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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella Also see Gil's reviews of Love, Sex and the I.R.S., God's Favorite, and Menopause the Musical
The interesting thing about this production (now officially called Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella) is that it is very different from the TV versions and previous stage productions. While the main story is still intact, there is now an updated book by Douglas Carter Beane as well as a few songs that Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote for other musicals and movies, most of which were eventually cut from those works. This updated book provides multiple layers for almost all of the characters, turning them from what were previously fairly one-dimensional and almost stereotypical characters into more realistic ones. Beane's book includes a good amount of humor as well. While the main focus of the story is still on the budding relationship between Cinderella and the Prince, there is now a larger emphasis on the other members of the fairy tale land. Cinderella shows the Prince the injustice that is happening to those around him and introduces him to the less fortunate members of his kingdom. In doing so, Beane has interestingly crafted a story that transforms this somewhat simple fairy tale into one of social injustice as well as a battle of cruelty verses kindness. Several new or beefed up characters add a new dimension not only to the story but also help us see, along with the Prince, what is happening around him. As Cinderella, Paige Faure has a natural ease at handling the part. She doesn't come across as saccharine, which is as much a tribute to her abilities as it is to Beane's updated book. Her vocals are clear and solid, with a keen understanding and delivery of Hammerstein's lyrics. Her delivery of "In My Own Little Corner" is perfectly balanced with the excitement of the adventurous lyrics and the keen sense of reality that Cinderella's unfortunate predicament entails. In the part of the Prince, Andy Jones easily tackles the task at hand, portraying someone who at first seems to have no care in the world but becomes more in touch with the reality that is happening around him. He has a natural ability to make this initially one dimensional character into something much more, and also to belt out some of the most romantic songs in the Rodgers and Hammerstein catalog. His performances of "Ten Minutes Ago" and "Loneliness of Evening" are gorgeous. Both Faure and Jones played these parts on Broadway, so they clearly have plenty of practice plus a fine understanding of what the roles require to make them successful. Beane has beefed up the part of Cinderella's Fairy Godmother, now named Marie, to a more commanding role, one which provides Kecia Lewis two very different characters to play, both of which she expertly handles. Her connection with Faure is realistic; I like the added humorous touch Lewis brings to the part, and her soaring ballad in act two, "There's Music in You" is a nice addition that really rounds out the role. As Cinderella's wicked stepmother, understudy Paige Williams is perfectly adept at handling the nasty side of the part, and delivers the humorous lines and several songs with ease. In smaller parts both Aymee Garcia and Kaitlyn Davidson are fun as Cinderella's two stepsisters, with Garcia hilarious and Davidson sympathetic to Cinderella, which is a really nice change to the book. David Andino as the new character Jean-Michel adds a nice amount of depth to the story. Branch Woodman and Antoine L. Smith portray the Prince's closet members of his staff and both do good work. Smith has a deep, soaring voice which he is able to show off several times during the show. Direction by Mark Brokaw is perfect, with the show moving along at a fast pace, with creative and smooth transitions between the scenes, but also with plenty of times that the action slows down when required. Josh Rhodes provides a nice and varied amount of choreography, including some spectacular dance sequences at the ball where he also ensures that Faure and Jones are front and center, including several moments of Jones lifting and twirling Faure in tune with the ensemble. Beane's updated book is fresh in how he manages to tweak a few things that we all take for granted in this fairy tale, especially with how Cinderella leaves behind the glass slipper. As far as the songs that have been added to this production, "Loneliness of Evening" and "Now is the Time" were both cut from South Pacific and "There's Music in You" was written for the film Main Street to Broadway and also included in the 1997 TV version of Cinderella that starred Brandy and Whitney Houston. Creative aspects of the show are lush and stunning with truly magical costumes by William Ivey Long, including several that transform into other, more elaborate costumes and an inventive and creative set design by Anna Louizos that includes a multitude of trees that move and some beautiful tapestry drops for the King's court. The lighting design by Ken Posner is extremely effective in seamlessly moving us from one locale to another as well as in effectively portraying various times of day. The magical moments, of which there are many, are masterly handled and result in many gasps and rounds of applause from the audience. Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella is a fresh, updated take on the classic tale with a modern sensibility. It includes some of Rodgers and Hammerstein's most romantic songs, and the national tour of the recent Broadway production is well cast, joyous, and full of magic. Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella runs through March 15th, 2015, at ASU Gammage located at 1200 S. Forest Avenue in Tempe. For tickets, performance schedule, and other information, visit www.asugammage.com or call 480 965-3434. For more information on the tour, visit www.cinderellaonbroadway.com/tour. Directed by James Powell Cast: (in order of appearance)
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