‘Cinderella’ at PPAC delightful and quirky

Don Fowler
Posted 10/16/14

Rogers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” has begun its national tour at the Providence Performing Arts Center, where it is certain to delight young and old.

Although the musical premiered on …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

‘Cinderella’ at PPAC delightful and quirky

Posted

Rogers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” has begun its national tour at the Providence Performing Arts Center, where it is certain to delight young and old.

Although the musical premiered on Broadway for the very first time last year, Rogers and Hammerstein first wrote it for TV back in 1957.

Paige Faure and Andy Jones played Cinderella and the Prince on Broadway, and are continuing their roles on the national tour, and that is a good thing. Faure makes a lovely, believable, empowered Cinderella, complete with beautiful voice, dancing and acting skills. Jones plays the prince as a young, insecure man, looking to find his self-worth. His great voice matches the rest of the large cast.

There were dozens of “princesses” in the audiences with their pretty dresses and tiaras, enjoying a musical that presents itself as the familiar fairy tale, but adds a touch of politics, morality, empowerment and ethics, all in a humorous way.

You will be thrilled with the special effects, as Cinderella changes from her ragged clothes into beautiful gowns with a simple twirl (one of the newer magic tricks we’ve seen lately). It’s all there: the pumpkin changing into a coach, the glass slipper, the crazy old woman who turns into Cinderella’s fairy godmother, the cunning stepmother who is not as wicked as the original tale, and, of course, the happy ending.

The new book by Douglas Carter Beane is filled with funny and satirical lines. The choreography involves the large supporting cast in intricate dance routines, and the songs are meaningful and memorable.

Beth Glover plays the stepmother with a little twinkle in her eye. Her daughter (Aymee Garcia) is hilarious as she vies for the prince’s attention.

The storyline takes a different turn at the end of Act 1, when Cinderella runs from the ball to beat the clock turning to midnight, holding on to her silver shoe.

Act 2 takes us on a slightly different path as the prince searches for the shoe’s owner, only to hold another feast to find her.

The fairy tale becomes a statement about empowerment, civil rights, kindness, compassion and forgiveness, all without becoming heavy-handed.

The show never lulls, moving smoothly from one song and dance routine to another, slipping in clever language, morality moments and good clean fun that can be enjoyed equally by children and adults.

“Cinderella” has been reinvented and restaged with great care, making for a most enjoyable evening at the theatre. Enjoy it with the entire family.

“Cinderella” is at the Providence Performing Arts Center through Oct. 18. Call 421-ARTS for reservations.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here