Dust off those glass slippers and head downtown to the Paramount Theatre for the Broadway musical Cinderella. With all of your treasured elements firmly in place – pumpkin, fairy godmother and royal ball – this show also brings new life to the story. It is Cinderella with a twist.
If you think the Disney version is too sugary sweet with no meat, then this musical version will give you something to chew on. The show’s heart lies in its moral lessons of kindness and forgiveness. At the royal ball the guests are invited to play a game of "ridicule," where guests take turns insulting each other and the best insult wins. Cinderella offers compliments instead and insists that kindness is really what’s in fashion. The guests begin to follow her lead and soon the ballroom is filled with joy from all the kind words that are spoken.
 |
Cinderella is not the only character offering moral lessons in the show. Jean-Michel, a townsperson who is set on delivering a message from the people to the Prince, offers his own lessons in civic responsibility, caring for the poor and justice. His crush on Cinderella’s stepsister, Gabrielle, also provides a nice side story to the main one. However, the biggest message of the show comes near the end: Cinderella is presented with an opportunity for revenge against her cruel stepmother. Instead, she chooses forgiveness.
The moral lessons are a welcomed addition to the traditional message of Cinderella – the prince saves the pretty girl and makes her queen. This Cinderella is different. She has doubts, she struggles and she must work to make her dreams come true. My favorite part of the show was the song number "Impossible/It’s Possible" sung by Cinderella and Marie, the fairy godmother. Cinderella learns that magic will not fix all of her problems, but rather that she must believe in her dreams enough to work and fight for them. That’s something we all need reminding of from time to time.
 |
If you’re starting to think that the show sounds too heavy-handed to be fun for young kids, don't fret. It is brimming over with humor of the best kind and packed with magical moments that will leave little ones with nothing to say but, “wow!” My 10-year-old daughter spent the entire ride home offering various options of how they pulled off the magical on-stage costume changes. Cinderella is literally transformed from rags to riches and back again multiple times in a blink of the eye. It is never done in exactly the same way, so it is as spectacular each time it happens as it was the first time. We’re not sure, but my daughter is fairly certain that there was some super-strength Velcro in play.
The music for the show is the original music by Rodgers & Hammerstein. There are a few songs that you may find stuck in your head, but really it is the dancing that will take your breath away. Cinderella, played by Paige Faure, is simply mesmerizing in the way she floats across the floor. The choreography by Josh Rhodes makes the most of the ball gowns that appear even more ethereal in motion. The other soaring action of the show is that of Marie, the godmother who takes to the air for a few of her stage entrances and exits. Marie was my daughter’s favorite. “She got to do all the fun things – be funny, do a magical costume change, sing great songs, and fly through the air.” So, if you hear of any opening for a fairy godmother, I know a kid who’s interested in the job.
 |
The show is two-and-a-half hours long, which includes a 15-minute intermission. Parking can always be tricky around the Paramount, so plan a little extra time for that. There are the typical concessions for sale, and of course glass slipper t-shirts. There were many little princesses in attendance on opening night; so if your child has a costume, you might offer the opportunity to wear it to the show to prevent the possible regret upon seeing others in costume.
Cinderella offers a great introduction to the world of musicals. Its familiar story provides a framework for reference while the many twists keep youngsters interested. The grand scale of the sets and costumes make the show a bigger-than-life experience. Cinderella is in town for only a limited time; don’t let the clock strike 12 before you’ve secured your tickets.
IF YOU GO
Where: Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 27 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 28 at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, March 1 at 1 and 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets range from $25 to $100.
Contact: 877-STG-4TIX; stgpresents.org, CinderellaOnBroadway.com.
Kelly Rogers Flynt is a freelance writer based out of Lake Forest Park, where she attempts to impart moral lessons to her children, ages 13 and 10, through humor, magic and the occasional Broadway musical.
