Rogers and Hammerstein's
Reviewed by Grant Palmore
The tale of Cinderella is a timeless classic: A woman of low means crosses paths with a charming prince through a twist of fate, magic, and a particular shoe. Similarly, the musical Cinderella by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, is cemented into the fabric of American culture. Originally the duo created the show for televised performance in 1957 headlining Julie Andrews. In the decades following, the musical continued to morph through adaptations including two more screen adaptations and a formal Broadway production. The Upright Theatre Co.’s production harkens from the version fitted for Broadway in 2013 with additional songs from the Richard Rodgers canon and a new book by Douglas Carter Beane.
Natalie Burkhart (Director) has assembled a team that delivers a fabulous night of fantasy and fun (Music Direction by Devon Harper and Choreography by Jennifer Levya). The meticulously painted set feels pulled off the page of a fairy tale book, boasting delicate hand-brushed strokes throughout and the spirals of a pastel castle rising in the distance (Scenic Design by Wendy Searcy-Woode and Properties Design by Shaun Senter). Similarly colorful and fitting are the costumes — from pauper to prince, the wardrobe of each character is thoughtfully assembled (Costume Design by Jourdain Blanco and Megan A. Lyles).
Katie Moyes Williams leads the company as Ella, the sweet and smart heroine. Her kind nature and lilting voice lend themselves well to her captivating portrayal. And, impressively, she and Iffer Mitchell were responsible for Ella’s enchanting specialty costume designs. These transformations are truly remarkable especially combined with the technical effects and flashy light design (Lighting Design by Branson White and Light Board Operations by Vanessa Williams).
Alongside Ella is her imposing and wicked step-mother Madame (played by Stacey Calvert with droll, icy humor) and step-sisters Charlotte (played by Megan Lagemann with shrill silliness) and Gabrielle (played by Natasha Braun with endearing oddity). Outside of the household, we meet fellow townsman and revolutionary Jean-Michel (played with fierce hilarity by Tom Pinney), the kooky and unassuming beggar woman Marie (played by Nöel Clark with exceptional delivery, both comically and vocally), and a few wonderful forest creatures (Emotive Puppeteering by Stephanie Jasper and Maddison Brandley with excellent and acrobatic human portrayals by Piper Daniel and Claire Summers as Coachman and Footman, respectively).
Across the royal divide is the personable, boyish, and yes, charming Prince Topher (played by Heath Bromley with winning smiles and eager curiosity), his counselor and Lord Protector Sebastian (played well with imperious greed by Brad Echols), and the royal herald Lord Pinkleton (played by Colton Waller with enthusiastic propriety and an entertaining level of snobbery).
Ms. Moyes Williams and Mr. Bromley both exhibit a sincere connection during their various meetings throughout the play. Their attraction carries the show forward along the waves of Rodgers & Hammersteins’ luscious score (Sound Design and Operation by Mary Ridenour). The company delivers a strong performance of this classic song canon — particularly well on “The Prince Is Giving A Ball/Now Is The Time,” “Ten Minutes Ago (Reprise)” and the “Finale.” Ms. Moyes Williams endears in her song “In My Own Little Corner,” alongside her adorable forest friends (Puppeteered by Ms. Jasper and Ms. Brandley). Ms. Lagemann and her entourage of ball-going wall flowers deliver a fiery and funny “Stepsister’s Lament.” Ms. Clark renders an adept crystalline soprano each time she sings; however, her soaring rendition of “There’s Music In You,” is notably breathtaking.
From the first notes of the overture, Upright Theatre Co.’s Cinderella proves to be a “lovely night,” indeed. Don’t let the clock strike twelve without seeing this show! Get out and see the Upright Theatre Co.’s dazzling production while you still can. Cinderella plays from Friday, March 9 - Sunday, March 19. at Palace Theatre on Grapevine Main St. Get your tickets today!
Run Time: 2 hours 15 minutes, 15 minute intermission
Audience Rating: G
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not available
Sensory Friendly Performance: Not Available
Production Sound Level: Comfortable volume level
Noises or Visuals to Prepare For: Strobe lighting & water-based fog used
Check it out!
Grant Palmore
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