Latest news with #Citadel
Edmonton Journal
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edmonton Journal
Review: Legally Blonde at the Citadel a light, fun summer refresher
Article content The summer colour palette for Edmonton could be safely described as a mixture of river-valley green and sky blue that goes on forever. Well, add a splash of bright pink as Legally Blonde debuts at the Citadel, running until Aug. 3 on the Shoctor stage. Article content The set, costumes and even the lobby have been kitted out in the appealing and girly shade favoured by the musical's central character, Elle Woods (former Calgarian Kelsey Verzotti). Audience members on opening night were resplendent in fuchsia, hot pink, baby pink and also sequins. It was quite a party. Article content Article content For those who haven't followed the career of Reese Witherspoon with the same passionate intensity as me, Legally Blonde (based on the book by Amanda Brown) was her 2001 breakout hit. In 2007, the movie was turned into a Broadway musical and in 2008, that musical began touring the world, where it remains on seemingly permanent rotation. Article content Article content It's easy to see why. Legally Blonde is an epic celebration of girl power driven by a largely forgettable string of same-sounding songs and a more than memorable selection of energetic dance routines. Verzotti brings excellent pipes and a spunky spirit to the lead role of Elle, who is famously dumped by boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Kaden Brett Forsberg) when he gets into Harvard Law School. Warner needs a more serious girlfriend. Elle — as smart as she is blonde — applies to Harvard Law School to win him back. Spoiler alert: she not only gets in, but ends up top of her class. Article content Article content There isn't much to the plot of Legally Blonde, which has been updated with contemporary references from Timothée Chalamet to Instagram, and things threaten to get dull in the first act despite the cheer squad that shows up to help Elle with her admission essay. We are relieved when Elle's sorority sisters Margo (Maya Baker), Serena (a zippy April Cook) and Pilar (Jessica Jones) arrive with regularity to add fat dollops of sassy to the script. They are particularly winsome as members of a Greek chorus that serve to boost Elle's spirits, provide guidance and generally dance their tails off. Article content Article content About that dancing. OMG guys — the fist-pumping choreography in this production by director Stephanie Graham is mesmerizing. Graham, one of the most in-demand directors in Canada, also demonstrates an effervescent touch when it comes to deftly highlighting pieces of physical comedy in the show. Gunho Kwak (who plays a hunky UPS driver in short shorts among other funny bits) is also a highlight in Legally Blonde, as is Sarah Horsman, who plays Brooke Wyndham — a fitness instructor framed for the murder of her husband. Horsman demonstrates amazing physical prowess, skipping rope while belting out an inspirational version of Whipped Into Shape in the show's second act. Just writing about it makes me winded.
Vancouver Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Review: Legally Blonde at the Citadel a light, fun summer refresher
The summer colour palette for Edmonton could be safely described as a mixture of river-valley green and sky blue that goes on forever. Well, add a splash of bright pink as Legally Blonde debuts at the Citadel, running until Aug. 3 on the Shoctor stage. The set, costumes and even the lobby have been kitted out in the appealing and girly shade favoured by the musical's central character, Elle Woods (former Calgarian Kelsey Verzotti). Audience members on opening night were resplendent in fuchsia, hot pink, baby pink and also sequins. It was quite a party. For those who haven't followed the career of Reese Witherspoon with the same passionate intensity as me, Legally Blonde (based on the book by Amanda Brown) was her 2001 breakout hit. In 2007, the movie was turned into a Broadway musical and in 2008, that musical began touring the world, where it remains on seemingly permanent rotation. Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. It's easy to see why. Legally Blonde is an epic celebration of girl power driven by a largely forgettable string of same-sounding songs and a more than memorable selection of energetic dance routines. Verzotti brings excellent pipes and a spunky spirit to the lead role of Elle, who is famously dumped by boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Kaden Brett Forsberg) when he gets into Harvard Law School. Warner needs a more serious girlfriend. Elle — as smart as she is blonde — applies to Harvard Law School to win him back. Spoiler alert: she not only gets in, but ends up top of her class. There isn't much to the plot of Legally Blonde, which has been updated with contemporary references from Timothée Chalamet to Instagram, and things threaten to get dull in the first act despite the cheer squad that shows up to help Elle with her admission essay. We are relieved when Elle's sorority sisters Margo (Maya Baker), Serena (a zippy April Cook) and Pilar (Jessica Jones) arrive with regularity to add fat dollops of sassy to the script. They are particularly winsome as members of a Greek chorus that serve to boost Elle's spirits, provide guidance and generally dance their tails off. About that dancing. OMG guys — the fist-pumping choreography in this production by director Stephanie Graham is mesmerizing. Graham, one of the most in-demand directors in Canada, also demonstrates an effervescent touch when it comes to deftly highlighting pieces of physical comedy in the show. Gunho Kwak (who plays a hunky UPS driver in short shorts among other funny bits) is also a highlight in Legally Blonde, as is Sarah Horsman , who plays Brooke Wyndham — a fitness instructor framed for the murder of her husband. Horsman demonstrates amazing physical prowess, skipping rope while belting out an inspirational version of Whipped Into Shape in the show's second act. Just writing about it makes me winded. A co-production with Theatre Calgary, Legally Blonde is anchored by a talented cast of 15 actors from Calgary, Edmonton, and beyond. Local talent John Ullyatt once again displays his flexibility as a theatre professional. He's cutting as Professor Callahan — the law prof who first underestimates Elle and then comes on to her when she becomes one of his interns — and hilarious as Elle's indulgent daddy (who also underestimates his daughter). Patricia Zentilli displays endearing charm as the hairdresser Paulette and also proves why she remains a triple threat in musical theatre, adding Irish dancing to her playful skill set. Edmonton's Beyata Hackborn (set designer) is teamed with Calgary's Rebecca Toon (the Emmy-nominated costume designer) for a nicely balanced approach to the Battle of Alberta. Legally Blonde is a big hit with audiences for all the right reasons. It's light, it's fun, it has two dogs in the cast. The musical also unpacks a powerful message in scene after scene. Lead with kindness. Keep connected to your girlfriends. And never underestimate the potential of a perm. It could change your whole life. Theatre: The Citadel, in partnership with Theatre Calgary Music and Lyrics: Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, book by Heather Hach Director: Stephanie Graham Where: The Citadel, 9828 101 A Ave., until Aug. 3 Tickets: From $40 by calling the box office at 780-425-1820 or online Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don't miss the news you need to know — add and to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here. You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun.
Calgary Herald
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Review: Legally Blonde at the Citadel a light, fun summer refresher
Article content The summer colour palette for Edmonton could be safely described as a mixture of river-valley green and sky blue that goes on forever. Well, add a splash of bright pink as Legally Blonde debuts at the Citadel, running until Aug. 3 on the Shoctor stage. Article content The set, costumes and even the lobby have been kitted out in the appealing and girly shade favoured by the musical's central character, Elle Woods (former Calgarian Kelsey Verzotti). Audience members on opening night were resplendent in fuchsia, hot pink, baby pink and also sequins. It was quite a party. Article content Article content For those who haven't followed the career of Reese Witherspoon with the same passionate intensity as me, Legally Blonde (based on the book by Amanda Brown) was her 2001 breakout hit. In 2007, the movie was turned into a Broadway musical and in 2008, that musical began touring the world, where it remains on seemingly permanent rotation. Article content Article content It's easy to see why. Legally Blonde is an epic celebration of girl power driven by a largely forgettable string of same-sounding songs and a more than memorable selection of energetic dance routines. Verzotti brings excellent pipes and a spunky spirit to the lead role of Elle, who is famously dumped by boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Kaden Brett Forsberg) when he gets into Harvard Law School. Warner needs a more serious girlfriend. Elle — as smart as she is blonde — applies to Harvard Law School to win him back. Spoiler alert: she not only gets in, but ends up top of her class. Article content There isn't much to the plot of Legally Blonde, which has been updated with contemporary references from Timothée Chalamet to Instagram, and things threaten to get dull in the first act despite the cheer squad that shows up to help Elle with her admission essay. We are relieved when Elle's sorority sisters Margo (Maya Baker), Serena (a zippy April Cook) and Pilar (Jessica Jones) arrive with regularity to add fat dollops of sassy to the script. They are particularly winsome as members of a Greek chorus that serve to boost Elle's spirits, provide guidance and generally dance their tails off. Article content Article content About that dancing. OMG guys — the fist-pumping choreography in this production by director Stephanie Graham is mesmerizing. Graham, one of the most in-demand directors in Canada, also demonstrates an effervescent touch when it comes to deftly highlighting pieces of physical comedy in the show. Gunho Kwak (who plays a hunky UPS driver in short shorts among other funny bits) is also a highlight in Legally Blonde, as is Sarah Horsman, who plays Brooke Wyndham — a fitness instructor framed for the murder of her husband. Horsman demonstrates amazing physical prowess, skipping rope while belting out an inspirational version of Whipped Into Shape in the show's second act. Just writing about it makes me winded.
NDTV
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas Embrace Real Family Moments With Daughter Malti In Florida
Actor Priyanka Chopra and singer Nick Jonas know how to set the relationship bar high, one post at a time. Recently, the Quantico actor shared an adorable post with her husband-singer Nick Jonas, and daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas in Florida. Priyanka Chopra Shares Adorable Family Pictures The series of sun-kissed photos starts with Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas holding hands and looking at each other outside a restaurant. The picturesque beauty of their surroundings complemented the two sharing a romantic moment together. Priyanka Chopra was seen wearing a black dress, while Nick Jonas wore a green T-shirt and pants. The next picture shows their adorable daughter, Malti Marie Chopra Jonas in a cute yellow dress, sharing a laugh with her parents. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priyanka (@priyankachopra) The next picture was a painting of Malti dressed as Belle from Beauty and the Beast, wearing a yellow gown and a pink headband. A video showcased Malti sketching while she flew to cities with her family. Priyanka Chopra also shared a mirror selfie from her hotel balcony against the breezy Miami backdrop. She added another photo where she is seen without any makeup and with a calm yet confident look. Fans loved the pictures. one fan commented, "Some people flex cars. You're flexing connection, care, and real parenting. Major respect." "Flexing the bond in best possible way," another fan commented. "What a blessing! Such a beautiful family," another fan shared. Priyanka Chopra took the much-needed break after endless promotions for her latest film Heads of State alongside John Cena and Idris Elba. Fans will also see Priyanka in the second season of the web series Citadel season 2. Priyanka will also star in SS Rajamouli's upcoming film alongside Mahesh Babu.
Nikkei Asia
6 days ago
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Ken Griffin's Citadel navigates Trump turbulence with unorthodox methods
Citadel founder Ken Griffin has built one of the most profitable hedge funds in history. (Citadel) YASUHA MINAMI and YUTA SAITO TOKYO/NEW YORK -- Ken Griffin, a prominent U.S. investor, is building a financial empire of a different shape. Not only has his hedge fund, Citadel, outperformed competitors in terms of revenues, he has also created Citadel Securities, a trading platform that looks to expand in Asia, especially China. Nikkei takes a closer look at this financial hegemon. Griffin, who runs a $66 billion hedge fund, was able to navigate markets that turned turbulent in April after U.S. President Donald Trump announced "reciprocal" tariffs on dozens of countries. Citadel's flagship fund, Wellington, saw its performance suddenly turn positive after being negative in January to March.
