By Alayna Een
I believe that there’s an inherent magic to outdoor theatre, and that magic—in addition to the fun fol-de-rol and fiddledy in the story itself—is on full display in Sundance Summer Theater’s Cinderella, produced in partnership with Utah Valley University in Provo, Utah. The open sky and mountain surroundings instantly transport you to the kingdom, and the strings of lights hanging from trees and lining your path to the amphitheater portend the forthcoming fairy magic. The onstage scenery (designed by Milinda Weeks) is simple but elegant, with staircases that move with as much grace as the dancers around them to create different formations and sets, but the mechanical marvel of the four galloping horses and the gilded carriage are true showstoppers. The sound (designed by Grace Heinz) and lighting (designed by Matt Taylor) effortlessly complement and highlight the action on stage and work well within the natural setting. Director Rob Moffat aspires to enchant, uplift, and inspire the audience through this performance of the updated Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and this dream is far from “Impossible” with his talented direction and the incredible cast and crew.
The ensemble for this production is spectacularly talented. Good actors deliver their lines and perform when they have the spotlight. Great actors own their characters in every moment and movement, whether on centerstage or in the background—and that’s what the ensemble did. They expertly execute Adam Ray Dyer’s beautiful choreography throughout the show and twist in kaleidoscopes of color in the ballroom scenes (choreographer Eric Ascione). Featured ensemble members Cassidy Riggs (Fox) and Emerson Earnshaw (Racoon) are nimble and engaging, and town crier Lord Pinkleton (Wade Flanagan) keeps the audience laughing.
The supercilious and mildly sinister Sebastian (Bradley Moss) and the ridicule-prone Madame (Amanda Crabb) brilliantly walk the line between humor and villainy. Erica Schoebinger is very funny as Charlotte, the mean and ditzy stepsister. The secondary plot centers on the budding romance between Ella’s sympathetic stepsister Gabrielle (Emma Wadsworth) and the rabble-rouser Jean-Michel (Brendan Hanks), who is a carbon copy of Fiddler on the Roof’s Perchik. Wadsworth is both sincere and flirtatious, and she plays great against Hanks’s timid but determined suitor.
Dallin Suman is charming as Prince Topher, and I love the sincerity he brings to the role. Lizzy Jensen makes a picture-perfect Ella, and she has great vocal command in her songs. In this version, Ella and Topher interact a lot more than in the typical fairytale telling, and their scenes together are delightful. But no Cinderella is complete without a fairy godmother, and Nikole York’s Marie makes all the magic possible. York is an incredible character vocalist who brings flair to the fabulous fairy godmother and is unmatched in her character commitment and improvised moments. Though maybe the true fairy godmothers are Spencer Potter (costume design) and Kate Backman (hair and makeup design), who crafted all the magical onstage costume transformations and breathtaking ballgowns and updos.
Cinderella has always been a tale of magic and goodness, but this adaptation follows the trend of focusing on kindness—an excellent message for us all. It’s good to know that this family-friendly musical starts at 8 p.m. and is outdoors, so I’d recommend bringing a blanket and a jacket in case of inclement weather. There is a shuttle service from the parking lot to the amphitheater, so plan a little extra time for that as well. Get your tickets to see Sundance Summer Theater’s Cinderella, produced in partnership with Utah Valley University in Provo, Utah—you’re in for a lovely night!
Sundance Mountain Resort and Utah Valley University present Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
Eccles Outdoor Theater, 8841 Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Sundance, UT 84604
July 21 – August 13, 2022 and 8:00 PM
Tickets: $28 – $48
Dinner (separate ticketed event): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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Sundance Resort Website
Cinderella Digital Program
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