Cinderella at Phoenixville Area High School

Theater: Phoenixville Area High School
Show: Cinderella
Seen: March 14, 2008
Submitted: March 17, 2008
Reviewer: Ariel Finegold

Once upon a time in Phoenixville Area High School, a capable cast of actors transformed their auditorium into a magical kingdom. Their production of the classic fairytale, Cinderella, complete with sibling rivalry, love at first sight and the magic of inner beauty, enchanted every audience member.

Adapted from the 1697 fairytale written by Charles Perrault, Rodgers and Hammerstein exclusively designed their musical version of Cinderella for television in l957.

The timeless tale begins as Cinderella is left to the mercy of her wicked stepmother and two nasty stepsisters. When the King and Queen throw a ball, Cinderella attends with the magical help of her fairy Godmother, who transforms Cinderella’s rags into a gorgeous gown with glass slippers.

At the royal fete, Cinderella wins the love of the Prince, but her Godmother's magic only works until midnight, and Cinderella is forced to leave the festivities, and one glass slipper, behind. The heartbroken Prince searches for the special girl who lost the slipper. He finds the perfect fit with Cinderella, they marry and, well, you know the rest.

Emily Peterson engagingly portrayed Cinderella and presented a vulnerable yet independent characterization of the titular character. She also possessed a clear, resounding voice that came through beautifully in “In My Own Little Corner.”

Her romantic interest, Prince Christopher, played by Dustin Brown, was competent as a troubled, lovestruck royal. His father, the King, uproariously brought to life by Ryan Dellaquila, exhibited impeccable comedic timing, especially in his scenes opposite his wife, the elegant Queen, acted by Lindsay Burgess.

In the role of Fairy Godmother, Veronica Wisely, a petite yet ebullient actress, charmingly commanded the stage in her duet with Cinderella, “Impossible/It’s Possible.” In contrast, the constant quibbling of the two envious and spiteful stepsisters, skillfully acted by Maria Konstantinidis and Emily Starczewski, peppered the performance with a cacophony of demands and insults.

While creative effects such as dancing flowers and a sped up clock tower added an element of surrealism, stage crew unfortunately made lengthy set changes, and was often visible.

While sometimes sporting expressions of fatigue, the ensemble pleasantly danced in unison and moved gracefully around the stage. The orchestra seldom made note follies and persevered admirably throughout the show.

Although the tale of Cinderella is all but too familiar, Phoenixville Area High School’s performance succeeded in delighting the child in each of us and letting us leave happily ever after.

by Ariel Finegold of Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School