BWW Reviews: Welcoming Home the Fairy Tale Run of DISENCHANTED!

Orlando, Florida is one of the few places in the world that people directly correlate the city with fairy tale princesses. Orlando is also where it all started for creators Dennis Giacino and Fiely Matias, who were tired to the same old happily ever after stories. DISENCHANTED tells the tale of nine princesses who are tired of living the stereotypes.

The ladies perform in a cabaret style show lead by Snow White. After having to live up to expectations like wearing ball gowns with tiny waists and falling for their prince, the girls suffer from the Princess Complex or PC. The princesses are quick to dismiss any ideas that they lived happily ever after and without their filter or men they are hysterically unhappy. Show number like "Without the Guy," "Big Tits," and "Not v'one Red Cent," had the audience rolling in their seats. DISENCHANTED proves that even fairy tale princesses suffer from real life issues, but in the end humor and good friends will see you through.

Snow White is played by Michelle Knight, who originated the role during the 2011 Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival. Her powerhouse vocals combined with her sarcastic demeanor and even her look make her one badass princess. Snow White is joined by Cinderella, Breanne Pickering, and Sleeping Beauty, Hannah Berry-Mathews. Cinderella has a sweet ditzy personality, but she is lovable.

Lulu Picart plays Hua Mulan/ Pocahontas. From the stories, Mulan is the only woman without a princess and one must wonder why. Pocahontas wonders why her story was changed so much to fit a more acceptable story type. Picart has some of the funniest numbers in the production that are not to be missed. Andrea Canny plays Belle and The Little Mermaid. When looked at from the non-fantastical point of view, it is no wonder that both characters are drawn to insanity. Canny just finished starring in LIZZIE BORDEN: THE MUSICAL, seems to have a knack for crazy characters. Finally, Shonda L. Thurman plays German princess, Rapunzel, and The One Who Kissed the Frog. As the sole black princess, Thurman enthusiastically embraces these two roles.

DISENCHANTED is a refined production with great music, story, and costumes. It's creative and exactly what Orlando - the land of (forced) happiness - needs to see. Anyone who has visited or worked at our theme parks will appreciate the show. Arrive early to grab a drink and get a good seat. The house will fill quickly and it is harder to see towards the back.

DISENCHANTED runs at The Abbey until October 27th. After a few more stops, the goal is to bring the production off-Broadway. Due to the content and language it is not recommended for young ones, but definitely recommended for adults. For tickets and more information visit www.disenchantedmusical.com.

Photo Credit: KHPhotographics

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