LESTER B. PEARSON ENCHANTS WITH CINDERELLA
Show #18: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Where: Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School Director: Nona Luchenski-McMillan
The clock struck 12, but the dream didn’t end there. The magic lives on in Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School’s enchanting rendition of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
The hopeful Cinderella lives a life of servitude under the arrogant gaze of her stepmother and stepsisters, and dreams of finding true love. As the night of Prince Christopher’s ball approaches, Cinderella must find a way to change her destiny and meet the man of her dreams.
The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical was written for television in 1957, and was based upon the French version of the fairy tale, Cendrillon. Lester B. Pearson’s performance stayed true to the spirit of the original story, and musical numbers such as The Cinderella Waltz captured the atmosphere of timeless romance in the elegantly executed dances. Though there were some slight difficulties with pitch in the songs, they did not affect the overall atmosphere of the performance.
In the titular role, Carina Almario imbued Cinderella with earnest expressions of wonder and longing, as well as the sweet tone of her voice. Almario’s endless optimism and glimmering eyes fleshed out Cinderella’s childish innocence, and endeared her endlessly to the crowd.
Glen Howse delivered a steady performance as Christopher, accentuating his frustration with his situation through fluid gestures and expressive body language.
The squabbling Stepsisters, portrayed by Emily Grace Linton-LeBlanc and Julia Millan, presented their ditzy, vibrant dynamic with an interwoven fluency. Their constant fidgeting, exaggerated glaring, and comedic bickering captured the character archetype perfectly during their riotous performance of A Lovely Night. Michael Anthony Picciano provided a comically deadpan portrayal of Lionel, the Prince’s steward. Even throughout the boisterous antics of the musical, Picciano conducted himself with an authoritative air and elegant mannerisms that characterized his royal position.
The set design of the production recreated the fairy-tale esthetic through the use of soft pastel colours, pale flower garlands and twinkling fairy lights. Painted in white and embellished with a veil of pale lace, Cinderella’s beautiful carriage embodied the very essence of magic that permeated throughout. The stage crew worked quietly and seamlessly with the cast to complete the scene transitions in the dark. Their efforts were both well choreographed and unobtrusive as they rotated the versatile set pieces to reveal the painted view on the other side.
The fairy tale that enchanted countless generations came to life once again in Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School’s charming performance of Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. It was far too easy to get lost in the daze of frosted cakes and silken skirts, as sparks of magic illuminated the sleeping flowers in the garden of endless dreams.
Next review: Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School’s production of Almost, Maine.