Cinderalla show is just what we need after a tough 2020
From the time the curtain . . . and the voices . . . rose on the first number this production was full of fun and the vocal and visual treats came one after the other.
WaipawaM&Dhas a reputation for putting on great productions. So I’m not going to surprise anyone by announcing that their latest offering— Sir Roger Hall’s very special CHB-based rewrite of Cinderella— is anabsolute laugh out loud blinder of a show.
Sir Roger wrote this production for WaipawaM&Das hewasso impressed by the skill and talent on display in Jack and the Beanstalk, their panto last year.
We’re so spoilt in Central Hawke’s Bay.
Fromthe time the curtain . . . and the voices . . . rose on the firstnumber this production was full of fun and the vocal and visual treatscameone after the other. Andso did the local references, whichwas a lot of fun.
The casting is spot on. SamDraper makes a delectably dastardlyDan Dini, and he has the most astonishing voice. As does Alanna Barklewhose sweet tones are perfect for doe-eyed Cinderella.
Cinders’ cruel sisters though darned near steal the show. Harpie and Abrasia are horrendous and hilariously played byDanny Priestley and Dean Allsopp.
These two are acomedyduoin theirownright and Iwouldn’t be surprised if there’s a spinoff production in the making. This pair were the source ofmanya laugh out loud moment.
As wasMary Kippenberger as the sinister Bad Fairy. Marydoes bad really well and wasthe perfect foil forAnnFulford’s gentle and
wholesomeGoodFairy.
The set was pared-back and clever, allowing for seamless scene
changes. The lighting wasexcellent and having a live band makes for additional side effects as well as a
special ambience.
There weremanycontenders vying for star billing alongside
Cinders and her Prince. The mice gave it adarned good try but in the end I think the shoeswonthe day. Nonot the glass slippers, or evenDan Dini’s shiny pointy boots . . . itwas Harpy’s red high heels that were the most jaw dropping. Howon earth did she . . . he . . . dance in those things?
Myjunior reviewer also needs to have his say though. Jhasper, aged 9, went along to put in his two cents worth. Hewas spellbound by Alanna Barkle’s Cinderella, did not want the showto end and toldmewith shining eyes “that pantomimewas awesome!”
Fromstart to finish this production is pacey and funny, the musical numbers incite youto sing along, in fact the lastnumbermay have raised the roof, there’s traditional pantomime audience interaction (practise yelling “they’re behind you!” before you go along) and the whole thing is light, bright and just whatweneed after a tough 2020.