Disclosure: I was provided with media tickets to attend this performance. However, all opinions are 100% my own.
The Broadway In Miami 2014-2015 season continues with last night’s opening of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA for one week only at the for the Performing Arts. Running through November 2, 2014, Cinderella will make you believe that anything is possible.
What appeared to be a sold out opening night show, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella delivered a beautiful contemporary rendition of the timeless classic. The 2013 Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical has arrived to South Florida by way of horse-drawn carriage to delight and entertain young and old.
Cinderella has won the hearts of children everywhere making them believe in magic and allowing them to explore their imaginations. This time around she’s on a mission, just like this Mama, to teach compassion, kindness and forgiveness. Her empowering words make even the cold-hearted of those around her believe. Leaving a lasting impression on the Prince came not from her beauty (yes, she’s beautiful too), but from her warm and loving nature.
Despite being repeatedly ridiculed by the likes of her Evil Step-mother and half-sisters, Cinderella perseveres and teaches the Prince, his court and the entire village that kindness is the new black.
Paige Faure, Broadway’s very own Cinderella, reprises her role for the National Tour. I was blown away by the authenticity of her portrayal as Cinderella. Paige is one with her, clearly and truly a real Cinderella. Her expressive nature and strong voice will sweep you off your feet. Playing Prince Topher is Andy Jones, young and naïve, being misled by his right hand man, turns out to be the one that really needs saving. Kecia aka Marie the Fairy Godmother plays a captivating role and makes a true grand entrance to the stage each time she appears, from crazy old beggar to enchanting Fairy Godmother.
Cinderella tells the classic tale of the poor and ignored stepdaughter meeting her Prince. Eventually escaping from the evil clutches of her step-mother and half-sisters, with a new twist not seen before. Comedy and laughter erupt from the stage and audience time and time again.
But what about the shoes? The shoes really carry their own weight once they make their magical appearance. Only a true Princess can get away with wearing glass slippers. It’s not really all about those beautiful glass slippers, but they are beautiful. It’s about the power to be anything you want to be and do anything you want to do. It’s about the transformation from rags to riches, yet the determination of remaining true to one’s self that is delivered in and out of those shoes. I too was believing and imagining. Even believing being able to fit, and WALK, in a pair of glass slippers, despite not being able to wear high heels for more than 30 minutes!
Kindness, compassion and even forgiveness all take center stage throughout the tale of Cinderella, along with some surprising twists you would never have imagined. But most of all the costume transformations will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, gasping for air and wondering how that just happened. And I have the answer…It’s simply Magic!
Hum along to the tunes of the musical’s cherished score with songs including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” “Ten Minutes Ago” and “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?”
You are officially invited to the Ball to dance with the Prince as he searches for his Princess. When Cinderella runs off, the Prince spends days wandering the forest in search of the “one” that has lightened his heart and shown him some purpose in life. Wishing for his Princess to return, a second grand engagement is held at the castle. Will the Prince find his Princess once more? Will he forever be changed by her kindness?
It’s funny, its romantic and most importantly, it’s not your mothers Cinderella. It’s so much more! Make sure to take a left immediately upon entering the Arsht Center so your little one, Prince or Princess, can design and decorate their very own crown at the Arts & Crafts table, a complimentary activity for patrons of the show!
At the close of the performance the cast was met with a standing ovation and most definitely earned it. I wish I could see Cinderella again and again. A girl can dream can’t she?
The parental guide lists Cinderella as recommended for all ages. The average youngster was approximately six (6) years old. There may be material that some young ones will not understand, but it is all child friendly. A true appreciation for the witty humor is reserved for those at least 10 years of age or older.
Live on Stage runs for 2 hours and 15 minutes, which includes one (1) fifteen minute intermission. Food, snacks and beverages are available for purchase and are permitted inside the theater for this performance.
Ticket prices are family and budget friendly and start at only $26. There are only seven shows left, playing in the evenings on weekdays and with two shows each on Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 2nd.
From the young princes and princesses in your life to the Kings and Queens of your castle, everyone will start to believe in the magic of Cinderella. Remember, the fun in Miami ends on Sunday and shows are selling out quickly!
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is playing at the Ziff Ballet Opera House in the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132. Tickets are available for purchase or by calling the Box Office at (305) 949-6722.
Photo Credits @ MamasMission and Carol Rosegg.
Be sure to visit Broadway In Miami for details about upcoming Broadway Across America shows coming to South Florida!
Disclosure: Mama’s Mission was not compensated for this post. I was provided with media tickets to attend this performance; however, all opinions are 100% my own. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
