captured in a photo at the show’s bump-out.

“We normally take the photo at the bump-out of the show that has just finished – when we’re packing the set away.” said Bec. 

For Bella and Bec, bump-out for the recently-staged concert production of Sweet Charity was a particularly poignant moment for the mother/daughter team. 

“I did get emotional watching her perform in Sweet Charity, knowing that her next big job was going to be what I was currently doing,” Bec reflected.

“It was a really moving moment.”

For a show about sisterhood and rising up to the challenge, Bella has found the show’s themes reflected in her experience of bringing the show to life. 

“It has been so wonderful. My mum has been a huge inspiration to me and a huge support throughout this whole process. It’s such a privilege.”

By Mitchell Wassink

Legally Blonde The Musical runs at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub from October 18 to November 2. Tickets are $49 for adults, $45 concession, and $39 for children under 16, with a 10% discount for groups of 15 or more. A special one-night-only price of $39 applies on Friday, October 24. 

Tickets are available at bmms.org.au/book-tickets, by phone on 4723 5050, or in person at the venue.