Scintillating ‘Cinderella’ at Theatre By The Sea

Theatre Review by Don Fowler
Posted 7/26/22

What we need right now is a “happily ever after” experience.

Take a trip to Matunuck’s Theatre By the Sea and immerse yourself in one of the world’s greatest fairy tales …

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Scintillating ‘Cinderella’ at Theatre By The Sea

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What we need right now is a “happily ever after” experience.

Take a trip to Matunuck’s Theatre By the Sea and immerse yourself in one of the world’s greatest fairy tales where you will experience love, happiness, compassion, self-worth and optimism to the nth degree in a glorious production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s award-winning musical, “Cinderella.”

While children will enjoy the magic of the familiar fairy tale, make no mistake that Director Kenny Ingram has the adult audience well in mind, emphasizing positive personal attributes and social justice throughout the production.

With a couple dozen songs, some of which you may recall (“In My Own Little Corner,” “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful”), and some lively and well-choreographed dance numbers, there is much to like in this production.

Hats off to costume designer Janet Swenson and Scenic Designer Kyle Dixon for making this musical so pleasant to look at.

The transition from scullery maid to Cinderella and her carriage uses the latest clever quick-change techniques seen on America’s Got Talent.

The voices are very good, with Laura Yen Solito as Marie (the fairy godmother) bringing the audience to their feet with her incredible voice.

Kat Gold, currently based out of North Kingston, plays the wicked (funny) stepsister, Charlette, taking full advantage of her size and comic abilities, while Kat Moser plays the more empathetic stepsister, Gabriele, gaining the empathy of the audience.

Aidan Cole is most convincing as Topher, the naïve, unsophisticated boy who would be king, fumbling his way through the process of choosing his future queen.

Ophelia Rivera is the perfect Cinderella, abused by her wicked mother (Gay Willis), aided by her fairy godmother, rising from her miserable life to both educate the prince to the injustices in his realm, and, of course, falling in love with him.

This is a fairy tale folks, so you know that things will be neatly wrapped up. The satisfying ending adds some clever writing to the shoe-fitting scene. With some help from the local radical (Tony Harkin), the prince is educated on social issues and democracy in time for the final scene.

“Cinderella” is at Theatre By the Sea Through Aug. 13. Call 782-8587 for tickets.

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