Natalie Girard

Rodger's + Hammerstein's Cinderella, the 2013 Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, is here this weekend for a limited engagement at the Fox Theatre in Detroit as part of the Fox Theatre Series. With its fresh new take on the beloved tale of a young woman who is transformed from a chambermaid into a princess, this hilarious and romantic Cinderella combines the story's classic elements - glass slippers, pumpkin, and a beautiful ball along with some surprising twists. More than just a pretty face with the right shoe size, this Cinderella is a contemporary figure living in a fairytale setting. She is a spirited young woman with savvy and soul who doesn't let her rags or her gowns trip her up in her quest for kindness, compassion and forgiveness. She longs to escape the drudgery of her work at home and instead work to make the world a better place. She not only fights for her own dreams, but forces the prince to open his eyes to the world around him and realize his dreams too. BroadwayWorld Detroit had a moment to speak with Sarah Smith, currently on the road with Cinderella, about her character and the magical show. Read our conversation with her below to get excited when Rodger's Hammerstein's Cinderella comes to Detroit for a magical time this weekend!

No doubt you will see tiaras, beautiful ball gowns, slippers made of glass, pumpkins, a Prince, and a clock striking midnight in the current touring production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. Yes, the modern production keeps all those familiar things from the fairytale and the original 1957 musical starring Julie Andrews intact. However, this production - like the most recent Broadway revival on which it is based - features a new book by Douglas Carter Beane (2013 adaptation).  He gives the audience new characters and a more sympathetic stepsister.  He also provides the Prince with a story/personality and grants Cinderella the power to decide her own destiny.  Put succinctly, there are many socio-political undertones within the story and the characters that inhabit it.

A little after the clock struck on the half hour, the national touring production of Cinderella began. At the top of show, puppetry ensues with a massive praying mantis taking center stage that is eventually defeated by Prince Topher, played by Lukas James Miller. Then the audience quickly understands that we are in for one magical night of folderol and fiddle dee that somehow becomes entirely possible live on stage. From start to finish, the fairytale is richly presented with wonderfully well-cast performers, delightful performances, and gorgeous classic music and lyrics by the famed writing team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.

Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the fathers of the modern American musical, were advocates of social responsibility. In OKLAHOMA, they stressed the building of community. In SOUTH PACIFIC they pegged prejudice. In THE KING AND I, the duo examined intercultural understandings.

Casting has been announced for the 2018-19 national tour of Cinderella launching in November.

The City of Cleveland Heights announces the regional premiere of ROCK OF AGES will be produced in the Alma Theater June 8-25 as part of Cain Park?s 2017 season. Newly appointed Cain Park Theater Artistic Director Joanna May Hunkins will direct, with music direction by Jordan Cooper. ROCK OF AGES is a Tony-nominated Broadway musical that features a book by Chris D'Arienzo, arrangements and orchestrations by Ethan Popp and the classic rock hits of bands including Bon Jovi, Styx, Journey, Whitesnake, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, and others.

Victoria Theatre Association (VTA) begins the seventh season of the successful lunchtime arts preview series, Mid-Day Arts Cafe, Today, Sept. 20, 2016 in the Mathile Theatre, located inside the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center. September's Mid-Day Arts Cafe features a preview of Victoria Theatre Association's 2016-2017 Season showcasing Wright State University's (WSU) Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Picture students.

Victoria Theatre Association (VTA) begins the seventh season of the successful lunchtime arts preview series, Mid-Day Arts Cafe, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016 in the Mathile Theatre, located inside the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center. September's Mid-Day Arts Cafe features a preview of Victoria Theatre Association's 2016-2017 Season showcasing Wright State University's (WSU) Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Picture students.