I think I missed out, not growing up watching Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella starring Julie Andrews on television every Christmas. When I think Cinderella, I think Disney. After seeing the latest production of the former version at 5th Avenue Theatre this week, I’m ready to switch sides.
The entire musical goes by in a flash of glittery, over-the-top costumes and dramatic, constantly changing scenery – the storybook screen used in the opening as the Godmother narrates the famous beginning is the perfect start to this fairy tale, and Lionel’s tap number (performed by Greg McCormick, who shines in his every scene) in “The Prince is Giving a Ball” is a great high energy early number.
The story of Cinderella changes slightly with every new cast, and this one brings a constantly positive vibe to a tale that can easily turn self-pitying or even dark. Allen Fitzpatrick and Cynthia Jones have a lovely duet as King and Queen, and great chemistry with one another throughout the musical. Kendra Kassebaum is absolutely perfect as the Fairy Godmother – it’s hard for me to imagine anyone else singing “Fol-De-Rol” and “Impossible” now. And Suzanne Bouchard is wonderfully wicked as the stepmother, without hedging into “pure evil” territory, which wouldn’t have worked well in this production.
I’ve seen Brandon O’Neill in two other 5th Avenue musicals – Aladdin and Saving Aimee – and I’m becoming more and more of a fan. He’s excellent as Prince Christopher; charming, of course, but as he gets to know Cinderella he shows a slightly awkward, nervous side that makes him even more endearing. And Jennifer Paz is easy to love as Cinderella herself; a difficult role to play, as the character could easily come off as vacant and two-dimensional, but Paz does a wonderful job – particularly in “In My Own Little Corner.”
A special note about the wicked stepsisters: they are hilarious. “Stepsisters’ Lament” was my favorite number of the night – Sarah Rudinoff and Nick Garrison work perfectly together, and without a doubt wear the best costumes of the night:
Other noteworthy moments: the Prince’s facial expressions and interaction with the other ladies at the ball during “The Gavotte,” (much of this is due to excellent choreography by Noah Racey and, as always, an outstanding performance by the orchestra); the subtle showing of growing sympathy for Cinderella by the stepsisters during “When You’re Driving Through The Moonlight”; and the most impressive costume change you may ever see on stage during “It’s Possible.”
Cinderella is playing at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle through December 31, 2011. Tickets are available online.
Posted on December 5, 2011
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