‘Cinderella’ is Filled with Music and Magic

‘Cinderella’ A Review

If you are looking to enjoy some magic this month, plan a visit to the Paper Mill Playhouse to see their production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.  This second show of the 2019 – 2020 season features music by the legendary team of Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.  Additionally, it features a new book by Douglas Carter Beane and original book by Oscar Hammerstein II.  The cast is fabulous and the special effects that happen live on stage make for a show that is magical and one that the entire family can enjoy.

Mark S. Hoebee serves as Director with choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter and music direction by Michael Borth. This team creates a world of onstage fantasy that is apparent from the opening notes that the marvelous orchestra plays. Most people already know the story of Cinderella, yet they worked with their creative/production team to give it an interesting new look. This new book served as the basis for the Broadway production in 2013. It adds just enough to make it more than just a girl gets a prince fairy tale. The show is great fun to see and certain to be one that will stay with you for a long time.

“Cinderella’ with New Additions

As many fantasy tales do, Cinderella opens in the town’s local forest where Ella and the Chorus open the show with a song. As they finish, Topler makes his first appearance as he takes down a giant that is invading the area. This seems to be something he does regularly as he is in training as the Prince in the area scheduled to be crowned as King. His parents left him in the care of Sebastian who plans to be the main controlling force in the kingdom though his devious methods unbeknown to Topler.

This opening scene is the first time that Ella and Topler meet and they both sense that there is some special connection between them. So when Topler announces that he will hold a ball to meet a future wife, Ella tries to find a way to go. Of course, she is blocked by her nasty stepmother, Madam who wants one of her own daughters, Gabrielle and Charlotte, to go for the Prince.

And so the tale goes on. Ella eventually gets to the ball, is lovely, and she and the Prince fall madly in love. But at midnight, she returns to her rags. She doesn’t loose her slipper right away; that happens after a second event. The Prince searches for the owner of the slipper and of course Ella is the last one to try it on and it fits!

Updating, Changes, and the Magic

One of the changes from the traditional tale comes from a new character, Jean-Michel who acts as a revolutionary in the town. He searches for a way to speak to the Prince about how his team has been confiscating land from the people. He tells Ella of the situation and she acts as an intermediary by telling the Prince of the problem. The two men eventually meet and work to solve the problem.

This new addition provides a good path to keep updating the way Princesses are becoming more modern-day women.  But this is still a fairy tale and as such, some magic is needed. And magic it is as the day of the Prince’s Ball arrives. Ella, left behind in rags, meets up with Marie, an old poor woman from the forest. She has been in disguise and is, yes you guessed it, Ella’s Fairy Godmother! With the wave of her wand, Ella’s dress is transformed into a beautiful white ball gown. Her pumpkin becomes a lovely coach and her two animal friends, become humans to serve as the coachmen.

No, we’re not going to tell you how it all happens live on stage. But you can see it happen right before your eyes when you see this show. Special recognition goes to the production team for their extraordinary work to make all that magic happen. Scenic design is by Anna Louizos.  The beautiful costumes are from costume designer William Ivey Long with costume coordination by Tom Beall. To add to the effects is lighting design by Charlie Morrison, sound design by Matt Kraus and hair and wig design by Paul Huntley.  The Production Stage Manager is Andrea Cibelli.

Yes, it is a lovely story. But there are also some very beautiful songs and dance numbers in the show. Musical theater history is richer because of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s songs and some from this show that stand out are “In My Own Little Corner,” “A Lovely Night,” and “There’s Music in You.”

Cast

Ashley Blanchet is wonderful as she plays Ella who is a kind but very competent person as she tries to find her place in the world. She sings beautifully and is able to make the character absolutely charming . Billy Harrigan Tighe plays Prince Topher as a young man trying to find his way in the world. He is gracious and very much a gentleman as he finds the love of his life and seeks to make her his. His stage persona has a real openness which is a plus to the character.

Donna English plays Marie who transforms into the Fairy Godmother. Her voice is a standout as she warmly helps Ella prepare her way to the ball. Rose Hemingway as Gabrielle gives hints immediately that she is not a mean character and she charms the stage with her presence. Dee Hoty plays the domineering mother called Madame with that snotty attitude that fits the character so well. Andrew Kober gives a wonderful performance as Jean-Michel. Angel Lin add humor to the show as Charlotte, Christopher Sieber is conniving as Sebastian and Michael Wayne Wordly plays a distinguished Lord Pinkleton.

Rounding out the cast are John Barsoian, Kelly Berman, Antonio Beverly, Erin Burniston, Monica Cioffi, Taeler Cyrus, Richard Gatta, and Ricky Loftus George. Also playing in the cast are Christopher M. Howard, Derek Luscutoff, Kate Marilley, John Peterson, Dave Schoonover, Cynthia Thorne, Leslie Blake Walker, Isabella Ward, CorBen Williams and Minami Yusui.

 Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella will be performed at Paper Mill Playhouse eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Check their website at www.PaperMill.org for special holiday performance schedules. Tickets start at $32 and may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343, at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.PaperMill.org. Students may order $20 rush tickets over the phone or in person at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office on the day of the performance.

Accessibility Performances

Audio-Described Performances: Saturday, December 14, 2019, at 1:30pm and Sunday, December 15, 2019, at 1:30pm. Prior to these performances at noon, the theater will offer free sensory seminars. Sensory seminars offer an opportunity for patrons with vision loss to hear a live, in-depth description of the production elements of the show and hands-on interaction with key sets, props, and costumes. 

Sign-Interpreted and Open-captioned Performance: This will be on Sunday, December 15, 2019, at 7:00pm.

 Autism-Friendly Performance: Wednesday, December 26, at 1:30pm. This performance is designed specifically for children on the autism spectrum or with other developmental disabilities and is planned in cooperation with Paper Mill Playhouse’s Autism Advisory Team. The theater environment will be altered for this performance, providing a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming to all families. The performance itself will be adjusted with special attention paid to lighting and sound.  For tickets to this special performance, please call the Paper Mill Playhouse box office at 973-376-4343 or visit www.PaperMill.org/autism.

Coat Drive

Paper Mill Playhouse will once again, be a collection point for this year’s Jersey Cares Coat Drive during the run of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.  For the past 23 years, The Jersey Cares Coat Drive has mobilized the collection and distribution of thousands of “gently used” winter coats to men, women, children, and infants in need. Last year, Jersey Cares collected more than 30,000 coats throughout the state of New Jersey.  Paper Mill Playhouse has been a collection partner for more than a decade and will be collecting gently used winter coats from November 1 through December 29, 2019. Collection of coats will take place in the lobby at Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ.

 Free Audience Enrichment Activities

Conversation Club: Thursday evenings, December 5, 12, and 19 one hour before curtain for an informal, informative gathering. You’ll learn more about the performance you’re about to see.

Q&A With The Cast: After the matinee on Saturday, December 14 stick around for a lively Q&A with cast members directly following the performance.