There is nothing more thrilling than an audience screaming and cheering when all things end well. Especially an audience filled with girls of all ages dressed to the hilt in princess gowns!
‘Cinderella’ at the Schuster Center delivers a feel good version of the classic tale, with some not-so-classic moments. Buoyed by a light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek script, the Rodgers and Hammerstein rendition is silly, sweet and satisfying. There are surprises! No doubt, you too will leave for intermission feeling like something didn’t go as expected. ‘They made a mistake,’ said 10 year-old Natalie Combs. ‘I sure hope they can fix it by the end.’ At the sake of ruining the surprise, I’ll let you discover the big ‘HUH?’
The technical edge this production carries is truly mesmerizing. I, for one, am still not sure how Cinderella got into that gown, or out of it for that matter! Those moments of magic inspire children and adults alike. Most lovable is the fairy godmother, played with such zest by Liz McCartney, who makes some dramatic entrances and exits, all worth the applause she garnered. The stepmother and the stepsisters are…well, they are the step-family we all have grown to love and hate!
Truly, it’s in Prince Topher, played Andy Huntington Jones, and Cinderella, played by Kaitlyn Davidson, that we get the romantic edge we all crave. They are perfectly suited for their roles. They share an innocence, grace and likability that seal the deal. Sprinkled into the love story is a social awareness edge that adults can appreciate. The Prince really wants to make the world a more beautiful place. Can I vote for him in the 2016 election?
And in this version, Cinderella shows she can take care of herself, when necessary! The music is true to Rodgers and Hammerstein, with stand-outs ‘It’s Possible,’ ‘Ten Minutes Ago,’ and ‘Do I Love You because You’re Beautiful?’ The scenery is top-notch, especially the lighting design which takes us from deep in the forest, to dancing at the ball. And my, oh my, the dresses, some weighing up to 27 pounds, make the setting complete.
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, ‘Cinderella’ will make for the perfect love story at the perfect time. Who doesn’t love a Cinderella Story, especially one where the ending is, much like a Venetian Glass slipper, truly fitting!
Information: “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” at the Schuster Center.
Showing Feb. 9-14; 8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 2 and 8 pm Saturday; 2 and 7:30 pm on Sunday. Call (937) 228-3630 or go to www.ticketcenterstage.com
