Modern Cinderella a delight
Plenty of laughs, dance and music, bring magic to the stage
CINDERS – THE TRUE STORY, directed by Reyn ffoulkes, musical director Bronwyn Maree and choreography Jerry Fortuin (The Pemads Little Theatre until December 15)
Reviewed by Lynne Gadd-Claxton
MANY remember the timeless fairytale Cinderella, but Pemads’ end-of-year production puts a creative spin on this classic love story. Pemads chairman and stalwart performer Reyn ffoulkes has proved his ability to direct a stellar cast and put on a lively pantomime.
While the show is a favourite among the younger audience, adults will enjoy the humour and witty banter between the characters.
Dotty (Dave Jordaan) and Potty (Mark Farrow) are a sight in drag with their outrageously bright clothing and even brighter make-up.
Their entrance on stage with a Woolworths trolley makes quite an impression on the younger audience.
The multi-talented Rachel Giddy plays the much-loved Cinderella. Although she is a Grade 11 pupil at Pearson High, she is remarkable.
Under the musical direction of Bronwyn Maree, who was also musical director on the Rother-Swain production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the show adds a modern twist with music favourites.
The show, which opens with Disney’s Happy Working Song, depicts the fair maiden content with her station in life. The musical numbers throughout the panto will suit every age group with Abba classic Dancing Queen or Travie McCoy’s Billionaire.
Choreographed by renowned Jerry Fortuin, dance routines set the tone for the various acts. While the ball scene at the palace has moments of anticipation and plotting by Cinderella’s stepmother, the Baroness (Alida Senekal), Dotty and Potty’s dance number had the audience laughing, while also diminishing any chance they might have with the prince.
The dashing prince, played by Timothy Collier, sweeps Cinderella off her feet and captures the attention of Dotty and Potty, to much amusement of the audience.
Other firm favourites are Buttons (Sikholiwa Gaika), who is secretly in love with Cinderella and an ever-slow butler to her family, and Fairy G (Taryn Benade), who makes all the magic happen on stage and off.
Fairy G erodes the fourth wall of theatre with much audience participation. The audience voices were raised when Fairy G needed some extra oomph to turn a sausage – Buttons could not find a pumpkin – into Cinderella’s carriage.
Another highlight was that audience members were afforded the chance to meet the cast in the foyer after the show. Tickets are R65 per person at Computicket. The show runs at 7.30pm from Tuesday to Friday, with a 2.30pm matinee and evening performances on Saturdays.