The Company Theatre proves that magic does not just come from a wand in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.  

Boasting more magic than other popular adaptations, Cinderella brings to light the virtues of being humble, loyal, generous, and yearning to make a difference in the world.  What is wonderful about this adaptation is Rodgers and Hammerstein invites the audience to root for the Prince as much as Cinderella herself.

Resourcefully co-directed by Zoe Bradford and Sally Ashton Forrest with lively musical direction by Steve Bass, The Company Theatre continues Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella live and in person at the Company Theatre in Norwell, Massachusetts through December 17.  Based on the book by Oscar Hammerstein II and a new book by Douglas Carter Beane, this family-friendly musical is approximately two hours with one intermission and appealing for all ages.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

The Company Theatre always has a way to make the holidays a bit brighter with their December show.  Whether bathed in starlight or snow,  Ryan Barrow’s moving set fluctuates from a modest village landscape including towering forest,  rustic well and a vine crept stone wall to glimmering and fanciful surroundings featuring a large golden clock, a sophisticated marble staircase, pristine white florals, crystal chandeliers, and a gold embroidered living room.  Dean Palmer Jr’s warm lighting and Ellie De Lucia’s radiant costume design eloquently depicts the musical’s mid to late 1800s setting through illuminating candlesticks and lanterns, opulent gowns, and gold embroidered suits and vests. 

Rodgers and Hammerstein create a robust fairy tale with Cinderella that features characters fleshed out much more soundly than other adaptations.  The only adaptation that may come close is the imaginative 1998 film based on the Charles Perrault fairytale, Ever After:  A Cinderella Story starring Drew Barrymore. 

Cinderella features an exuberant cast in this smart and warmhearted fairytale.  Prince Topher, portrayed with shrewd charisma by Sean Donnelly, is valiant, humble, good humored, and protective, proving his virtue in every aspect of his performance.  What is wonderful about these characters is it is not just understood who they are. They are not stereotypes, but consistently showing their mettle by growing and transforming in significant and unpredictable ways.

Could an ugly stepsister have her own love interest?  In this story, anything is possible.  Rather than a rehash or a contemporary twist, this twist is rather timeless.   It has much more to offer than the often simplistic style of Cinderella’s tale.

Cinderella focuses on a humble young girl who is a servant to her wicked stepmother and ugly stepsisters.  However, when the kingdom announces a masked ball for Prince Topher to find a wife in order to become king, every maiden in the kingdom is clamoring for an invitation.

Donnelly’s Prince Topher is handsome, generous, and a practical dreamer that protects his kingdom from any threat that comes its way.  However, he also questions his place in the world, knowing he has much more to offer than his lot in life as King as expressed insightfully in the upbeat Me, Who I Am in a compelling duet with Melissa Paz as Cinderella.  Both also shine for the lyrically rich number Ten Minutes Ago.  Donnelly depicts Topher with dignity and sincerity, making it easy to root for such a character on his own virtues.  He shares some complex scenes with Christopher Hagberg as Sebastian who spends his time raising the Prince and overseeing the kingdom.  Status conscience and mysterious, Sebastian provides a unique vision of the Prince’s future.

Wearing a kerchief and simple blue skirt, Ella, who is nicknamed Cinderella, is witty, selfless and compassionate.  A bright and soaring soprano, Paz as Cinderella works without complaining and tolerating every cruelty she encounters without repayment.  She is also obedient under the most ridiculous of demands.  She befriends adorable and comical puppet woodland creatures who bop to the music, sing along, and every once in awhile, scene steal in their own right. 

Cinderella’s ugly stepsisters are not a pair of braying bookends, as some adaptations suggest.  They are individuals with their own goals in mind.  Melissa Carubia portrays awkward, bashful yet clever Gabrielle and Emily Lyons depicts narcissistic and brutally frank Charlotte.  Both have excellent comic timing.  Lyons shines in an array of humorous quips for the animated Stepsister’s Lament.  Obsessed with status and wealth, Vickie Gerard-Culligan as status hungry Madame is often flagrant and nonchalantly cruel as she wraps herself in her own little world.  Gerard-Culligan reveals a fascinating side to Madame briefly in a delightful rendition of Lovely Night with Gabrielle, Charlotte, and Cinderella, but is always focused on exactly what she wants.

Ryan Rappaport delivers a zealous performance as purposeful revolutionist Jean-Michel, but could not help but think of him at times as a character missing from Les Miserables.  He is determined to change the world and every change starts at home.  With playful and powerful vocals, Joey Thordarson is a riot as distinguished town crier Lord Pinkelton, gleeful in his important work.

Always amazing Dru Daniels as Marie is much more than she seems, delivering inspiring showstopper There’s Music in You and the catchy signature tune, It’s Possible.  

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella offers timeless and rich commentary on this classic tale with a beautiful and important message about believing in the impossible.  Even adults may shed a happy tear or two.

Resourcefully co-directed by Zoe Bradford and Sally Ashton Forrest with lively musical direction by Steve Bass, The Company Theatre continues Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella live and in person at the Company Theatre in Norwell, Massachusetts through December 17.  Based on the book by Oscar Hammerstein II and a new book by Douglas Carter Beane, this family-friendly musical is approximately two hours with one intermission and appealing for all ages.  Click here for more information and for tickets.