Cinderella has been in many forms on stage and screen since 1899. In 1957 a live musical version created by Rodgers & Hammerstein was broadcast with Julie Andrews in the lead role. Twice more TV versions aired – in 1965 with Lesley Ann Warren and a 1997 feature with Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as Fairy Godmother. In 2013 it returned to Broadway and now the national tour brings the classic tale to life through April 30^th at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.

Tatyana Lubov shines in the lead role of Ella, the mistreated stepsister who is the brunt of the her Stepmother’s vitriol. Despite her challenges, Ella remains a kind and giving person, making an impact on Prince Topher (Hayden Stanes) when they briefly meet. Much of the story is familiar, but some changes such as Topher’s parents being dead and stepsister Gabrielle being less wicked of the 2 add an interesting twist to the tale.

Stanes prince is charming and goofy, and the cast is spectacular in both the choreography and vocally. The costume design in particular is spectacular – Cinderella’s change from rags into flowing gowns is instantaneous and magical leaving both the adults and kids in the audience gasping. The set – from a forest to Cinderella’s home to the Prince’s castle are brought to life with stunning colour and contrast. The show is as much a feast visually as it is a story.

There are some things lacking in the story – the villains never really receive their comeuppance, and a few strings are left dangling that are odd. As an overall show these minor things can be overlooked.

I spent the evening with a 10-year-old daughter of a close friend, and I enjoy seeing shows like this through the eyes of a child. For many a show like Cinderella is nostalgia for our childhood, but to kids it is fresh and new. The "Cinderella Story" has been part of culture for thousands of years, yet it still resonates that anything can happen. Regardless of your age or connection to the story, Cinderella is a show for all ages and generations and a must-see on the theatre calendar.

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Broadway Across Canada | Theatre |