Review: “Cinderella” presented by Stagecrafters, Royal Oak MI

Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (member, American Theatre Critics Association; Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle), and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)

A Lovely Show

There was a full house and a happy buzz of anticipation at the Baldwin theater on a recent Sunday afternoon. Kids of all ages came together to see Stagecrafters’ gorgeous presentation of the family favorite “Cinderella”, the lavish musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Just ahead of the curtain rising on this matinee performance, tiny princesses in royal attire, with their moms in tow, wandered spellbound up and down the theater aisles - and their grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and everyone else, it seems. Clusters of giggling ladies in tiaras were caught up in the excitement. And where else in Royal Oak can you find magic wands for sale? Glowing and pulsating, they seemed to be everywhere.

It’s a perfect way to kick off the holidays (especially with that famous pumpkin). And it’s the perfect show to mark Stagecrafters’ joyful return after, as director Jeff Lamothe puts it, an “extended intermission” of many long months due to COVID. They used their down time to make much-needed upgrades and improvements.

The classic tale of the poor orphan girl, Ella, or “Cinder – Ella” as she is called by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters, has been told countless times. Ella’s chance at happiness comes in the form of a magic pumpkin and glass slippers, courtesy of her mysterious Fairy Godmother and some shape-shifting mice.

First off, the most notable thing about Stagecrafters’ “Cinderella” is the amazing talent onstage, especially the vocal talent. Those who remember the 1957 TV special, on which this show is based, know the beautiful songs with complex melodies. The cast of twenty-five is more than up to the task, accompanied by the superb live 16-piece orchestra that does justice to the charming musical score. And the costumes! It’s worth coming just to see the yards and yards of satin, lace and glittering garments…and of course, those glass slippers.

But Rebekah Preiss in the title role is the number one reason to see this show. She’s a natural - commanding the stage with a lovely voice, so totally believable as Ella. She and her romantic partner Prince Topfer, played by Jimmy McCormick, have great chemistry, which sparkles in their duet “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?”. McCormick possesses a wonderful voice and is nicely matched with Preiss.

Ami “Amise” McClenon (so great in “Dreamgirls” a few seasons back) fairly steals the show as Marie, Ella’s Fairy Godmother. Her powerful voice and imposing stage presence are perfect for the super-natural Marie.

Cinderella’s wicked stepmother (Alexa Carollo) and her two greedy stepsisters (Annika Andersson, Kennedy Michael) provide much of the comic relief throughout the show. Andersson is unforgettable as the gangly, goofy Gabrielle, sympathetic to Cinderella’s plight and to the romantic attentions of the revolutionary Jean-Michel (Patrick Wehner). Kennedy Michael as Charlotte has some great comic moments, especially in “The Stepsister’s Lament”.

Other standout performers are Tom Pagano as Sebastian, the prince’s Lord Chancellor, and David Roy as Lord Pinkleton, Sebastian’s aide and Town Crier. The ensemble cast includes some remarkable singers and dancers.

Choreography by Christine Campbell-Cormier, costumes by Michael Ameloot, and music direction by Matt Horn are all top-notch. And there isn’t a credit for wigs, but there should be.

Special kudos to the first-time director Jeff LaMothe, a veteran onstage in various roles at the Baldwin in many notable shows. LaMothe keeps the show lively with tight, nearly seamless pacing and lots of action that moves the story along. You can hardly believe two-and-a-half hours have gone by.

Cinderella is pure enchantment for everyone and anyone. To paraphrase one of the musical numbers - A lovely show, a lovely show, a finer show you know you'll never see…at Stagecrafters.

Running time: approx. 2 hours 30 min

Now through December 5, 2021

Tickets $35

Where: Stagecrafters at the Baldwin Theatre, Main Stage

415 S. Lafayette

Royal Oak, MI 48067

(248) 541-6430

www.stagecrafters.org

CINDERELLA is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization.

SAFETY FIRST

Stagecrafters is committed to protecting the health and safety of all who work and play at the Baldwin Theatre. We kindly ask everyone, vaccinated or not, to adhere to our requirement that patrons, members, and volunteers wear a mask when visiting our theatre home. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe!