CINDERELLA National Tour to Play Hobby Center, 5/26-6/7

Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella, the 2013 Tony Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of South Pacific and The Sound of Music, will play the Hobby Center for a limited engagement from May 26 - June 7.

With its fresh new take on the beloved tale of a young woman who is transformed from a chambermaid into a princess, this hilarious and romantic Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella combines the story's classic elements - glass slippers, pumpkin, and a beautiful ball along with some surprising twists. More than just a pretty face with the right shoe size, this Cinderella is a contemporary figure living in a fairytale setting. She is a spirited young woman with savvy and soul who doesn't let her rags or her gowns trip her up in her quest for kindness, compassion and forgiveness. She longs to escape the drudgery of her work at home and instead work to make the world a better place. She not only fights for her own dreams, but forces the prince to open his eyes to the world around him and realize his dreams too.

Audrey Cardwell (national tours of Anything Goes and Elf) has stepped into the iconic glass slippers as Ella. Ready to sweep Ella off her feet, Andy Huntington Jones plays the role of Prince Topher. Andy was a member of the original Broadway company of Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella and understudied the role of Prince Topher.

The touring cast also features Kecia Lewis (Leap of Faith, The Drowsy Chaperone) as Marie, The Fairy Godmother, Beth Glover (Grey Gardens, All Shook Up) as Madame, Ella's wicked stepmother, David Andino (50 Shades! The Musical) as Jean-Michele, Kaitlyn Davidson (R+H's Cinderella, Nice Work if You Can Get It) as Gabrielle, Aymee Garcia (Shrek The Musical, Avenue Q) as Charlotte, Antoine L. Smith (Memphis) as Lord Pinkleton and Branch Woodman (R+H's Cinderella, Bye Bye Birdie) as Sebastian.

Rounding out the ensemble are Adrian Baidoo, Summer Broyhill, Cody Davis, Jennifer Evans, Rachel Fairbanks, Alexandra Frohlinger, Tessa Grady, Jordana Grolnick, Eric Anthony Johnson, Danielle Jordan, Ben Lanham, Sean Seymour, Blakely Slaybaugh, Lauren Sprauge, Paige Williams, Tanner Ray Wilson, Thad Turner Wilson and John Yi.

Cinderella has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, a new book by Douglas Carter Beane and original book by Oscar Hammerstein II. The musical is directed by Mark Brokaw and choreographed by Josh Rhodes. Music adaptation, supervision and arrangements are by David Chase and orchestrations are by Danny Troob.

One of Rodgers + Hammerstein's most popular titles, Cinderella was written for television -- debuting in 1957 starring Julie Andrews. In 2013, the show made its long-overdue Broadway debut. Along with Cinderella, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein's legendary musicals include OKLAHOMA!, Carousel, The King and I, South Pacific and The Sound of Music.

Mr. Beane's book for Cinderella blends masterfully with the musical's cherished score with songs including "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible/It's Possible," "Ten Minutes Ago" and "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?"

The creative team includes scenic design by Tony Award nominee Anna Louizos, costume design by six-time Tony Award-winner William Ivey Long, lighting design by Tony Award-winner Kenneth Posner and sound design by Tony Award nominee Nevin Steinberg.

The Cinderella tour is produced by Robyn Goodman, Jill Furman, Stephen Kocis, Edward Walson, Venetian Glass Productions, The Araca Group, Caiola Productions, Roy Furman, Peter May, Sanford Robertson, Eric Schmidt, James Spry and Blanket Fort Productions.

TUTS will offer several special events and add-on packages in conjunction with the show to make for an unforgettable musical experience:

• OUT@TUTS post-show cast party - Thursday, May 29
• Grand Ballroom Breakfast (Downtown Aquarium) - Saturday, May 30
• Royal VIP Party - Sunday, May 31
• Lancaster Hotel Packages

Tickets (starting at only $25) are available:

• Online at TUTS.com
• Phone at (713) 558-TUTS (8887), outside the Houston area at (888) 558-3882
• In person at the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office, (800 Bagby), Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Special offers are available for groups of 10 or more by calling (713) 558-8888 or via email at groupsales@tuts.com.

TUTS' production of Cinderella is made possible by the generosity of Ballard Exploration Company Inc., Locke Lord LLP and Enbridge.

TUTS' 2014/15 season is generously sponsored by CHI St. Luke's Health. For all shows, air transportation is provided by United Airlines, the official airline of TUTS. Media sponsors include ABC-13 and Houston Chronicle. Season support is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Theater District Association, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

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