Review: EVER AFTER at Phoenix Theatre Company
The production runs through June 14th at The Phoenix Theatre Company in Phoenix, AZ
Love is all about finding the right person and fighting for them. Based on the 1998 film with the same title, EVER AFTER is a musical take on the classic Cinderella story. The Phoenix Theatre Company’s production is a beautiful and very funny rendition of the musical.
The Cinderella in this story is Danielle de Barbarc (Bailee Enderbrock). She is strong, well-read, and feisty with a caring heart. Like the classic tale, Danielle’s father, Auguste (Jesse Sharp), remarries after the death of Danielle’s mother. Shortly after his marriage to Rodmilla de Ghent (Lisa Howard), Auguste dies, leaving Danielle feeling responsible for taking care of her stepmother and stepsisters, Marguerite (Grace Rogers) and Jacqueline (Andrea Macasaet). While disguised as a countess trying to rescue her servant friend, Laurent (Teddy Ladley), from being sent to America after Rodmilla sold him, she meets Prince Henry. At the performance I attended, Prince Henry was played by understudy Alexander Mendoza. Henry is quickly smitten with Danielle, and their love story begins. As Henry falls in love with the ‘countess,’ all the ladies in the kingdom try their best to woo him after his engagement is broken with the princess of Spain due to his disinterest in marrying someone he does not love. Included in these ladies is Marguerite, as Rodmilla hatches a scheme to make her the next king of Spain. This take on the classic Cinderella story is fun and full of very funny moments. Despite the lack of magic, with Leonardo da Vinci (David Garrison) taking on the role of the fairy godmother, the production and the grand love story still feel magical.
There were several stand-out performances from the cast. Lisa Howard’s performance as Rodmilla de Ghent was a compelling take on the evil stepmother. While just as evil as any other rendition of the story, Rodmilla is manipulative and cunning. Instead of being outright completely horrible, the true extent of her evilness is revealed to the audience and Danielle throughout the performance. In addition to the great take on the character, Howard’s acting was strong, and her voice was powerful. She was the perfect cast for a villain who can command the room.
Bailee Enderbrock’s performance as Danielle was fun to watch. Danielle is the perfect rendition of a Cinderella for a modern audience; she keeps the classic features of a Cinderella character, kind and thoughtful, but adds the female empowerment and strength that today’s young girls should be seeing. Her singing and comedic timing worked well with Alexander Mendoza’s portrayal of Henry. Mendoza’s performance was extremely funny. They were a great fit to play a romcom couple.
Leonardo da Vinci was a creative take on the fairy godmother that worked surprisingly well. His grounded nature, compared to the other characters, when discussing love and overall presence, makes for many comedic scenes. David Garrison played the role perfectly. His demeanor and delivery were the perfect example of someone who is two steps ahead of everyone else and trying to create order.
The play's design, by Reid Thompson, was beautiful. From walking in and seeing the curtain, to the curtain rising to reveal the several beautiful sets portraying France. The way the sets look is fittingly reminiscent of a storybook, helping the audience feel immersed in the fairy tale world. The costume, by designer Kish Finnegan, was just as stunning. For any period piece, the costumes are a vital part to set the tone. They are especially important in EVER AFTER as the costuming and their relation to class are relevant to the plot and Danielle’s disguise. The production team nailed all elements of the design.
The music and lyrics by Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler, respectively, were a lot of fun. The more comedic numbers especially stood out when combined with the talent of the orchestra and actors. The music is at its strongest when it is given the opportunity to be clever, which is what makes comedic numbers shine. The ensemble numbers were always very exciting. Billy Griffin did an excellent job of choreographing the numerous dances throughout the production. There is a good mix of different dance styles, keeping the audience members excited for what dance will come next.
EVER AFTER is a funny, optimistic, and dreamy love story perfect for any musical lover. It is a beautiful reminder of the magic of being in love and the strength that having the love of other people can provide. EVER AFTER at the Phoenix Theatre Company is an exciting and refreshing experience for audience members of all ages.
EVER AFTER plays at Phoenix Theatre Company through June 14h.
The Phoenix Theatre Company – https://phoenixtheatre.com — 602-254-2151
Venue: The Phoenix Theatre Company – 1825 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Photo Credit to Bailey Crawford.
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