Review: RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA is Fantastic Mix of Fresh and Familiar at Dr. Phillips Center

The 2015-2016 Orlando Broadway Series kicked off in royal style last night as the wonderful RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA set up shop at downtown's Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This reimagined take on the classic musical will be in town through Sunday, November 15th, and is a gloriously entertaining spectacle that has as many colorful costumes as it does characters. With a fantastic, first-rate cast, the enjoyable family-friendly musical combines the comfortingly nostalgic Rodgers and Hammerstein score with a brand-new, empowering book. R&H's CINDERELLA is an inspiring, must-see hit for theatre fans of all ages.

Despite not making its way to Broadway until nearly three years ago, this gorgeous fairytale from musical theatre's most celebrated writing team first appeared on TV in 1957 with a pre-MARY POPPINS Julie Andrews in the title role. New versions were subsequently broadcast in 1965 with Lesley Ann Warren (the version I grew up watching on VHS), and again in 1997 with Brandy.

The 2013 stage adaptation features an entirely new libretto, written by five-time Tony nominee Douglas Carter Beane. The writer takes a beautiful, but basic, old-fashioned musical and imbues it with engaging personality and human relatability. Inspired by the centuries-old French version of the tale, Beane and the creative team crafted a more socially conscious story that allows Cinderella to be her own heroine, rather than having to sit in her own little corner until her prince comes to rescue her.

(Check out my interview with Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization President Ted Chapin about how this new version of CINDERELLA came together.)

While Beane's book is thoughtful and funny (if not occasionally on the nose), it succeeds because of a remarkably talented and enjoyable cast. The delightful Kaitlyn Davidson, who took over the role last month after understudying on Broadway and on the road, is a disarmingly marvelous Cinderella. While her gorgeous soprano voice fits right along the other actresses that have previously played the role, it is her charming, grounded portrayal that carries the night.

While I had issues with Lily James' version of the character in Disney's recent live-action adaptation, with the help of Beane's script, Davidson is able to create a character that is heartwarmingly familiar, yet also fresh and modern. Not only does Davidson bring all of the grace and stunning beauty that you expect from a Cinderella, but she also adds a courage of conviction that you don't often see in the character. Davidson's Ella is truly a role model for any young girl or boy.

While Beane brought new shades to the character of Cinderella, his changes are even more evident in her Prince. In previous versions, especially with Jon Cypher in 1957 and Stuart Damon in 1965, he is seen as a statuesque man of minimal importance to the overall feel of the story. However, he is now an orphaned young man trying to find his purpose in life. Andy Huntington Jones slays as the slightly nebbish prince (whom he also understudied on Broadway) who is self-aware enough to rely on others when need be. Like his co-star, he has a deceptively powerful, crystal-clear voice, and while R&H's original take on the prince was fairly flat and rigidly regal, Jones is accessible and instantly charismatic.

While the two share a powerful "love-at-first-site" moment, their romance feels far more believable and organic than it normally does, primarily on the strength of these two winning performers.

(Read more about Jones's life and career, especially about recently marrying his CINDERELLA co-star, Audrey Cardwell, in Kimberly Moy's interview with the prince.)

While the talent at the top of the cast list is great, the entire ensemble is equally as entertaining, with Cinderella's stepsisters leading the way. Kimberly Fauré (who recently took over the role from Davidson) is wonderfully silly as Gabrielle, the more soft-hearted sister, while Aymee Garcia is phenomenal as Charlotte, especially leading "Stepsister's Lament."

Blair Ross is wickedly amusing as stepmother Madame, and Liz McCartney has a fantastic legit voice and comedic timing as the miraculous Marie.

Broadway stalwart Blake Hammond is hilarious as the duplicitous royal advisor Sebastian, and Chauncey Packer is a standout as Lord Pinkleton. David Andino is also extremely sympathetic as revolutionary Jean-Michel.

CINDERELLA's ensemble is filled with incredible singers and dancers, who provide dazzling performances no matter which way you look. The cast is pitch-perfect singing some of Rodgers and Hammerstein's most luxurious melodies, while wearing the exquisite, Tony-winning costumes designed by the legendary William Ivey Long. While no one will be surprised that CINDERELLA possesses a bit of theatrical magic, pay close attention, or you could miss some of the most awe-inspiring transformations in theatrical history.

(Check back with BroadwayWorld Orlando on Wednesday, as I attempt to critically discuss the show with fellow editor, and CINDERELLA fan-girl, Kimberly Moy)

Along with the new script, Rodgers and Hammerstein trunk songs have been extremely well interpolated into the show alongside such classics as "Ten Minutes Ago," "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible," "Do I Love You?" and more. David Chase's excellent arrangements and Danny Troob's lush orchestrations make for one of the most enjoyable listening experiences you will have throughout this Orlando Broadway Series season.

While Tuesday's Opening Night technical glitches are to be expected from such a massive traveling production, the one issue that I had with the show was evident in the opening moments, which see Jones' prince battling what appears to be a giant praying mantis. The scene felt out of place, and quite a bit looser than you would expect from an otherwise tightly professional production. That looseness popped up again occasionally throughout the night, but never enough to distract from the remarkable work being done on stage.

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA is one of the most breathtaking theatrical experiences to come through the City Beautiful in recent memory. What a wonderful way to share a night with your "one, true love," or to introduce someone to the magic of live theatre. To purchase tickets to this enchanting classic, visit the Dr. Phillips Center's website, or call 844-513-2014.

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Were you as taken by CINDERELLA as I was? Let me know what you thought in the comments below, or by "Liking" and following BWW Orlando on Facebook and Twitter. You can also chat with me about the show on Twitter @BWWMatt. If you want to follow along with my "366 in 366" articles, you can check out #BWW366in366 on Twitter.

Banner Image: Eric Anthony Johnson, Kaitlyn Davidson, and Chip Abbott: Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg

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