Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella – REVIEW

Arts & Entertainment Stage

Mark Morellini
October 29, 2022

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Tony Award winning Cinderella has opened in Sydney to heightened anticipation, but prospective audiences have no idea of the magic that’s about to unfold before their very eyes.

Many versions of this classic tale have been darkened but Rodgers & Hammerstein’s iconic and beautiful production is tinged with humour and is somewhat uplifting.

Shubshri Kandiah as Ella in Cinderella. Photo: Jeff Busby

All the special elements which made this such an original and unforgettable tale are present within this production; the glass slipper, the pumpkin carriage, the wicked stepmother and stepsisters, and the fairy godmother but there are a few notable differences.

There’s a sympathetic stepsister, the Prince has attended university and Cinderella is a dreamer and attempts in earnest to transform the prince into a nicer person. It’s fun and engaging with a more contemporary feel and some twists and surprises.

Ainsley Melham as Prince Topher and Nicholas Hammond as Sebastian. Photo: Jeff Busby

The mesmerising set is designed with such extravagance and the sumptuous and brightly coloured costumes are extraordinarily exquisite, especially collectively during the ballroom sequences. It’s bewildering when Cinderella’s ball gown magically appears on stage almost unnoticed!

Audiences should warm to all the characters portrayed by a wonderful and highly professional cast. Shubshri Kandiah is especially breathtaking as Cinderella, Ainsley Melham evokes the comical elements of the Prince with the greatest of ease and Tina Bursill is deliciously obnoxious as Madame.

Silvie Paladino as the Fairy Godmother and Shubshri Kandiah as Cinderella. Photo: Ben Fon

Special praise must also be given to Silvie Paladino who is delightful as the fairy godmother and Bianca Bruce, such a talented young actress who should evoke hysterical laughter from the most hardened of theatregoers as Charlotte, one of the stepsisters.

The musical numbers which include ‘In My Own Corner’, ‘The Prince Is Giving A Ball’ and ‘Impossible/It’s Possible’ may not be as well known to Australian theatregoers as other Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musicals, but it doesn’t detract from the enjoyment as there’s so much energy on stage incorporating dance and endless comedic moments.

Shubshri Kandiah, Tina Bursill, Matilda Moran and Bianca Bruce. Photo: Jeff Busby

Bianca Bruce as Charlotte with ensemble. Photo: Jeff Busby

Cinderella is an ambitious and mammoth theatrical production where perfect timing on stage is of the utmost importance. The musical runs smoothly and easily, seemingly with ‘mechanical regularity’, faultless and precise.

Through the lingering theme of kindness an important message is conveyed to younger audiences. Cinderella has been mistreated and oppressed, basically a prisoner within the kitchen, but she still remains pure, compassionate, kind-hearted, and very forgiving. Her presence makes others wish they were better people.

This is a feel good and joyous musical, perfect entertainment for the whole family!