Thursday, May 24, 2018

Day 284 Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella-Partners in Love and Life-Heinz Hall



Everyone knows the Cinderella fairy-tale story where the prince rescues the mistreated girl and she lives happily ever after.This  Rodgers and Hammerstein musical version of Cinderella  not only has  humor, amazing music, and an  extravagant set, but also an  independent updated Cinderella.  This version  beautifully  celebrates equal partnership in love and life. It is the perfect treat in this month of  the real fairy-tale wedding of England’s Prince Harry and Megan Markle which broke some traditions and is a real life royal partnership love story. 


Reflection

The music in this show captivates  romance  from the Prologue to my favorite song of love between the Prince (Louis Griffin) and Cinderella (Tatyana Lubov) –“Ten Minutes Ago”. That song makes you just want to fall in love all over again as the Prince adoringly sings: “Ten minutes ago I saw you, I looked up when you came through the door, my head started reeling you gave me the feeling the room had no ceiling or floor”.  I have to admit that my"sappy side" came out as I teared up when he sang so lovingly about the woman of his dreams.  

This show also vibrates with fantastic dancing. The town people energize the stage during the song, “The Prince is Giving a Ball” and the guests waltz so beautifully  at the ball  to the “Cinderella Waltz”. 

Cinderella  does not disappoint by giving us the classic story moments. The  pumpkin  changes into a golden coach and Cinderella’s  rags transform into a sparking gown.  It does make you feel that  “"It's Possible" for dreams to really come true.  

Fairy Godmother (Leslie Jackson) and Cinderella
Although the classic story elements dazzle there are  punches of added humor such as when Cinderella places her shoe strategically  on the palace steps. Cinderella is not just a pretty face or a girl that relies entirely on her  Fairy Godmother. She has an  independent spirit and encourages the Prince to take charge of his kingdom to make some needed  social changes.  

The new twists in the story do not change the potency of  the love story, especially when the pair sing, “Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful". Yet   this new couple set out to change the world together. This Prince proclaims, “finding you, I found myself and  you showed me the way. We can change the world together”. This show gives us a romantic updated fairy-tale  that contains an equal partnership fueled by love!



(Join me for a night where dreams come true in Cinderella  at the Heinz Hall on May 22-27, 2018. For tickets go to TrustArts.org.)

Spiritual Source
Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. (Romans 12:9-10)

Other Sources
Cinderella sound track https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Broadway tour schedule cinderellaonbroadway.com