Empire Theatre Cinderella opens with magic and humour
The Empire Theatre’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella opened on Friday and will continue to captivate audiences with another five shows before it closes on March 23.
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The Empire Theatre’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella has filled the theatre with music, singing, dancing, laughter and romance and will continue to captivate audiences with another five shows before it closes on March 23.
In what can only be described as a magical performance by Shannon Gralow (Ella) and Gabriel Tiller (Prince Topher) who were flanked by a phenomenal supporting cast and ensemble that moved through the show in leaps and bounds bringing energy, joy and humour to the stage in the production directed by Tim Hill.
The Empire Theatre brought back to its stage homegrown talent from locally and abroad, such as Helen Walsh (crazy Maree/the fairy godmother) and Gabriel Tiller (Prince Topher), and showcased the magnificent legacy the Empire has been inspiring and nurturing over time.
Behind the performance of the singers, dancers and actors on the stage was a set designed by Frances Storey which transformed seamlessly between mystical forest lights to puffs of smoke, as pumpkins turned into carriages, mice into horses, and a raccoon (Noah Hockey) and a fox (Jonathan Vongdara) into groomsmen.
From the very beginning to the very end, the live orchestra directed by Craig Renshaw, never missed a beat and brought pacing, timing and flow as the leaps and kicks, waltzes and dances of the ensemble moved across stage.
A highlight of the show was when Cinderella ran from the ball as the clock struck midnight and was chased with her groomsmen across the stage in a spectacular show of athleticism and musical energy from choreographer Tess Hill.
The show has political undertones that send a message not everything is as it seems and that with a little sprinkling of kindness, the impossible can become possible.
In the words of Russell Reynolds who plays Sebastian: “Cinderella has come to town at just the right time to bring people out and to bring a little bit of joy into their life.”
Tickets are on sale at www.empiretheatre.com
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