**** Stand back , this is not the Disney “Cinderella” that you are used to! There is no Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo in this version, but there is magic in the air and on the stage. This version with a book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and music by Richard Rodgers ( and a new book by Douglas Carter Beane) tells us pretty much the same story, but in a unique and different way. Directed and choreographed to perfection by Amber Mak with musical direction by Carolyn Brady, this is true “family theater”. It was nice to see many little girls dressed in their “Cinderella” ball gowns, with tiaras. Watching their faces during the show was an extra treat for me, and intermission was special as they laughed and giggled about what they had witnessed. This is what makes theater so special!
The story is pretty much the same as the one that has been read and filmed for eons. Ella ( who is called “Cinderella” by her stepmother, Madame ( deftly handled by Gisela Adisa) is played to perfection by Lissa deGuzman , making her debut on the stage at Drury Lane. Remember that name as I am sure you will be seeing it a lot. She brings extra love to the character and also a lot of humanity. Her step-sisters ,Gabrielle (Christine Mayland Perkins) and Charlotte ( the adorable Alanna Lovely) are as nasty as can be, but in this version, Gabrielle has a heart and as it turns out a boyfriend (Christopher Llewn Ramirez) who wants to see the kingdom change.
The Prince, Topher ( Jeffrey Kringer is wonderful allowing us to watch his transformation from spoiled rich kid to caring lover) is being told by his Viceroy, Sebastian ( Jeff Parker was born to play this evil role) that all is well in the Kingdom and it is time for him to marry. They have a ball and as you know, Ella, with the help of her Fairy Godmother aka Marie ( an incredible job by McKinley Carter) she is able to do the “Impossible”. The transformation scene turning the pumpkin into a coach, the animals into horsemen, and mice into horses is beautifully done and deserves the applause that it received. I think the work of Maxel McLoud Schingen and Travis Austin Wright in this scene was amazing. They were also involved in a chase sequence after Midnight that was well choreographed and well done.
The story is a little different than the Disney version, but worked. In fact, this particular production was even better than the Broadway In Chicago tour several years ago. I think the changes are why.
By the way, Ella does not leave her glass slipper behind, but in fact, gets her chance on the second visit to the castle. On this one her step-sister Gabrielle aids her in her quest to re-visit the Prince and tell him what is going on in his kingdom. I told you this wasn’t the Disney version, didn’t I?.Songs that you may be familiar with are “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful”, “Now Is The Time”, “Me, Who Am I?” and of course “Impossible” ( this scene is amazing).
The ensemble in this show covers a lot of ground and the costume changes are almost non-stop.: Emily Ann Brooks, Leah Casey, Sophie Liu David, Margot Frank, Dani Johns, Kevin Kuska, Austin Nelson Jr., Justin Payton Nelson, Nolan Robinson, Elizabeth Romero, David Sajewich, Brian Selcik, Andew Tufano, Shelbi Voss, Amanda Walker and the aforementioned Wright and Schingen. CONGRATS!
On the tech side, the set (Riw Rakkulchon) was powerful but never overdone, The costumes (Theresa Ham) were magical and I truly mean that, the lighting (Jose Santiago) and sound (Ray Nardelli) were perfect. Most productions now feature projections allowing less set changes , but more visuals , and Anthony Churchill’s were right on. Cassy Schillo’s props and Jesse Mooney Bullock’s puppetry truly added to the fun.
This is the perfect show for a family outing and a great way to have your youngster start to enjoy live theater.
“Cinderella” will continue at Drury Lane Oakbrook thru January 7th with performances as follows:
Show Type: Musical
Box Office: 630-530-0111
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Cinderella”.
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