The touring production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’ at Playhouse Square has all the mag
“It’s better than ever!” It’s a well worn phrase that in today’s fast moving cyber society gets passed over too often. In the case of the Huntington Bank Featured Performance Series touring production of Cinderella (now on stage in the Connor Palace at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio) it rings true. The bad news is the production will only be here through Sunday, January 20th.
The youthful 25 member cast brings a magical exuberance and chemistry that sweeps the audience along on a fast paced journey where time flows quickly by without anyone noticing. Even with the show lasting over two hours it had audience members exclaiming, “Goodness, where did the time go?”
Cinderella (Kaitlyn Mayse) is the step-daughter of Madam (Sarah Smith) and is forced to wait hand and foot for her and her two socially challenged daughters, Gabrielle (Natalie Girard) and Charlotte (Joanna Johnson). Her only friend is Crazy Marie (Zina Ellis) who spouts a collection of gibberish.
<P>Prince Topher (Lukas James Miller) has returned from college to take over the reigns of power vacated by his deceased parents. While out slaying oversize praying mantises, griffins, gargoyles, giants and dragons he happens upon Cinderella at her cottage where she brings some water for the thirsty royal. They have a moment.
<P>Upon returning to the castle the prince’s Lord Chancellor, Sebastian (Christopher Swan) meets with his henchman Lord Pinkleton (Carlos Morales) to arrange a grand ball in order for the 21 year old prince to find a wife. The entire kingdom is in a fever as all of the eligible women try to outdo each other in order to win his favor and the grand prize of being crowned queen. As Madame and the girls are in a frenzied rush of preparation for the grand ball, Crazy Marie suddenly turns into the Fairy Godmother and comes to the aid of the left behind Cinderella as the magic begins.
<P>Without a doubt this is one of the most delightful performances of this show to come about in quite some time. Kaitlyn Mayse is superb in the title role as well as Lukas James Miller as Prince Topher. You sense a real chemistry between the two (enough to give you goosebumps). The triple comedy threat of Sarah Smith (Madam), Natalie Girard (Gabrielle) and especially Joanna Johnson (who was cheered for her role as Charlotte) have nailed the step roles (mother-sister-sister) to such a point of laugh out loud hilarity. Joanna shines in her center stage performance of “Stepsister’s Lament.”
<P>Nic Casaula does a fine turn as Jean-Michel (Gabrielle’s love interest and neighborhood political agitator) as some political barbs hit very close to home. The biggest surprise of all is Zina Ellis as Marie who steals the show with her wonderful full voice that is featured in two numbers. In fact, huge kudos go out to the entire ensemble who when in full voice fill the huge theater with wonderful song that is further enhanced by the meticulous sound design by Nevin Steinberg that fully utilizes every aspect of the Connor Palace system.
The stage set designed by Anna Louizos is a bit of magic unto itself as forest glade transforms to cottage exterior to cottage interior to palace to ballroom and back and forth all seamlessly mastered. The costumes designed by William Ivey Long are fully detailed and lavish. One of the delights of the show is the on stage instant costume changes of Marie and Ella that happen in the blink of an eye. Of special note also is the choreography (originally designed by Josh Rhodes) with the tour choreography handled aptly by Lee Wilkins. It is energetic with lots of wonderful gymnastics combined with precise synchronized movement.
A big part of the magic is in the orchestra that is made up of just seven members (Ryan Sigurdson-Music Director and Keyboard, Dean Balan-Assistant Music Director and keyboard, Mona Seyed-Bolorforosh-keyboard, Michael Stephen Meza-trumpet, Scott Cho-Trombone and Tim Nwranski-percussion) whose sound has a full symphonic rendering of the Rodgers and Hammerstein score which fits well with the story (new book by Douglas Carter Beane). The cast is expertly directed by Gina Rattan who moves the action along faster than you can say “Abracadabra.”
This is the perfect show to bring young prince and princesses for their first exposure to live theater. They will be enchanted by the music, costumes, sound, lights sets and theater magic.
Sometimes even a chestnut like Cinderella can surprise and delight. In this case it is the cast that brings out the magic carried solidly on the shoulders of youthful enthusiasm. Bring the entire clan for an astounding mid-winter break of happiness. It will have you believe that wishes can come true.
The touring production of Cinderella is part of the Huntington Bank Featured Performance Series and will be on stage at the Connor Palace at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio through Sunday, January 20, 2019. Tickets may be purchased on line by going to www.playhousesquare.org, by phone by calling (216) 241-6000 or by stopping by the Playhouse Square Box Office located in the outer lobby of the State Theatre.