How would you create Cinderella as a modern woman? Would she still be at the mercy of her evil Stepmother and Stepsisters? Would she marry the Prince without really knowing a thing about him? Well, for the Northwest Children’s Theater it is a little bit of both with a present day twist on the old fairytale.
The story opens with our narrator Armando, played magnificently by John Ellingson; he is a lively addition to the tale, weaving the story with colorful commentary and great introduction of characters. Armando is dressed head to toe in purple and speaks with a comical accent, think Antonio Banderas meets Jack Black, that keeps you entertained throughout.He introduces us to Cinderella, played beautifully by Sophie MacKay; her modern rags are not a dress, but a 1970s pants suit. She sings her woes, not of working all day, but how she “Just Wants to Dance”. When she breaks into a tap dance number, you know you have been introduced to a totally new take on Cinderella.
We come to learn that dance is all Cinderella and the Prince want to do. There is a bit of the same tale intertwined throughout, with her over the top Stepsisters and Stepmother, and her Fairy Godmother is included as well, who also serves as her dance instructor. Yet, what I really found impressive is the introduction of an ensemble of 16 tap dancers for numerous dance numbers throughout the play.
The dancing is really what sets Cinderella apart. From Armando dancing the tango with multiple female dancers during “Rejection Can Be So Sweet” to the final Charleston like number with 20 dancers on stage in unison tapping and singing I was thoroughly entertained. The original songs are also very delightful, and the true talent that is exhibited with song and dance for these actors is what really makes this version a must see for children and adults alike.
Cinderella is running now through May 26 at the Northwest Children’s Theater, please visit http://nwcts.org/ to find out more on this enjoyable family play.
