Cinderella
Book and Lyrics by: Steven D. Morris
Music by: Don Powers
Directed by: Steven D Morris
Music Directed by: Joe Rogers
Produced by: Steven D Morris and Theatre Arlington
Audience Rating: G
Running Time: 1.5 hours (no intermission)
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
ASL Showing: Not Available
Sound Level: Comfortable
Noises/Visuals to Prepare For: N/A
Reviewed by Ellie Nunemaker
Cinderella is a classic story about a woman who’s disguised just long enough to make it to the prince’s ball and somehow get him to fall completely in love with her. When I was a kid, like so many other girls, I adored this story and all the versions that came with it; A Cinderella Story, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Another Cinderella Story, and especially the 2015 live-action Cinderella. It’s a story that’s stayed close to people’s hearts for generations, from ages 1 to 101. Tackling this classic story is Steven D. Morris, Executive Producer of Theatre Arlington and Writer of this reimagined tale.
In Cinderella, Morris does a wonderful job highlighting the parts of the story that are so often brushed aside, especially (and my personal favorite) the stepsisters. He gives these two actresses so much to do and keeps them onstage so frequently that I found myself wondering how they even had time to catch their breath. Morris also brings a thoughtful touch to Cinderella’s journey, giving her a unique way of standing up to her stepfamily without ever feeling argumentative. Throughout the story, Cinderella faces her stepmother’s unkindness with quiet strength; she doesn’t immediately concede but she also never lowers herself to mirror that same negativity. Overall, Morris beautifully reinforces the message, “Treat others how you want to be treated,” through his writing of Cinderella.
The music, done by Don Powers, is light heartened and fun, serving the show very well. I thoroughly enjoyed the duet between the Prince and Cinderella and often found myself smiling from ear to ear because truly, it does only take a glance. The music direction by Joe Rogers perfectly maintains the sweet tone set up by the music arrangement. I won't give away spoilers, but the last musical number made my heart soar. It was so wonderful to hear everyone in the cast singing together and in such a way that truly showed the heart of the show and made it feel like the cast had been together for years.
The set of Cinderella done by Bryan Stevenson was an effective two-sided wall that could turn with the help of Theatre Arlington’s spectacular turn table. Portraits of the stepsisters in varying poses and manners caught my eye about a million times and I found myself wondering who will get to take these amazing portraits home when the show closes, secretly wishing I had a one just the same. The contrasting side showcases the castle chambers where the king and queen's thrones resided on a rolling platform. The thrones are gorgeous and match the royal costumes in such a complimentary way. You can truly tell every element of this show worked in tandem. The costumes, done by Hope Cox, were vibrant and gorgeous and perfectly complimented every actor they were on. The props, done by Robin Dotson, were used thoughtfully throughout, adding charm and clarity to each moment without ever feeling overdone. The sound by Ryan Simon and lights by Bryan Stevenson worked perfectly in tandem. One of my favorite recurring moments in the show is when the fairy godmother enters the stage and gets blessed with this aura of light and beautiful sound. It is very clear that Simon and Stevenson both are closely familiar with the fairy tale appearance.
This cast is simply to die for, using excellent comedic timing and finding the sincere moments successfully. Overall, this cast is stacked and caters to the audience of all ages extremely well.
The Step-Family, which include Hannah Bell as Orphelia, Sonia Justl Ellis as Babette and Samantha Padilla as Stepmother, are simply the most entertaining trio I have ever seen! They are both cruel and hilarious to watch onstage. Bell gives a very disarming manner to Orphelia, Ellis gives a certain arrogance to Babette and Padilla is completely and utterly transformed into such an unfair and unkind Stepmother.
The Royal Family includes the King played by Kevin Brazil, Queen played by Cindy Honeycutt and Prince Richard played by Steven Rios. The King and Queen truly want what is best for their son and come around to the idea of Prince Richard inviting all of the commoners to the ball to find his true love (of whose name he does not know). Honeycutt and Brazil are such a sweet pairing, Brazil brings a certain franticness to the King that reminded me so much of the classic animated Cinderella while Honeycutt grounds him as the Queen. Rios is a charming Prince Richard and has a certain magnetism onstage that everyone in the crowd is a delightful recipient of.
Watching over the Prince were Bartholomule played by Javier Casablanca and Frederick played by John Marshall. This duo is one I would watch any time and any place because they are simply the best at comedy. They balance each other's energy flawlessly and are just absolutely ridiculously funny.
In the ensemble of characters, we do get a few characters that are supporting but also make the story feel so alive. We have the delightful Lilly Mehari as Lady Agnes, Ariceli Radillo as the commanding Lady Eleanor, Abigail Head as the sweet Lady Mary, Joshua Hires as the somewhat pompous but hilarious Sir Roland of the River and Alvaro Carranza as the very diverse dancing Chester the Jester from Leicester. Every single one of these actors are spectacular and provide such depth to the world that Morris has created from numbers about dresses to "Single Ladies" dance breaks.
Perhaps the most iconic role in all of Cinderella (next to the title character) is the Fairy Godmother. In this production this role was played by Essence Chicoine and let me say, I am needing her to play this role in every iteration of Cinderella. She is simply stunning in this role! Chicoine makes up of excellent protective energy over Cinderella
Ally Kay Ramsey, as Cinderella, is an absolute dream. She brings such a kind-hearted, genuinely good-natured spirit to the role that it feels effortless and completely authentic. Her soprano is stunning, clear, warm and seemingly endless in its beauty, the kind of voice even the princessiest princesses would envy. What’s especially striking is her chemistry with every single actor she shares the stage with. Each interaction feels alive, whether it’s filled with tenderness, humor or quiet resilience. There’s a sincerity in her performance that draws you in and holds you there and it wasn’t just the audience feeling it, the effect she had onstage was just as powerful. Every girl in a Cinderella dress looked at her with pure awe, and more than once, I realized I was doing the exact same thing. There’s something truly special about the way she embodies this role. Ramsey is a perfect Cinderella, and I am wholeheartedly begging the casting world to let her step into these glass slippers again and again.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the kingdom with these spectacular actors. Director/Playwright Steven D. Morris did an amazing job with retelling this classic tale and I loved every moment of it. If you have young children, this is a PERFECT outing for them!! Make sure to go see Cinderella running until April 4!
Catch the magic while it’s live!
Ellie
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