MOMMY & ME OUTING CINDERELLA Show Review by Robin Gorman Newman
The celebrated musical RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA –originally written for television in 1957 by the legendary musical theatre duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II — is making its Broadway debut with this new production: music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a new book by four-time Tony nominee Douglas Carter Beane (XANADU, SISTER ACT, LYSISTRATA JONES, THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED), based on the original book by Oscar Hammerstein II. CINDERELLA is directed by Mark Brokaw (CRY BABY, THE LYONS, HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE). The musical has choreography by Josh Rhodes, and music adaptation, supervision and arrangements by David Chase.
In a word, this musical is MAGICAL…or to quote my 10 year old son AWESOME ! We both loved it from beginning to end. It’s total escapism theatre in the very best sense of the word. Beautiful music. Wonderful and charming performances. Awe-inspiring costume changes. Endearing and caustic, yet captivating characters. Sparkling costumes. Sets to impress. Witty dialogue. Delightful dancing sprinkled with acrobatics. It doesn’t miss a theatrical beat, and children and adults alike will find it a treat…whether you ever aspired to be a princess or not. And, thankfully, it has boy appeal as well. My son, a big animal lover, got a kick out of the cuddly fox and raccoon, and he was huge fan of any special effects including the flying fairy godmother and the rousing battle scene with the giant.
RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA, one of their most popular titles, was written for television, debuting in 1957 starring Julie Andrews. Although stage adaptations have been performed worldwide since 1958, RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA, in fact, marks the Broadway premiere for the beloved romantic musical. Along with CINDERELLA, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s legendary musicals include OKLAHOMA!, CAROUSEL, THE KING AND I, SOUTH PACIFIC and THE SOUND OF MUSIC.
Mr. Beane’s book for RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’s CINDERELLA offers a new romantic twist on the ultimate makeover story of a maid-turned-princess, mixing fresh comedy and wit with the beloved tale’s classic elements — the pumpkin, glass slipper, masked ball and more. In addition to musical numbers from the original score, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” “Ten Minutes Ago” and “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?,” this CINDERELLA includes additional songs from the Rodgers + Hammerstein “trunk.”
Leading the cast of RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA are Laura Osnes in the title role; Santino Fontana as the Prince; Rebecca Luker as Crazy Marie, the fairy godmother; Harriet Harris as Madame, Cinderella’s stepmother; Ann Harada as stepsister Charlotte; Marla Mindelle as stepsister Gabrielle; Peter Bartlett as Sebastian, Prince Topher’s mentor and Lord Chancellor; Greg Hildreth as the rebel Jean-Michel; and Phumzile Sojola as Lord Pinkleton. Jill Abramovitz, Kristine Bendul, Drew Franklin, Heidi Giberson, Stephanie Gibson, Shonica Gooden, Kendal Hartse, Robert Hartwell, Laura Irion, Adam Jepsen, Andy Jones, Andy Mills, Linda Mugleston, Alessa Neeck, Peter Nelson, Nick Spangler, Kirstin Tucker, Cody Williams, Branch Woodman and Kevin Worley complete the impressive cast.
RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA has scenic design by Anna Louizos (Tony nominee IN THE HEIGHTS, HIGH FIDELITY; also AVENUE Q, IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS); costume design by William Ivey Long (6-time Tony winner for HAIRSPRAY, THE PRODUCERS, GREY GARDENS, CRAZY FOR YOU, NINE); lighting design by Ken Posner (Tony winner THE COAST OF UTOPIA; also WICKED, HAIRSPRAY, OTHER DESERT CITIES); and sound design by Nevin Steinberg (The Gershwin’s PORGY AND BESS, LA BOHEME; BENGAL TIGER AT THE BAGHDAD ZOO, HAIR, IN THE HEIGHTS). Andy Einhorn is music director and conductor.
Tickets to RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA can be purchased by calling Tele-charge at 212 239 6200 or online atwww.telecharge.com.
Young and old will be captivated by this lovely production!!
For more information, visit www.CinderellaOnBroadway.com.
Tags: broadway musicals, children's entertainment, cinderella, family show, nyc, rogers & hammerstein, theatre
