By McKenzie Synal
The version of Cinderella that we see at SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem begins with a comedic new character, a rat. Putterman T. Rat to be precise, who welcomes the audience with a song and attempts to ask every child their name before giving up and telling them to all yell their names at once. This audience interaction is key to what makes Cinderella: the Tale of the Glass Slipper the perfect show for children of all ages. I was lucky to attend one of their daily school matinee performances and I honestly think that is the best way to watch this show- surrounded by kids experiencing the joy of live theater for the first time.
The audience’s responses were some of the highlights of the show with them shouting out things like, “That’s mean.” “Oh I love that.” “Are they gonna kiss again? I missed it. So pretty.” “There’s a rat!” “Wow, you go king.” “NOOOO!” “They did it, they kissed again.” “Is it over already?” The kiddo crowd giggled in all the right places, cheer enthusiastically and gasped whenever transformations occur. They especially loved Will Baird as Putterman and the antics of the step-sisters as they chase him across the stage with a gigantic human-sized net and broom.
Initially, the stage is set with a gigantic white book titled Cinderella and of course the magical words, Once Upon a Time. The huge book opens up to reveal the main set, which is the inside of Cinderella’s home. It’s a cozy home complete with a fire pit, kitchen area, and front door. Attention to detail by the many scenic artists is shown in the blackened chimney sweep, mantelpiece with shoot, ornate curtains, and the paintings hanging on the walls. Chase Elison uses a wide variety of magical fairytale lighting throughout the performance to bring the stage to life with midnight blues, soft purples, dreamy oranges, and hazy pinks. The carriage that takes Cinderella to the ball is one of the best ones I’ve seen, with flickering lights outlining it, two white horses leading it, and beautiful flowers and decorations on every surface.
With a small cast of only eight actors, each one pulls their weight and then some as they move props, set pieces, and take on ensemble roles as needed. Baylie Hendry as the Fairy Godmother sings beautifully in “Just Put Your Best Foot Forward” and uses a charming Southern accent. She transforms from the beggar woman to the bedazzling, shimmering fairy godmother. Her costume, designed by Kelsey Seaver, is second only to Cinderella’s enchanting ball gown. I also loved that the men have equally detailed and ornate costumes in this production, specifically the Prince’s frilly white dress shirt and Frederick’s gold suit outfit.
Emma Rollins as Stepsister 1, Lydia Evans as Stepsister 2, and Samantha Frisby as the Stepmother are a delightful and comedic family. Their songs “Just Like Me” and “Dance With Me” are a joy to watch and had children mimicking the silly dance moves done by the stepsisters. When they try to convince the Prince that they have been kind to Cinderella and love her, the audience was so upset that unprompted they shouted out “No, they’re lying. Don’t listen to her!” This shows you how delightful and authentic these actors are. Ben Holt as Frederick/Captain of the Guard is the prince’s sidekick and made me laugh out loud when he hides under the banquet table to escape the stepsisters’ devoted affections at the ball.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Cinderella without beautiful Heidi Hughes as the beleaguered and unappreciated young woman, and dashing Joshua Jones as the Prince. Hughes’ voice is clear and strong in every one of her solo pieces and she brings fantastic harmony to the group numbers. Her ball gown transformation is done offstage, and then covered with a cape to allow for a grand entrance at the ball. Audible gasps floated all round when the spotlights shine on her at the top of the stairs. Jones plays royalty as if he was born to be a nobleman. The Prince and Frederick sing a funny duet, in “Let’s Throw a Ball” and their relationship is hilarious during the “Dance With Me” number.
One of my favorite things about attending shows at the SCERA Center for the Arts is the fantastic display outside the theater filled with details from the show. For Cinderella, the Tale of the Glass Slipper they have a gorgeous ball gown, the classic glass slippers, pumpkins, two white horses, a clock and a red carpet to pose on. This is a perfect place to take photos together as a family and to even bring your little ones dressed up in costume to enjoy the performance.
With a runtime of an hour, this show is perfect for all ages, especially young children and will help create a love for live theater and for the arts. Bring your whole family to enjoy this classic fairytale with new characters and fun interactions. The SCERA Center for the Arts delights all with a happily ever after production. *Photos courtesy of Rachael Gibson
The SCERA Center for the Arts presents Cinderella: the Tale of the Glass Slipper Book, Music and Lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman.
745 S State St, Orem, UT 84058
February 20, 24, 27, March 3, 6, 10, 2023 7:00 PM
Contact: 801-225-2787
Tickets: Adults $8, Child (Ages 3-11)- $6 and Seniors- $6
SCERA Center for the Arts Facebook Page
Cinderella Facebook Event
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