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align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Geauga Lyric’s
‘Cinderella’ more children’s theater than family fare<?xml:namespace prefix = o
ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal
align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal
align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Bob
Abelman<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal
align=center><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">News-Herald,
Chagrin Valley Times, Solon Times,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal
align=center><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The
Morning Journal, Geauga Times Courier<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal
align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Member,
American Theatre Critics Association <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal
align=center><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal
align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">This
review will appear in the <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">News-Herald
</I></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">on
5/11/12</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal
align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal
align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">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.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>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. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">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.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>The show had the magic, charm and silly humor coveted by kids but the
music was for the adults in the room.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>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.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">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.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>More recently,
a stage rendition was created and is currently playing on the historic Geauga
Theater stage in Chardon. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">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.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The Geauga Lyric
Theater production scores high marks in this regard.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">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. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Denise Casamento’s
delightful costuming clearly defines each character and fills the stage with
bright hues and flowing material.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>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).<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">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.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>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.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The step-mother is a less interesting
third-wheel in the play, but Brenda Zapotosky’s comedic portrayal adds to the
fun. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">For adults, this show
is less successful. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">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.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The music, under Julie
Connair’s direction, lacks depth, energy, and the good intentions of its
creators.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">So too do the
performances of Meg May as Cinderella, Adam Kapis as her Prince, and Lyn Phoenix
as the Fairy Godmother.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>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.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Director Karen Porter
has long been putting the “community” in community theater by casting huge
ensembles comprised of locals and their family members.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She has outdone herself in
“Cinderella.”<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>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.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The group’s harmonies are inaudible, but
the visual effect they create on stage is intriguing.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">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.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Those looking for enthrallment in this piece of musical theater will have
to find it in their children’s eyes.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">“Cinderella”
continues through May 13 at the Geauga Theater, 101 Water Street, Chardon.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>For tickets, which range from $15 to
$18, call 440-286-2255 or visit <A href=""><SPAN
style="COLOR: windowtext">www.geuagatheater.org</SPAN></A>.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
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