Player Theatre Presents CINDERELLA

If the Shoe Fits- Literally Alive Theatre's New Musical Production of "Cinderella" Strides into The Players Theatre in Style

With previews on February 6 and opening February 20 at The Players Theatre, "Cinderella" is a light-hearted, touching adaptation of the well-known fairy tale. The show, features original music by Emily and Michael Sgouros, played by two live percussionists and a trumpet player, creating a delightful mixture of good-hearted humor and tender remembrances.

Cinderella has enjoyed many adaptations over the years, including The Brothers Grimm and Disney. Literally Alive based their production on the French version by Charles Perrualt written in 1697. This version is a bit less "grim" than the Grimm's and includes the glass slipper, fairy godmother, pumpkin and mice as footman that audiences have come to expect. In the musical staged at The Players Theatre in the West Village, playwright Brenda Bell focuses on the sub-plot of a lonely young girl desperately in need of a family. "Before I could write the play I had to answer a lot of questions about the story" remarked Bell. "I had to know why Cinderella was so nice to those nasty step-sisters. Why didn't she go to her father for help when her new step-mother mistreated her?" I began to believe that she was terribly lonely after the death of her mother and truly needed to create a family for her father and her.

Sgouros and Bell give special attention to this lost mother - daughter relationship in a haunting yet beautiful ballad sung by Cinderella (Carly Howard). The number is enhanced with the appearance of a young Cinderella and her mother touchingly choreographed by Stefanie Smith who also portrays the mother. The production, under the direction of Dustin Cross (last years Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol") offers plenty of hilarious moments featuring the new step family (Brittney Steele, Danielle Beckmann and Amanda Salvatore) while not hesitating to tug at our heart strings in gentle moments between Cinderella and her fairy godmother, Giselle (Brianna Hurley). "Children appreciate a wide range of emotions. We don't believe that a story has to be fast and furious to entertain a young audience" said Cross.

Everyone can definitely appreciate the percussion thumping, disco light yielding production number "Off to the Ball" performed by the wicked step-mother and her two daughters. Combined with exquisite and large costumes by Cait O'Connor, the number is a stand-out in the show. And speaking of large, it is important to note that the entire show takes place in front of a giant (7 x 12 feet) storybook. "That book gave us fits in rehearsal, but it was worth it" noted director, Dustin Cross.

In 2009, the company began to add a children's chorus to their productions. In Cinderella, the kids play the mice and sing a rousing number "A Your Service" to Cinderella. In the pit, they have 12 years old Emily Sgouros who also served as co-composer with her father, Michael Sgouros who is the owner of the Player Theatre. This is Emily's third production with Literally Alive. Artistic Director, Brenda Bell commented "It is wonderful for young children to see someone as accomplished at their art as Emily who is only a few years older than themselves, I think it is inspiring for them." Two weeks before opening, Emily broke her arm in a snow boarding accident. To everyone's amazement, she is still playing the show. Ms. Bell now calls her the "One Arm Wonder".

The performance is preceded by a pre-show arts workshop where families can learn how the production team takes a book and brings it to life onstage. After meeting the composer, playwright, choreographer and on of the actors in the show, everyone is invited onstage to create magic wand and pumpkins. Coupled with the show, this two-hour experience adds up to a fun-filled afternoon for the entire family.

Literally Alive^TM is a New York City based family theatre company that produces original musicals based on classic children's literature. Now in its 10th season, the company has taken residence at The Players Theatre and will also produce an original musical "Treasure Island" opening in May.

"Cinderella" runs through April 25th on Saturdays and Sundays. The pre-show workshop begins seating at 10 am and the show is at 11 am at The Players Theatre located at 115 MacDougal Street (between Bleecker and West 3rd). Tickets are $25-$40 including the workshop. Tickets can be purchased through theatermania.com or by calling 212-352-3101 or 1-866-811-4111 or at the box office which opens daily at 11a.

For more information, photos or press passes call: (212)-866-5170 or visit www.literallyalive.com.

 

 

To post a comment, you must register and login.