LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill.—The French folk fantasy about a poor young girl whose dream comes true, when she goes from rags to royalty, has had innumerable incarnations. Written by Charles Perrault as “Cendrillon, ou la petite pantoufle de verre” (“Cinderella or the Little Glass Slipper”) in 1697, the tale featuring a fairy godmother, a glass slipper, a pumpkin carriage, and a handsome prince had been popular for so long that the composing team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II turned it into a charming 1957 musical, which starred Julie Andrews.
It was the only musical that the Rodgers and Hammerstein team wrote for television and was watched by millions. This is why it went on to become a stage production on Broadway in 2013. Now, the Marriott’s Theatre for Young Audiences has mounted a spellbinding production that is a holiday gift for children and families.
The Marriott revival is faithful to the fairy tale. It features an evil and abusive stepmother and her two not-very-bright, not-very-attractive stepdaughters, who are invited to a royal ball. The event aims to find a bride for the handsome, young prince. The callous stepmother and her daughters leave Cinderella behind, but a fairy godmother appears to magically make the young outcast’s dream come true. She transforms Cinderella’s drab dress into a gorgeous gown, fits her with glass slippers, and even provides a pumpkin coach to take her to the ball.
The production has all the humor, warmth, and enchantment of the televised version of the musical, and, to its credit, the theater hasn’t lowered its standards because the show is aimed at children. Indeed, as directed by Laura Rook, it has all the magic of the classic fable. It’s a superb production with professional values that make it a delightful musical for adults as well as youngsters.
The production is enhanced by the scenic design of David Geinosky, lighting by Megan Wines, lavish costumes by Rachel Boylan, wigs by Allison Lowery, musical sound design by Michael Daly, and spirited choreography by Katie Johannigman. Last, but not least, the Rodgers and Hammerstein songbook is given superb presentation by musical director Nathan Urdangen, with numbers like “My Own Little Corner” and “Ten Minutes Ago.”
Furthermore, it has a talented ensemble that brings its characters to life. As Cinderella, Jaeda LaVonne has the grace of a dancer and the golden vocals that make her a compelling heroine. Trey DeLuna, as Prince Christopher, is the hero that little girls will love, especially at the climactic moment when the prince slides the glass slipper on Cinderella’s foot.
In addition, the performance by Lillian Castillo as the Fairy Godmother, who waves her magic wand to transform Cinderella from a scullery maid into a lovely young woman, is a standout, especially when she sings the powerful song “Impossible.” Others who contribute fine portrayals include Lorenzo Rush Jr. as the crotchety king and Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel as the self-indulgent queen.
The inspirational show is a splendid way to immerse children in the magic of theater. In the performance I saw, it was a joy to watch kids trying to catch the bubbles drifting down from the ceiling. Many of them dressed for the occasion in princess-style finery and shiny tiaras.
“Cinderella” is not a typical Christmas show, but it overflows with the Christmas spirit of goodness triumphing over evil, characters inspired by hope, and the encouraging message that kindness will be rewarded.
