Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella at Dr. Phillips Center

Photo credit: Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Impossible things are happening every day. I can be whatever I want to be. In addition to being a beloved fairytale, Cinderella has a few lessons to teach. The classic Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella will waltz in the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center from November 10-15, 2015.The prince is giving a ball and you’re invited. Tickets start at $33.75 and show times vary. Come see the glass slipper tale filled with whimsy and wit. Slightly different than the Disney version, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella has a soundtrack and score filled with audible candy you’d expect from this famous writing pair.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella tickets are available at DrPhillipsCenter.org.

My review: I saw the show on it’s first night in town and was completely surprised and moved. This version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella includes music you’ll remember but it’s also loaded with shiny, modern newness. Without giving anything away I’ll tell you there’s more at stake than a glass slipper romance in this version. Cinderella is a beacon of hope for the kingdom. The “have courage and be kind” theme from the recent Cinderella movie is also present here but if that theme was a sparkler in the movie it’s a firework show on this stage.

I’d see this show for the set and costume changes alone. Clever and charming, the Cinderella set doesn’t feel like it belongs to a touring show at all. I literally blinked and missed one over the top costume change happen right before the audience on stage. You will be impressed. Cinderella is played by Kaitlyn Davidson who told me she started her time with the show three years ago on Broadway. I got to chat with the lovely actress at a party for the cast and crew after the show and asked if she’d be able to meet Cinderella at Walt Disney World while she was here. She said she wanted to try but expressed her performance was a priority of course. She also mentioned visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando.

But back to the show. I really enjoyed Kaitlyn’s portrayal of this new Cinderella. The stepmother, Blair Ross, was stylishly wicked and decorated the stage with humor. In this version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella you can expect to see all the thing you love about Cinderella. Glamorous dancing at the ball, a sparkling glass slipper and the meek but courageous heroine are all present. This is an exceptional show for youth to see as the positive message shines like a glass slipper on a stair.

Disclosure: I was invited by the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to attend and review this show.