In their own little corner of Richmond, Gateway Theatre brings the Tony Award-winning Broadway Musical Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella to the stage.
First written and composed for a 1957 TV adaptation starring Julie Andrews, the stage version, with an updated 2013 book by Douglas Carter Beane, maintains the timeless music of Richard Rodgers and lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein but adapts the story slightly, introducing new characters and altering others. Though a Cinderella for the modern age, the show still has the fairy tale charm and romance, with some added contemporary wit and wisdom.
Without stepping too far away from the classic fairy-tale, that’s been loved for generations, the Gateway creative team, Director Johanna Wright, Music Director Sean Bayntun and Choreographer Nicol Spinola keep the production fresh and modern. Sophie Tang and Jennifer Stewart’s set design fills the stage with a practical, whimsical, and literal storybook setting. Costumes by Alaia Hamer bring fantasy to life, giving the characters the colour and character to leap from page to stage.
Following in the glass-slippered footsteps of Julie Andrews, Lesley Ann Warren, Brandy, Carly Rae Jepson and others, Ali Watson’s Cinderella is a blithe spirit, filling her world with kindness and light, even in the face of oppression. As Prince Topher, the fresh from University, soon-to-be King, Kamyar Pazandeh embodies the description of the prince; a charming, handsome, noble, naive, kind-hearted, idealist, baritone. With a dynamic leading duo to anchor the production, the supporting cast is allowed to shine. Each time Caitriona Murphy, as Marie, twirls on stage it feels like there should be a panto-like cheer for her good fairy-godmother.
As a counter balance, jeers would be shouted at Lossen Chambers’ deliciously villainous Madame, Cinderella’s stepmother. In this version, the step-sisters aren’t evil, Gabrielle, played by Danica Kobayashi (who is also Dance Captain) is kind-hearted, and sympathetic to Cinderella, and secretly in love with a rebellious new character, Jean-Michelle (Ben Brown). Sarah Cantuba, as the vapid, brutish stepsister Charlotte brings brilliant comic relief with cartoon-like physical antics. Prince Topher is supported by the Lord Chancellor Sebastian, coolly played by Tainul Kuru to not give away his duplicitous nature. The Town Crier is meant to command attention and as Lord Pinkleton, Ryan Maschke certainly does that with elegant movement and presence. Filling the stage with the townsfolk and royal court, the charming ensemble and dancers includes the standouts; Jaren Guerreiro and Darian Ngai, who leap into action as they transform from woodland creatures to Cinderella’s footmen. As always, a Gateway Theatre Holiday Musical includes a children’s ensemble; Aldryn Saplala and Ariel Liu; members of the Gateway Academy.
With a timeless tale, iconic music and an award-winning story performed by a stellar cast Gateway Theatre’s Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is a perfect outing for the whole family this holiday season! Catch it before the production closes December 31st, showtimes and tickets are available online at gatewaytheatre.com