THE ARTS ETC
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THE BROAD BROOK OPERA HOUSE PLAYERS
PRESENT
RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S
CINDERELLA
NOVEMBER 11 through 27, 2011
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS AT 8 PM
SUNDAYS AT 2 PM
DIRECTED BY BARBARA WASHER
MUSIC DIRECTION BY DEBBIE CURYLO
CHOREOGRAPHY BY BRYNA KEARNEY
BOX OFFICE
860-292-6068
107 MAIN STREET, BROAD BROOK, CT
www.operahouseplayers.org
REVIEWED BY DEBRA TINKHAM
The Broad Brook Opera Players and the cast of “Cinderella” have partnered with Make-A-Wish to “...put the show’s theme of hopes, dreams and wishes coming true into action in your community. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. As Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother says, ‘Impossible things are happening every day.’”Barbara Washer, a first-time Director of the Opera House Players (OHP), stated, “Cinderella may be the most classic of all the classic fairy tales; inspiring countless stories, novels, films, operas, plays, musicals, comic books, songs and even video games in hundreds of cultures and languages from ancient times to today. Knowing the story so well, one can easily gloss over the themes and meanings that root it fully in who we are as human beings. Our exploration began by setting the production in the 18th century and researching both the historical period and various adaptations of the tale…”
“The musical genius of composer Richard Rodgers brilliantly translates character and plot into music with clarity, inventiveness and irresistibility; while the elegant lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II, alternately wise, witty, rapturous, and heartbreaking reveal an unerring understanding of the human heart.”
The two-act musical began with an instrumental overture with Deborah Curylo, Musical Director, conductor and keyboard player; Dick Prior, Woodwinds; Luke Nelson, Bass, and Devin Lavery, Violin, which immediately set a whimsical fairy-tale-like mood. All are musical virtuosos. Mr. Prior definitely needs a different reed on his clarinet. The squeaking was just too obvious to ignore.
The Herald, played by Aaron Gilberto, announces, “The Prince is Giving a Ball.” Prince Charming’s parents, Queen Constantina (Julie Martini), and King Maximillan, robustly played by David Climbo, are discussing Prince Charming’s – or as they call him – Prince Christopher’s – apparent unhappiness. The Queen states, “There hasn’t been a ball in the past seven years, so this needs to be ‘the ball to end all balls!’”
The Royal Chef (Deb Brigada) and Steward (Patrick O’Konis), arrive at the palace to plan the menu of lobsters, pheasants and everything decadent. The King, who has never counted a calorie in his life, is now counting his pennies and dollars – visualizing massive amounts of money going out the window.
Meanwhile, the next scene opens with a dimly lit fireplace in a “Little Corner with a Little Chair,” where we meet the lonely but lovely Cinderella (Caitlin Fahey). When she’s in her own little corner, in her own little chair, she can dream about anything, anytime, anywhere. The simple, pure clarity of her voice, the perfect diction and the acoustics make seeing and doing ‘the impossible,’ believable.
Next, we are introduced to the lovely Fairy Godmother (Sara Steiner), who the audience applauds and takes an immediate liking to for what we know she is capable of doing.
With “The Transformation” instrumental interlude, we have been mildly entertained by the scene changes, which were many, but, alas, one begins to feel “oh, no, not another scene change” which made me wonder if effective lighting could have ‘split’ the stage.
We all know the story of the wicked stepmother (Reva Kleppel) and her nasty daughters, Portia (Megan Graul), and Joy (Khara C. Hoyer), planning to attend the ball and one of them claiming the Prince. I know Reva Kleppel personally, and when asked for her statement about this production, she stated, “I’m really very different from the role I play.” Kleppel is kind and thoughtful, and the way they transformed her – to look nasty and act ugly – is not the real Kleppel. I had never heard her sing and when she and daughters each did a solo, along with Cinderella, it was a real eye-opener for the beauty, clarity and musicality of Kleppel’s voice.
Joy, played her role to a tee. There was no joy whatsoever in her. Portia, however, was just too pretty with her shiny blonde hair, her beautiful smile, her pretty face and her gorgeous voice, to pull off a ‘nasty step-sister’.
Cinderella had amazingly quick costume changes; from a cinder-ash to a lovely princess – in seconds. Might we mention that in May 2012, Fahey will receive her juris doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law.
Cinderella is a delightful musical featuring an abundance of talent. This production continues through November 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27. There were several ‘little princesses’ in the audience who were invited to join the Queen, King, Prince and Princess on stage after the performance.
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(Also, be sure to mark your calendar for OHP's production of CHICAGO - February 10 - 26, 2012)
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