Thespi-honest #8: Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Certified theatre nerd here! I’m going to deep dive into every show I’ve seen in NYC and some memorable tours. Theatre, when it’s added to a fairytale, becomes magical!
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Where: The Broadway Theatre
When: August 2013 & December 2014
Favorite Song(s): Ten Minutes Ago & Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?
During my third trip to NYC with my grandma, our final show of the weekend was Cinderella. When I was younger I used to watch the Brandy and Whitney Houston Cinderella a lot. Originally, this musical was broadcast on television starring Julie Andrews. I was thrilled to hear that finally, they were going to make a stage musical!
The Broadway version that was mounted in 2013 is the story of Cinderella for the most part. The new book by Douglas Carter Beane introduced new characters, a more sympathetic stepsister, and a stronger Cinderella, who values kindness. The book is sweet and delightful, but also hilarious. As I watched the show, it felt like it was written for the actors playing the characters. The score used both the well-known songs from the original version, but also included songs Rodgers and Hammerstein catalog. It fit together very nicely.
When I walked into the theatre, I immediately saw little girls dressed as Cinderella with their families. It was adorable. The first thing I noticed was the beautiful set. It looked like a forest with many trees and leafy vines around the proscenium. I also distinctly remember a beautifully lush clock when Cinderella enters the ball to show the passing of time. The show was great! It’s a perfect family show. One of the most impressive aspects of the show is the costumes and multiple quick changes. The audience is anticipating the transformation of Cinderella and it’s majestic. It feels like you are watching magic happen on stage! This show was very deserving of their Tony Award for Best Costume Design.
The production on Broadway stared Laura Osnes as Cinderella and Santino Fontana as the Prince. Laura Osnes is so beautiful and was a perfect choice for this role. She is a literal Disney princess. She goes around the country doing concerts called The Broadway Princess Party. I was lucky enough to see the concert this past November! Her voice is stunning and she sounds so good on Rodgers and Hammerstein’s music. Santino Fontana, now best known for voicing Hans in Frozen and winning his Tony for Tootsie, played Prince Topher. He is such a modern dreamy prince. He was both adorable and funny, and he can also sing so beautifully.
