[NEohioPAL] Review of "Cinderella" by Geauga Lyric Theater Guild

[Bob Abelman]

Geauga Lyric's 'Cinderella' more children's theater than family fare

 

Bob Abelman

News-Herald, Chagrin Valley Times, Solon Times,

The Morning Journal, Geauga Times Courier

Member, American Theatre Critics Association 

 

This review will appear in the News-Herald on 5/11/12

 

 

Of all the social revolutions of the last century, one of the least significant but among the most appreciated is Walt Disney making it acceptable for adults to watch and enjoy fairy tales.  His animated films were meant for children, but their artsy, high-end production values made them interesting and accessible to all. The 1950 film "Cinderella" is a classic example. 

 

CBS followed suit in 1957 with a live, made-for-TV theatrical production of "Cinderella" featuring Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein's remarkable music and lyrics, and starring Julie Andrews in the title role.  The show had the magic, charm and silly humor coveted by kids but the music was for the adults in the room.  The broadcast was seen by over a 100 million viewers, many of whom are still humming "Ten Minutes Ago, "In My Own Little Corner" and "Impossible."

 

CBS remade the broadcast in 1965, starring Lesley Ann Warren in the title role, and a film version was made in 1997 featuring Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother.  More recently, a stage rendition was created and is currently playing on the historic Geauga Theater stage in Chardon. 

 

Handicapped by the inability to perform post production special effects and void of the patented Disney magic, the kid-appeal of the stage show resides in its familiar story, a pretty princess, the full-color pageantry of elaborate costuming and sets, and the hilarious antics of the delightfully dysfunctional step-sisters.

 

The Geauga Lyric Theater production scores high marks in this regard.  

 

Ray Beach's simple set design, featuring a storybook storyboard centerpiece, is as attractive as it is informative for temporally challenged youngsters unable to follow the plot on their own. 

 

Denise Casamento's delightful costuming clearly defines each character and fills the stage with bright hues and flowing material.  Cinderella's wardrobe, in particular, beautifully facilitates her transformations from humble housekeeper to elegant party-goer to princess-bride (though her time-consuming costume changes test younger children's attention spans and bladder control).

 

What children are most responsive to, however, are the playful antics of Amanda Heywood Houlahan and Sarah Wyatt as the step-sisters Joy and Portia.  These two have all the gifts of vaudevillian clowns-keen comic timing, physical dexterity, and faces made to amuse-and the show is a romp for young children as a result.  The step-mother is a less interesting third-wheel in the play, but Brenda Zapotosky's comedic portrayal adds to the fun. 

 

For adults, this show is less successful.  

 

The brilliance of Rodgers and Hammerstein begs for-no, demands-full orchestration or, at least, more than just the keyboards, bass and percussion it is offered here to do it justice.  The music, under Julie Connair's direction, lacks depth, energy, and the good intentions of its creators.  

 

So too do the performances of Meg May as Cinderella, Adam Kapis as her Prince, and Lyn Phoenix as the Fairy Godmother.  Despite their fine voices, May and Kapis lack the kind of chemistry that draws grown-ups to performances in plays that are otherwise children's theater. For the adults in the crowd, there is nothing particularly compelling about either of them.

 

Director Karen Porter has long been putting the "community" in community theater by casting huge ensembles comprised of locals and their family members.  She has outdone herself in "Cinderella."  In addition to the 11 featured players, there are 45 assorted townspeople and royal court members in the musical numbers. Porter not only engages in admirable traffic control, but everyone is doing something interesting and entertaining all the time.  The group's harmonies are inaudible, but the visual effect they create on stage is intriguing.      

 

Adults attending one of the remaining performances of "Cinderella" should come with a child in tow and to see their neighbors and friends, including Jim Ray as the King and Sue Becker as the Queen, performing admirably.  Those looking for enthrallment in this piece of musical theater will have to find it in their children's eyes.   

 

"Cinderella" continues through May 13 at the Geauga Theater, 101 Water Street, Chardon.  For tickets, which range from $15 to $18, call 440-286-2255 or visit www.geuagatheater.org.

 

 
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