Cinderella Delights Audiences

I have seen Cinderella countless times, so I had high expectations along with a lot of excitement as the house lights went down in the James F. Dunne Auditorium. To my delight, DHS' version put an interesting twist on the beloved fairy tale. The production was colorful, amusing, and all around fantastic. 

The musical begins with Prince Topher (Jason Walsh) as he questions his identity since he will soon become king during the song “Me, Who Am I?” His father comforts him and decides the best way to help Topher is to host a ball to find him a wife. Shortly after, Cinderella (Caeli Aucoin) does chores for Madame (Connor Loughlin), her evil stepmother. After the passing of her father, Madame forces Cinderella to be their maid and servant. 

Contrary to the Disney version, Topher and Cinderella meet prior to the ball. Prince Topher stumbles by a well after defeating a giant in battle. There he finds Cinderella and Marie (Maeve Keogh), an old homeless woman who is deemed crazy by the townspeople. Topher talks with Sebastian (Brendan Greenly), his chancellor, and asks for a cup of water. Lord Pinkleton (Devlin Jones), second in command, and Sebastian treat Cinderella as a servant girl, shaming her, however Topher is extremely kind and grateful. Cinderella says that she is Topher’s “true friend.”

Jean-Michel (Christopher MacDougall) is a new addition to the story. He is a revolutionist and his undying love for Gabrielle (Kate Tocci) was evident when he offers her a book during a quick conversation about the revolution. However, their happiness is cut short when Madame makes it clear that Jean-Michel is too poor for Gabrielle. 

Shortly before Madame, Gabrielle, and Charlotte leave for the ball, it is revealed that Sebastian and Madame have a secret alliance as they plan for Topher to marry Gabrielle. 

The audience is given another surprise when old crazy Marie transforms into Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother during the song “Transformations.” Cinderella realizes that she will in fact be able to go to the ball. She is given a beautiful carriage, white dress, and venetian glass slippers. 

As the ball progresses, Topher seems to become more and more miserable, however, his mood changes when he meets Cinderella. They dance and have lively conversations. Just as midnight hits, Cinderella abruptly leaves, but Topher gives all efforts to make her stay. Cinderella leaves the ball, but differing from the original, Cinderella leaves with both slippers. 

Prince Topher becomes sullen, as all he can think about is the girl he danced with from the ball. He decides that the best way to find her is to host a banquet. Gaberielle realizes that Cinderella was the girl at the ball that the prince fell in love with. Gaberielle hatches a plan with Cinderella to switch places after Charlotte and Madame go to the ball. Their plan is abruptly foiled when Madame returns home. Cinderella’s dress is torn to shreds just like her heart. 

Marie saves the day once again when she transforms Cinderella’s clothes. Cinderella runs off to the ball and finds Topher. The two love birds share a moment and realize they have met before. Cinderella warns the prince about the uprising townspeople. Without missing a beat, Topher hears out the townspeople, including Jean-Michel. Topher decides to institute a new democratic government and elect a prime minister. 

While everyone is gleeful, the clock strikes midnight and Cinderella runs off again only leaving her venetian glass slipper behind. The only thing she leaves Topher with is her saying she is  “a true friend.”

Topher is on the hunt to find his dream girl once more. He has every eligible maiden try on the slipper. The shoe only fits Cinderella and she has the matching one. Topher proposes on the spot and the two live happily ever after. 

All of the actors did an amazing job bringing each character to life. Compared with the Disney version, each character had a more developed and vibrant personality. The addition of Jean-Michel added a whole new dimension to the musical as he became the face of the townspeople in terms of the revolution. Both Connor Loughlin and Caeli Aucoin are tremendous actors who, for my money, are already at the professional level. Not only did they completely inhabit their characters, but were also able to improvise and keep their cool during moments of . 

The tech crew also did a stupendous job. Despite their rehearsal week getting cut short, the show went off without a hitch. The lights and props were all fabulous. It was evident that lots of effort and love was put in from the crew, especially Stage Manager Theresa Stronach and Assistant Stage managers Jessie Ataya, Jack Watson, Tara Duncan and Lauren Fonseca. 

Overall, the show was an undeniable success. The cast and crew should be extremely proud of what they achieved!