Review: ROGERS + HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA is a Magical Experience at the Detroit Opera House

Rogers + Hammerstein's Cinderella is a magical experience at the Detroit Opera House. It tells the beloved tale that is well known to audiences of all ages with a few surprises a long the way. Filled with classic and new songs performed by an amazing cast, stunning costumes, and amazing sets, it is a show not to be missed!

The story of Cinderella is one every adult remembers being told as child. It has been on stage and film in many forms. Rogers + Hammerstein's is no different with their version first airing in 1957 with Julie Andrews as Cinderella and with many other forms of it appearing over the years. Fast forward to 2013, when this revival version debuts on Broadway with a few new additions. It is the same beloved story of Cinderella, her dreams, and her prince, but with added elements that give it a fresh new take by adding a little more comedy, feminism, politics, kindness and a few surprising twists.

Kaitlyn Davidson is Ella, or Cinderella as she is better known, and she is just outstanding. She has this innocence about her as Ella, yet at the same time she commands the stage with a fierceness in her beliefs. It is amazing to watch her during the show. Davidson has the most pure singing voice as well. Every time she sang was just a beautiful moment, especially during her opening number, "In My Own Little Corner," and from that moment on, the audience knew they were in for a special journey with her for the rest of the show.

Andy Huntington Jones plays Topher, the prince. He is just the perfect adaption of an unsure prince trying to find himself, how to rule, and fall in love at the same time. Huntington Jones has a dreamy singing voice that just adds to the character and makes the audience fall in love with him. "Ten Minutes Ago" and "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful" are just some of the duets between Huntington Jones and Davidson and every time they sing together it is a gorgeous moment because their voices blend so well on stage and they have great chemistry throughout the show.

Liz McCartney is Marie and cannot be forgotten from the review because she is fabulous is this production. "Crazy" Marie, as the characters in the show refer to her, is always watching over Cinderella throughout the show, but the audience all knows who she really is - her fairy godmother. McCartney is a joy to watch on stage. She makes the audience fall in love with her through her motherly qualities. Then there her singing voice that is truly wonderful. Her solo of "There's Music in You" is lovely, but fans of the film will be absolutely overjoyed with duet between Davidson and her of "Impossible" and "It's Possible," which is one of the highlights of the entire production between the singing and the magical happenings on the stage.

Rogers + Hammerstein's Cinderella is an epic musical extravaganza from beginning to end. It has everything a production should have: beautiful songs, amazing sets, gorgeous costumes, and a cast that brings it to life in the most exceptional way. It truly is a show that should not be missed while it is here in Michigan at the Detroit Opera House.

Rogers + Hammerstein's Cinderella is currently playing through February 28th at Detroit Opera House. For more information or tickets, visit www.BroadwayInDetroit.com.

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