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| Risa Craig - Adellene Fitzsimmons - Holly Ross |
Ickle Pickle Productions
Belconnen Theatre until January 24th 2015
Reviewed by Bill Stephens
Originally written for television in 1957, as a vehicle for Julie Andrews, this charming little Rodgers and Hammerstein musical retelling of the familiar Cinderella story proves the perfect vehicle for Ickle Pickle Productions to celebrate their 10 years of theatre production in Canberra.
With its enthusiastic, predominately young cast including
four enchanting white mice, amusing, if decidedly cheesy script by Tom Briggs,
tuneful songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein, pretty story-book costumes courtesy
Janette Humphrey and her team, and witty, colourful set by Steve Galinec and
Anita Davenport, it is also perfect holiday entertainment for audiences both
young and old.
Justin Watson and Hannah McFadden’s deft, neatly-paced
direction moves the storytelling along at a fast clip. Scene transitions are
achieved efficiently and magical moments include a well-managed transition when
the fairy god-mother turns the pumpkin and mice into a sparkling coach complete
with footman to take Cinderella to the ball.
McFadden’s simple, well-drilled choreography, confidently performed by
the large ensemble cast, insures spectacle, especially in the important Act Two
Ballroom scene.
Pretty and winsome, Adellene Fitzsimmons is a lovely
Cinderella. No wonder Pip Carroll’s likeable but self-absorbed Prince
Christopher falls head-over-heels for her at first sight. Their scenes together
are quite delightful. Amy Jenkins as Cinderella’s stepmother, together with
Risa Craig and Holly Ross as her stepsister’s Joy and Grace, are deliciously
loathsome and very funny as they connive and compete, unsuccessfully, for the
attentions of Prince Christopher.
Alyce King and Michael Miller as the Prince’s parents Queen
Constantina and King Maximillian contribute amusing cameos, and Leanne Olsen is
suitably regal as the Fairy Godmother. But it’s Ben Hardy, as Lionel, the Royal
Steward, who steals the show with his cleverly sustained barrage of witty
asides and physical comedy which makes it impossible to take your eyes off him
while he’s on stage. His performance alone is worth the price of the ticket.
However there’s so much more to engage your inner-child.
Although, just one quibble! Please,
please, Mrs Wardrobe, find a pretty princess dress for Cinderella to wear in
the finale!
This review appears in the CITY NEWS digital edition 11th January 2015