By Larisa Hicken
Brian Liebson, Leslie Jackson and Tatyana Lubov in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA. © Carol Rosegg
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is part musical, part magic show. If you’re lucky enough to find tickets, throw on your glass slippers and get yourself to the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City now through June 4, 2017. Better yet, bring along the little princess in your life for an unforgettable night of vivid costumes, spectacular sets, and elegant dancing that will have you believing in happily ever after.
The company of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA. © Carol Rosegg
If you’ve ever dreamed of dancing in a gown that moves the world, don’t miss this opportunity to see the dazzling Tony award-winning costume design by William Ivey Long in action. The onstage costume transformations are astonishingly beautiful and not easily forgotten. During the lush ballroom scenes, you’ll find yourself longing to dance in a ballgown, no matter what your age. The ballgowns appear to be inspired by a variety of flowers and plants, and the fairy godmother is clearly a butterfly.
The spectacular costume design is complemented by an impressive set designed by Anna Louizos. An entire house changes from inside to out completely seamlessly and the forest design is a nice contrast to the marble staircase of the royal kingdom.
The company of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA. © Carol Rosegg
Cinderella’s first Broadway version of this classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical underwent a rewrite of the book by Douglas Carter Beane. Instead of a helpless chamber maid, in this plot, Cinderella is a kind, but strong-willed and politically-minded young lady who wants to wear the gown and change the world all at the same time. The prince is called Prince Topher (short for Christopher and a host of other names, including Herman.) The new prince is college educated, but completely clueless to the actions of his villainous mentor who is approving oppressive legislation with a casual borrowing of the royal ring. Now, Cinderella must win the heart of the prince while also opening his eyes to the injustices of the kingdom. Thankfully, the talent of the cast overshadows the awkwardness of some of the new dialogue, which has a few corny one-liners and sarcastic zingers.
The angelic Tatyana Lubov plays an endearing and innocent Cinderella. Her voice is reminiscent of Paige O’Hara who voices Belle in the animated version of Beauty and the Beast. She is well matched with Hayden Stanes as Prince Topher, who manages to turn a dopey character into a charming and dreamy prince. Stanes has a rich voice that will leave you breathless. The two leads have terrific chemistry and their kiss was worth the wait.
Hayden Stanes and Tatyana Lubov in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA. © Carol Rosegg
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Other standout performers are Vincent Davis as Lord Pinkleton, who acts as herald to announce the royal ball and banquet, and Leslie Jackson as Marie (the Fairy Godmother). Davis’ gorgeous tenor voice was made for opera and adds a lot of dazzle and sparkle to his solo numbers. Jackson skillfully portrays the fairy godmother with an infectious smile and vocal acrobatics that will leave you slightly dizzy. Utah native and Utah State University alum, Joanna Johnson plays a sassy and hilarious stepsister, Charlotte.
Vincent B. Davis and the company of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA. © Carol Rosegg
Tour orchestration by Bill Elliott (based on the original Broadway orchestration by Danny Troob) is phenomenal. The score includes the best-known songs from the original version of Cinderella and four additional songs from the R + H library.
This production of Cinderella is the perfect example of the magic that happens when all of the production and design elements come together in perfect harmony with a talented cast and crew.
I spoke with a few enthusiastic young audience members after the show and they agreed with my assessment. “When she came to the ball, that was my favorite,” said Katie Zabriskie, age 8. “I thought it was really fun. I really liked it. The people who played, like, the two animals, they were funny. Yeah, and like the [costume] where she only had the torn pink one up here and suddenly it turned into gold!” said Emma Ball, age 9. Total magic.
I recommend dressing lightly as the theater is warm. The show ends well before the stroke of midnight (around 10:00 PM) and includes a 20-minute intermission. Concessions are available. Visit Broadway.com for more details, to view Cinderella show photos, and to purchase tickets. Prices start at $65.00.
Broadway at the Eccles Presents Cinderella
610 E. South Temple, Suite 20, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
(801) 355-5502
5/30-6/1 7:30 PM, 6/2-6/3 8:00 PM, 6/3 2:00 PM, 6/4 1:00 PM, 6/4 6:30 PM
Note: When putting the address in your GPS, be sure to put the THEATER in (610 E. South Temple, Suite 20, Salt Lake City, UT 84102) and not the Box Office.
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