Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella

For a 1957 version of a 300-year-old fairy tale, this production of Cinderella seems quite modern. I think it has something to do with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s undercurrent themes of ‘be whoever you want to be’, as well as the importance of being kind and helping others, and finding a life partner who is a true friend. These are universal truths that resonate today for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. So, it is fitting that Cinderella (Shubshri Kandiah) is not merely a beauty – she is beautiful from the inside too: a kind and thoughtful person who supports her friends and forgives her bullies. Prince Topher (Ainsley Melham) is not just a handsome prince – he is a thinker who wants to be a better person. With the help of her step-sister, Gabrielle (Matilda Moran) and her ‘crush’ the social reformer, Jean-Michel (Josh Gardiner) they add a modern spin to the age-old tale of accepting love where you find it – no matter if you are from different backgrounds. We certainly have a wealth of musical talent in Australia and the two lead performers really shine: Shubshri Kandiah was trained in Brisbane and Ainsley Melham studied in Perth. The two young stars recently appeared together in Disney’s Aladdin, and their chemistry and connection works very well for Cinderella. They are engaging and likeable and have a spark that drives the production. You can tell they are mates and so the romance that follows in the story is warm and natural – well as natural as it can be in a musical theatre setting! Their true harmony is in their vocals – each with a wonderful and effortless singing range that pair to perfection. 

The beauty of Rodgers & Hammerstein is that they are not stingy with giving star turns to character actors. As the Fairy Godmother, Silvie Paladino is outstanding – everything you want the part to be: loveable, witty, magical. And what a voice! Her flight across the stage drew enthusiastic applause from the crowd – as did the superb quick costume transformations and the magical appearance of the pumpkin coach and horses that take Cinders to the ball. Debora Krizak is wonderfully wicked as Madame, the stepmother. Her character really deserves another song to explain her selfish behaviour. As the two step-sisters, Bianca Bruce as Charlotte and Matilda Moran as Gabrielle, add their own spark of excellent comic timing and amazing voices to their supporting roles. Josh Gardiner adds the likeable thinking man to the cast as Jean-Michel, and Daniel Belle is rock solid as Lord Pinkleton and his recurring melodic tones are welcome on the stage every time he appears. Adding true Rodgers & Hammerstein pedigree, a very special mention for Nicholas Hammond, whose vast career of course includes his memorable role as Freddy Von Trapp in the film The Sound of Music. How wonderful to see him on the stage – and he excels in his role as the nasty Lord Chancellor.

Another treat is to hear a live orchestra – hidden though they may be in the pit area of the stage, it always excites me to hear instruments tuning up before a show. The live music adds real energy to the performances. I wouldn’t say that these songs are Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most memorable, but they are refreshing with wonderful lyrics and strong messages about being true to yourself, and the magic of finding a person you truly connect with. This production features wonderful sets and costumes and will be winner with audiences of all ages. It is not a children’s show by any means – and the show I attended was mainly filled with adults – but one little girl sitting in front of me was excited by everything on the stage and was dancing along with the music. Another local musical theatre star in the making?

Beth Keehn

Photographer: Jeff Busby