Wednesday, October 31, 2012

SRT's Cinderella - simply enchanting

How does one recreate a well known children's classic to excite and enthrall the masses while holding true to the storyline? Apparently you hire director Scott Viets! Because Sierra repertory theater has done just that, under the creative direction of Scott Viets the timeless classic of Cinderella has come alive in a modern way without losing a single drop of the classic storyline. Add in the whimsical and fun set designs by Jay Heiserman adapted by Jeff Cooper and the modern music by Mark Seiver and you have a play that grabs every age group, every musical genre and everyone's heart.

While everyone knows the fairytale, you will be pleasantly surprised with the directors interpretation of the parts and how they are to be played. For instance, the fairy godmother? We all know and love her as the sweet, doddering, old lady, right? Well this fairy godmother is sassy, fun-loving, and full of spunk. She will have you laughing before you know it. And the step sisters? Well they are a brilliant combination off Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum with a little more 'dumb' thrown in for good measure. Add in some mice that become horses, a glass slipper, some magic, some music and a pumpkin...well, and you know the rest.

Cinderella played by Samantha Bruce was cast perfectly. Samantha clearly enjoyed the singing, dancing, joking, and simply having a 'ball' with her part. Fairy Godmother played by Illeana Kirven is perfection in a white sparkling gown. Her smile radiant, her love for theater clear in each movement and each line..all the way down to her rickety old wand that seems to work when it wants to and her ever present sense of mischievous humor.

If you have children or you are a child at heart, this play will bring a smile to your face and laughter to your heart.







By, Charity Maness