Cinderella: CYT 2010
This evening was opening night for CYT's production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. The classic fairytale is retold in this fun-loving musical, where CYT incorporated a bit of familiarity from Disney's classic film (the ball gown and beautifully lit carriage) while staying true to the Rodgers & Hammerstein interpretation of the play.
Cinderella is often considered a romantic fairytale, but this production was strong in comedy! The step-sisters and step-mother portrayed by Anna Burden, Ramsey Self, and Diandra Petersohn, brought laughs to the audience every time they were on stage. The step-mother's clever one-liners, and the sisters' slapstick comedy and creative costumes, lent great humor to the tale. But, the real comedic scene stealers were Michael Reiser and Lucas Dorrell as the Royal servants and messengers. The classic sidekick routines were fun for the whole audience and "The Search" was a creative and humorous chase scene incorporating fun choreography and just a bit of comedic suspense!
The tale of Cinderella would be incomplete without a bit of magic, and the Fairy Godmother, portrayed by Bethany Fay, sprinkled just a bit of magic fairy dust to do the "Impossible" turning four white mice into four white horses, a pumpkin into a beautiful Cinderella Carriage (complete with twinkly lights, much to the satisfaction of the junior princesses in the audience), and most magically of all transforming Cinderella from a simple chambermaid in a torn gown to an exquisite Princess.... this bit of "magic" was the best surprise in the entire production!
Ah, but we can't forget that the fairytale, while fun, magical, and humorous, is - at its heart - still a romance. The leads, portrayed by Hannah Beck and Derick Petersohn, were well cast in their roles as Cinderella and Prince Charming. As a mom, I was grateful that the story revealed their shared interests and admiration for one another's kindness, consideration, and sense of adventure and not just a physical attraction based on beautiful dresses and royal status.
If your family is looking for affordable, wholesome, family-friendly entertainment this weekend, consider CYT's production of Cinderella.
Cinderella is performed at the YouthFront Auditorium (4715 Rainbow Blvd, Shawnee Mission KS). Visit www.CYTKC.org for more information.
Performance Dates & Times:
Thursday, April 29th - 7:00 pm
Friday, April 30th - 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 1st - 2:00 pm
Saturday, May 1st - 7:00 pm
School Day Performances
Friday, April 30th - 10:00 am