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 Step mom and ugly(?) step sisters |
Cast List Cinderella
Glenna Lewis |
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Chef/Dancer
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Production Staff Director.................Fred
Szczepanski |
Record-Eagle, July 18, 2000, Nancy Sundstrum, Reveiwer.
It's been more than 10 years since Old Town Playhouse (OTP) has performed Rodgers & Hammerstein's version of "Cinderella," but judging from the delighted faces of the many youngsters in the audience for opening night this past Friday, the wait to see the beloved tale brought to life on stage was worth it.
After all, Director/Music Director Fred Szczepanski's production has all the right elements - a radiant Cinderella, a handsome prince, a hysterical trio in the stepmother and stepsisters, and of course, a glorious, if somewhat lesser known score by Rodgers & Hammerstein that includes songs like "Ten Minutes Ago," "Impossible," "In My Own Little Corner," "A Lovely Night," and "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful."
Heading up a cast of new and familiar faces on the OTP stage are Glenna Lewis as Cinderella and Christopher Eichenlaub as the Prince.
Lewis is nothing less than glowing, and her confidence as a performer doesn't give any hint that this is, in fact, the first time she has ever been on stage. Let's hope it's not the last, because Lewis is a natural, with a lovely soprano voice to match her poise. Her Cinderella is dreamy, sincere, and has the right sort of chemistry with Eichenlaub, especially in their duets. As the young Prince Christopher, his voice is strong and he effectively communicates a range of emotions, from boredom and frustration to enchantment.
The delightful duo of Larry Hains and Jean St. Germain play the King and Queen who believe it's time for their son to find a bride. Hains has become one of the best comedic actors at OTP, and his flawless sense of timing here is a complement to St. Germain's patient, elegant Queen. They make the most of their first act number together, "Boys and Girls Like You and Me."
Cindy Monroe, Amy Warner, and Bobbi Hudson play Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters, Portia and Joy, respectively, and are a true hit with the audience. Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote them to be comic foils, as opposed to the more sinister trio from the classic Disney version of the story, and the threesome gleefully seize their opportunities. Warner was an especially big hit with the audience, who found her goofy snorting when she laughs irresistible, and her song with Hudson, "Stepsister's Lament," was perfectly played by the pair. And don't miss the look on Monroe's face as she plays flowergirl at Cinderella's wedding at the show's end.
Nan Worthington rounds out the leads as the Godmother who manages to show up in the nick of time to make magic happen, and truly seems to enjoy doing so.
First-time director Szczepanski has been given an able assist from his production team in pulling off the show's considerable technical challenges. Choreographer Nicolle Girard got an entire ensemble to waltz gracefully; Costume Designer Kathy Verstraete works her usual miracles in dressing that ensemble in ball gowns, and coordinating costumes and set colors; Phil Murphy provided a simple, yet utilitarian set that is well lit by Marty Phillips; and Musical Director Denise Elsenheimer heads up the orchestra.
This is an enjoyable and winning version of the timeless tale, so do yourself a favor and make your reservations early, as tickets will most likely sell out for the show's two remaining weekends. "Cinderella" plays July 20-23, and 27-29, with all performances at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and students on Thursdays only, and $12 for children on Thursdays and Sundays, and are available by calling the OTP Box Office at (231) 947-2443.
