Theater Review: Cinderella Enchants At Academy Playhouse

ORLEANS — Fairytale and magic come to life on the stage at the Academy Playhouse in Orleans as Cinderella debuted last week. This timeless Rogers and Hammerstein 1957 classic was the only work the duo created that was written specifically for television and it starred Julie Andrews. The live musical was broadcast in color and was viewed by more than a million people. This APA performance is directed by Creative Director Judy Hamer and is jam-packed with wonderful songs, a stunning set, magnificent costume design and best of all, a host of more than 20 local actors!

The title role of Cinderella is gracefully played by Rachel Walman who absolutely shines in the role with her girlish smile and serene, whimsical demeanor. Walman’s tender rendition of “In My Own Little Corner” was beautifully heartfelt. As the story goes, Cinderella dreams of a better life and smiles through her pain as she lives day in and day out serving the demands of her evil stepsisters, played by Missy Potash and Erica Morris, and stepmother, played by Julia Randall. Potash and Morris were an electric pair who worked marvelously well together to deliver endless laughs in nearly every scene they graced. APA veteran actor, DJ Kostka, who also choreographed the show, portrayed the highly sought after Prince Charming who wins the girl in the end. Kostka and Walman shined together in their beautiful performance of the duet, “Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful.” Jennifer Almeida played Fairy Godmother, who is constantly looking out for Cinderella and helping her succeed. Almeida was perfectly cast in her role and was an elegant mix of charm and dazzling sass as she waved her magic wand all around making dreams come true.

The talent in Cinderella was abundant! Playing drums on stage is Dana Lapointe and on piano is music director Chris Morris. The cast included a delightful quartet of little mice, who wondrously transform into horses for Cinderella’s pumpkin coach, played by young actors Mia Nadeau, Gabi Castro, Paxton Glidden and Finley Smith. Prince Charming’s doting parents, the King and Queen, were played by Terrance Bradley and Sue Lindholm. Devin Massarsky, Mickey Olsen and Lucas Almeida each played pivotal roles of Steward, Herald and Herald-in-Training respectively. Rounding out the cast were two young actors, Will Olean and Charlie Tobin, who not only played rats at one point in the show, but who also kept the scenes moving along as Coachman and Footman. The ensemble included the wonderful talents of Mia Nadeau, Grace Shannon, Gia Popov, Keren Castro, Erin Walsh, Nashira Glidden, Finnigan Conlin and Jane Taylor.

Equally impressive is the magnificent set design and carriage by APA legend Mark Roderick. (Watch out for the WOW moment when the pumpkin carriage graces the stage!) Cinderella’s costume, designed by Karen Hepinstall, was captivating! The stunning gown drew applause and gasps from the audience as Cinderella magically transformed into it for the ball.

This holiday season it seems like there are more options than ever for entertainment on the Lower Cape, from caroling to holiday markets to town strolls, but there is certainly nothing better than watching a magical fairy tale come to life. Don’t let the clock strike midnight and miss out on the chance to see this beautiful performance.

DETAILS:

“Cinderella”

At the Academy Of Performing Arts, Main Street, Orleans

Through Dec. 23, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m.

Information and reservations: 508-255-1963, academyplayhouse.org