Cinderella on Broadway

By Marisa Gallagher

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” is the newest show playing in New York City, and it’s a comical-fairy tale that is suitable for all.

With direction from Mark Brokaw, the show is based on Rodgers and Hammerstein’s adaptation. Whether you’re an adult or a child, this show is enjoyable, with a modern twist on the original Cinderella story.

Carly Rae Jepsen as “Ella” is a sure star, playing a kind and gentle character.  Some modern twists on the original fairy tale include the classic moment where Cinderella leaves her glass slipper behind at the ball for her “Prince Charming.”

This anticipated moment is modified into Ella running back and keeping the Venetian-glass slipper with her, leaving no trace behind. “Prince Topher,” played by Joe Carroll, arranges a manhunt for the princess and when that failed, a banquet was held to find the mystery girl of his dreams.

Another twist on the original Cinderella story is the character of the fairy godmother, portrayed by Victoria Clark.

Clark starts off as a crazy-homeless woman. She is first introduced in the beginning of the play as “Crazy Marie,” who lives in the forest near Ella’s cottage. “Crazy Marie” wanders from the forest to Ella’s house on many occasions and Ella is the only character who is ever kind to her.

In return for Ella’s kindness, “Crazy Marie” later becomes the magical-fairy godmother.

Fran Drescher, as “Madame,” the character of the evil stepmother brings comedy to the show, with her sharp and sarcastic humor. Drescher comes to the stage with such wit and class, although she plays the part of an insensitive and selfish evil-stepmother.

The cast and orchestra brought such excitement to the show with the music and song performances that included, “In my own little corner,” and “Impossible/It’s Possible.” Orchestrator, Daniel Troob, was nominated for a Tony award in 2013 for orchestrations of the musical.

After experiencing the nearly invisible costume changes that took place right on stage during the performance, it may actually be magic. Ella went from rags to a royal ball gown in a single spin. A fox and raccoon prop start off as animals that lived near the cottage and then turned into human drivers for the horse and carriage, all while resting on a tree branch. The character transitions and costume changes were amazing.

In the last four weeks, the show has cumulated roughly $4.2 million in sales. The average ticket runs for $87 and the top selling ticket price is a whopping $297.00. After seeing the show in my own little corner of the theatre, from an orchestra seat only three rows from stage, it comes highly recommend.

Whether you watch the show from the mezzanine or front row, this show is a must see.