“Cinderella” is back in town—on stage and screen—and in each case the beloved fairytale seems fresh and new because the writers went back to the original French version by Charles Perrault who penned “Cinderella” in the 18th century. In the original story, but not in the English and American translations, Cinderella and the prince meet and admire one another long before the palace ball and the fairy godmother is an old beggar woman Cinderella has been kind to, never knowing she is actually a magical presence.
“Cinderella” is back in town—on stage and screen—and in each case the beloved fairytale seems fresh and new because the writers went back to the original French version by Charles Perrault who penned “Cinderella” in the 18th century. In the original story, but not in the English and American translations, Cinderella and the prince meet and admire one another long before the palace ball and the fairy godmother is an old beggar woman Cinderella has been kind to, never knowing she is actually a magical presence.
In the Tony Award winning musical “Cinderella,“ now at the Ahmanson Theatre, playwright Douglas Carter Beane has updated the original book by Oscar Hammerstein II, adding plot twists and plenty of contemporary comedy without losing the fairytale’s charm and magic. And speaking of magic, the costume design by William Ivey Long is totally amazing, particularly in Cinderella’s wardrobe transformation in Act One when the fairy godmother Marie (Kecia Lewis) tells Cinderella (Page Faure) to believe. In the blink of an eye, her ragged dress becomes a dazzling white floor length ball gown. How did they do that? And it happens again in Act Two when her tattered togs suddenly turn into a gorgeous form fitting golden frock.
The scenic design by Anna Louizos also bedazzles, from the tall trees in the forest surrounding the quaint cottage where Cinderella lives to the palace and ballroom settings. Adding to the fun is the transformation of a pumpkin into a glimmering coach and a raccoon and fox into a footman and driver.
In the original Rodgers and Hammerstein musical the prince was urged to marry by his parents, the king and queen. In this revised version prince Topher (Andy Huntington Jones), like Cinderella, is an orphan. According to Beane, “ I made them both feel that they were alone in the world “ making them kindred souls in more ways than one.
Another twist, dating back to the original Perrault plot, is one stepsister, Gabrielle (Kaitlyn Davidson) actually likes Cinderella which upsets Cinderella’s stepmother played by Fran Drescher. Adding to the comedy is the very round stepsister Charlotte (Aymee Garcia) who belts out the musical lament “Why Would a Fellow Want a Girl Like That?” bemoaning the fact that the prince has chosen the slender mystery maiden at the ball.
On opening night there were plenty of little girls dressed in princess gowns, but you don’t have to be a child to fall under the spell of this totally captivating production filled with music and lyrics by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. And the two leads not only can sing, they dance divinely. “Cinderella” is a wonderful way to spend an evening.
Cinderella,” at the Ahmanson Theatre at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown L.A. runs through April 26. For tickets and information go to www.CenterTheatreGroup.org or call 213-972-4400.
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The newest Disney film version of “Cinderella” stars Lily James (Cousin Rose on TV’s “Downton Abbey”) and she is a breath of spring. It’s easy to see why the prince (Richard Madden) is charmed by her when they meet by chance in the forest. She finds him attractive as well, but rides off without telling him her name. She has won his heart by her sweetness and kind manner, but before he can find her again his father (Derek Jacobi) decides to host a royal ball so his son can meet a suitable princess and marry.
As the film begins we meet Ella and her loving parents. Sadly, when she is quite young her mother dies. After many years her father (Ben Chaplin) marries a widow (Cate Blanchett) who has two daughters of her own, Drisella (Sophie McShane, Daisy on “Downton Abbey“) and Anastasia (Holliday Grainger).
They are cute, but also vain, greedy and very unpleasant to their stepsister following the death of her beloved father.
As a child Cinderella was taught to be kind and courageous and she lives up to these high standards despite the constant cruel treatment inflicted on her by her cold and calculating stepmother. Her real mother also told her she would be protected by a fairy godmother who turns out to be a beggar woman Cinderella has been kind to, played with gusto by Helena Bonham Carter.
And like the Perrault classic there is intrigue in the court as the Grand Duke (Stellan Skarsgard) attempts to become the power behind the throne following the death of the king.
The story is beautifully directed by Kenneth Branaugh who takes us through the lush countryside and into the hearts and emotions of two special sweethearts. The movie is perfect for this upcoming holiday season, and like the Disney animated feature of long ago, there are those adorable mice who live with Cinderella in her attic bedroom.
I saw “Cinderella” at the beautiful El Capitan Theater on Hollywood Blvd. Prior to the film there was a stage show featuring the singing, dancing snowman from “Frozen” and a colorful series of lights and forms projected around the theater. If you see “Cinderella” at the El Capitan, bring along a camera or smartphone so you can photograph the costumes which are displayed in the lobby and downstairs at the theater.
You can also register to win a blue ball gown worth hundreds of dollars that is similar to the one Cinderella wears in the film. Chances of winning this beautiful dress are a lot better than winning the lottery and it’s free to enter. Before the show there is an organ concert featuring Disney music.
After the show visit the soda fountain and gift shop adjacent to the theatre. Enjoy a sundae or banana split and receive a sample of their delicious Ghirardelli chocolates. Yum!
