Cinderella

Acclaimed creatives and performers combine with a vast team of local talent to ensure this Tony Award® winning musical production of Cinderella, hits all the marks. The Broadway favourite immediately transports the audience into a fairy-tale world, then surprises and delights with its twists, turns and hilarity in a new take on an age-old story.

A supportive and very enthusiastic opening night audience was served up a sumptuous feast of vibrant musical numbers, enthralling dancing, highly crafted costumes, and awe-inspiring design. Douglas Carter Beane, who wrote the up-to-date, hilarious romantic libretto for this fresh adaptation of the Rodgers & Hammerstein show, has succeeded in establishing a delightful tension between old and new. Yes, there’s boy-meets-girl magic and the royal wedding of a dragon-slaying prince, but this is a Cinderella for today’s audience, reminding us of the relevance of humility and determination, of finding our allies, and of how free speech can change the world.

The performers and production crew are to be congratulated. In an incredible 10-week rehearsal schedule, under the direction of Tim Hill, they have worked tirelessly to breathe life into every element of this sensational show. Characterisation and casting are superb, and performances are flawless. The transformation moments, as Cinderella is equipped for the ball, are quite simply, sheer magic – there seems to be no other explanation as, before our eyes, the seemingly impossible happens.

Toowoomba audiences will rejoice at the return to the Empire stage of many performers, including the two home-grown leads. Shannon Gralow brings her impressive performance history and incredible talent to the title role. As a pitch-perfect singer, musician and dancer, she is a perfect fit for the glass slipper and gives an engaging characterisation of the idealistic heroine, Ella.

Gabriel Tiller, playing the charming Prince Topher, grew up on the Empire stage, playing in community theatre musicals. Since graduating with his musical theatre degree in 2022, he has appeared in a string of successful musicals. This production has given him the chance to work with Director Tim Hill once again. Cinderella is not just a good night out, but a chance to see tomorrow’s stars today as Mr Tiller will soon be touring the US in Jersey Boys.

Every member of the principal cast is magnificent – not surprisingly, given the calibre of talent this production has invited. Helen Walsh, a beautiful vocalist of experience, is powerful in the endearing and enigmatic role of Marie, enriching every song and scene in which she appears. Another of Toowoomba’s well-regarded performers, Vicki Bravery, is a humorous delight as the selfish stepmother, Madame. In their roles of the gauche stepsisters, Charlotte and Gabrielle, Lydia Cunnington and Stacey Burrow bring exquisite comic timing, as does Flynn Walmsley, who commands the stage as political revolutionary, Jean-Michel. Russell Reynolds as Lord Chancellor Sebastian and Nick Kirkup as the comedic royal second in command Lord Pinkleton, round out the key players amusingly. They are ably supported by a highly talented and energetic ensemble of 16 in stage action amplified by the dancing created by talented Choreographer, Tess Hill. Musical Director, Craig Renshaw has overseen the unforgettable score, including some of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, such as In My Own Little Corner, Impossible/It’s Possible, A Lovely Night and Ten Minutes Ago. The Orchestra, like the unseen Backstage Singers, is comprised of local musicians and vocalists, each of these ensembles having a major impact on the show’s captivating experience.

Congratulations goes to the creative team and production company who make the theatrical magic possible through their extraordinary contribution. Beautiful songs and mesmerising dances are set against spectacular scenic design by Frances Story, befitting the magnificence of Toowoomba’s stunningly beautiful Empire Theatre. Digital screens and impressive structures, lighting and deft stage management create day and night scenery of forests, the humble cottage of Cinderella’s origins, a town square, Cinderella’s carriage, a palace ballroom and the sweeping steps which frame the anticipated “dropped” glass slipper – just one of the many gorgeous costume elements deserving of applause.