Review: RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA at Theatre 29
A magical evening for the whole family, weekends through April 12 at Theatre 29
In an enchanting evening of music, magic, and memorable performances, Theatre 29's production of "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella" breathes new life into the classic fairy tale. Directed by Gary Daigneault with Musical Direction by Bill Barrett and Choreography by Karen Gladis, this modern adaptation with a fresh book by Douglas Carter Beane offers a delightful and thought-provoking twist on a story that has charmed audiences for generations.
This production skillfully marries the timeless melodies of Rodgers and Hammerstein with a contemporary narrative that deepens and reimagines the characters. Catt Christine, in the titular role of Cinderella, gives a standout performance, embodying the essence of a character who is both familiar and refreshingly nuanced. Her portrayal is earnest and heartfelt, bringing a sense of hope and resilience to Cinderella that resonates with the audience. Her vocal quality is unmatched and weaves a spell on all young and old(er) alike.
Cameron Ruggiero as Prince Topher exudes charm and sincerity. His chemistry with Christine is palpable, creating a believable and compelling love story that anchors the production. Prince Topher is portrayed not just as a charming royal, but as a young man discovering his own identity and purpose—a narrative choice that adds depth to his character. Every Cinderella story has to have a Fairy Godmother, in this version it is the batty old peasant Marie, brought to life by Cindy Daigneault. Flighty yet wise, this otherworldly vision added whimsy and fun with a sprinkle of fairy dust.
The production's antagonists are brought to life with vigor and flair. Tiffany Crocker delivers a deliciously malevolent performance as Madame, the wicked stepmother. Her presence is commanding, and her interactions with her daughters—Samantha Crocker's hilariously vacuous Charlotte and Dr. Britney Vachon-LaGuardia's introspective Gabrielle—are both comedic and touching. Vachon-LaGuardia adds layers to Gabrielle, depicting her as a dreamer with a kind heart yearning for freedom, even if she doesn’t know what that exactly means.
Richard Zepeda as Sebastian, the prince's scheming advisor, is suitably slimy, adding an element of intrigue and conflict. Meanwhile, Jack McLeod shines as the lovable and earnest Jean-Michel, a character who brings humor and a touch of rebellion to the story. McLeod is not only a fine actor but also a talented dancer, contributing to the vibrant choreography by Karen Gladis that enlivens the stage. The ever faithful Lord Pendleton, played by Joe Rego, was appropriately fraught and frenetic as the herald having the busiest news week of his life!
The visual elements of the production are equally impressive. Gary Daigneault's folding set, enhanced by Kevin Maddrey's scenic design, creates a dynamic and magical kingdom that seamlessly transitions from village streets to royal balls. Tera Bottorff's costume design is both whimsical and elegant, perfectly complementing the characters' personalities and the story's fantastical elements. The transformation sequence, “Impossible” was suitably magical and featured great illusion effects into the ballgown (not once but twice!) that have not been seen on this stage before. Nena Jimenez’s lighting transitioned between indoor and outdoor, from early light to the dead of night seamlessly. If there is one criticism, it would be that I wished that all the principals had been amplified. There were times that I lost a bit of what was sung that would have been remedied with a well tended body mic, which they now possess as state of the art equipment.
The ensemble cast, featuring Addison Scott, Angela Roberts, Charley Shay, Daviahn Thrasher, Francesco Konopka, Isla Keeran, Kaleo Kozell, Katie Scott, Lily Star Prusso, Marina McClay, Nirvana Roberts, Rory Compton, and Nataly Arias, fills the kingdom with vibrancy and energy. Whether portraying townsfolk, soldiers, or elegant ball attendees, their performances are lively and engaging, contributing to the immersive experience of the show.
In a world where fairy tales often remain static, this Cinderella reminds us that even the most familiar stories have new magic to offer. Whether you are a long-time fan of the classic tale or new to its charms, Theatre 29's production promises an evening of enchantment and delight that should not be missed for audiences of all ages.
"Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella" runs on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 PM, and Sundays at 2:30 PM, through April 12. Tickets are exclusively available at theatre29.org or through the box office at (760) 361-4151. Supported by a generous grant from Visit 29. For more events and lodging options, visit visit29.org.
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