Maitland Repertory Theatre’s production of Michele L. Vacca’s Cinderella was a bright and articulate retelling of the classic fairy-tale set in a somewhat confusing time clash between the roaring ‘20s and the late 18th Century.
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Pumpkin-shaped coaches, abandoned glass slippers and appropriately ugly stepsisters all make their appearances and the heroine, as expected, lands her prince. It is however the presence of Fellowe (Matthew Collins), a silent narrator and the Fairy Godmother’s (Erin Horder/Sophia Minter) right wing man, who guides the characters in the right direction and oversees the magic, which makes this production a new and exciting take on the age-old fable.
Scene-stealers Tanya Keen and Luke Barker (alternating with Abbey Matt) were deliciously vile as stepsisters Thelma and Gertrude respectively from the moment they screeched their entrance until they wrestled into the wings and Millie Gillard (alternating with Claudia Minter) as the obnoxiously overbearing stepmother rounds out the tormented trio of villains.
Director Leilani Boughton keeps the show moving quickly with quick scene changes and a clever set design. Helen Hopcroft and the rest of the set dressing team along with the costume construction team dazzle us with colourful visuals while the sound and lighting team bring the magic to life with their special effects.
This bright, enjoyable production for all ages kept the audience buzzing through interval and by the final curtain, left them with a warm feeling in their heart the way a good fairy tale always does.
Cinderella is a production of Maitland Repertory Theatre Acting Classes. It opened on 8 July and runs for a further seven performances until 24 July 2016. Tickets are available at Maitland Visitors Centre, 4931 2800 for only $17, or can be booked online at www.maitlandreptheatre.org. Bookings are recommended for this popular show. Maitland Repertory Theatre is in High Street, Maitland, opposite Maitland Town Hall.
Angie Ussher is a singer and singing teacher who has performed in many Maitland Musical Society productions. Angie has an interest in the arts and culture and the way they enrich the lives of residents of the city.