Forget the glass slippers — Cinderella should be wearing cross trainers. That’s how much traction the storied heroine continues to have.
* * * ½ fairy-tale musical
You can find her headed into the woods in Stephen Sondheim-James Lapine’s fairy-tale redux, either or on . Next month, Disney gives its 1950 animated hit the , directed by Kenneth Branagh. (Regardless of that rather fine pedigree, the film looks like a throwback.)
And, the national tour of “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella” is gracing the Buell Theatre.
This rebooted — reslippered? — version boasts the legendary duo’s beautifully performed tunes, beginning with “In My Own Little Corner” and continuing with “Impossible,” “Ten Minutes Ago,” and “When You’re Driving Through the Moonlight.” The list goes irresistibly on.
The story of the maltreated lass with a gift for kindness remains. But Douglas Carter Beane’s updated book gives her some fresh context and new opportunities for compassion. With the character of social firebrand Jean-Michel (David Andino), Beane makes something of a community out of young Prince Topher’s kingdom. Striving and status are even more a theme.
Though I wished for a scrappier Ella, singing is quite pretty. Having stepped into Cinderella’s shoes on Broadway, Faure knows the character well. Andy Jones’ Prince appeals with his dragon-slaying talents and not quite Hamlet-paralyzing ambivalence. Even so, it’s only when stooped beggar woman Marie reveals herself as a fairy godmother that “Cinderella” hits its enchanting stride.
Kecia Lewis’s transformation from dun rags to lavender splendor, and then Cinderella’s begowned metamorphosis, deliver ooh-ahh pleasure. Heroine and show find their benefactress.
Actually, the show has no shortage of patrons — some nice but others delightfully naughty. Beth Glover keeps Stepmom Madame’s edge whetted. As Charlotte, Aymee Garcia makes an argument for the appeal of hilarity with “Stepsister’s Lament.” Kaitlyn Davidson endears as Gabrielle, the kindlier sis with her own dreams.
So, forget the glass slipper. Ella does. Well, actually, she doesn’t.
And with that clever twist, a Cinderella with more agency reclaims her name from the ashes.
Lisa Kennedy: 303-954-1567, lkennedy@denverpost.com or twitter.com/bylisakennedy
