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

Sierra Rep presents 'Cinderella' opening October 26, 2012

Sparkling storybook world unfolds in a fun classic for all ages

Step in to a bright, beautiful world this holiday season, as Sierra Rep presents a beloved family classic, filled with great music, zany characters and a heart-melting story of true love. Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, a musical comedy favorite for generations, plays at the Fallon House Theatre in Columbia from October 26 through December 22.

SRT Artistic Director Scott Viets and his all-star team of performers and designers are having a great time creating the “Once Upon a Time” magic.

“This show has such appeal for all ages,” Viets said. “Kids will love the enchantment, but any grown-ups expecting a ‘kiddie show’ are in for a real treat. There’s a lot of humor for them, too.”

Most everyone knows the story and the ending, of course – the fun is in the fantasy and the vivid characters: the beautiful heroine, the horrid stepsisters and their mean-spirited mother, the magical fairy godmother who is on our heroine’s side, a frazzled butler, a reluctant prince and a magical, moonlit ball where anything is possible before the clock strikes midnight.