Dallas Musical Review: ‘Cinderella’ Is Excellent

Review by Monique Thompson

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals at Music Hall Fair Park, is an upbeat contemporary version of the classic happily-ever-after fairytale. What’s interesting about this Tony Award winning musical is the fact that it perfectly modernizes certain aspects of the classic without downplaying what we’ve all grown to love about the original. Of course, we all know Cinderella meets her Prince, they marry, and live happily ever after but this version will take a few different twists before reaching that point.

Let’s just say, the evil stepmom and the step sisters…of course, they’re still nothing short of that, but with more spunk, pizzazz, and rudeness. And Cinderella…still the humbled princess of kindness and love that despite how badly her stepmom treats her, exhibits nothing short of a humbled heart. But contrary to the original where Cinderella meets her Prince Charming for the first time at the ball, the two actually have an initial meeting in the forest when Cinderella offers Prince Topher a drink of water. Little do they know, fate and a little magic will later reunite them. Without spoiling all the fun, there’s a few more other interesting tidbits that were thrown in to divert from the predictability of seeing a classic that’s been around for ages. Aside for the plot, the scenic stage props makes for a magical and beautiful ambiance the entire production and even has a little magic “quick change” effect thrown in when transforming Cinderella from her rags to her beautiful white ball gown.

By far, there will be no questioned asked to why this production is Tony Award winning. Excellent dancing, singing, acting, costumes, lighting, theatrical smoke, transitions from scene to scene, just everything. Cinderella runs now through June 21 at Music Hall Fair Park in Dallas.