REVIEW ‘Ella’ an enchanting production
Special to the Journal Sentinel
In a world where date rape remains widespread, one can’t say often enough that “no means no.” But what about the larger problem of a culture continually telling women from the time they’re girls that they should say “yes,” appeasing and pleasing rather than choosing for themselves?
That’s the question at the heart of Gail Carson Levine’s marvelous “Ella Enchanted,” a novel in which “Cinderella” becomes the story of a girl who learns to say no. A First Stage world premiere adapted by Karen Zacarias (book and lyrics) and Deborah Wicks LaPuma (music), it debuted Friday night under John Maclay’s direction.
To steal the names of First Stage’s alternating casts of young performers, “Ella” is both “spectacular” and “brilliant.” Despite its serious message, it’s also uproariously funny, calling to mind two other recent First Stage shows featuring strong women overcoming benightedmedievalsettings: “Shrek” and “Once Upon a Mattress.”
Ella is in trouble from the beginning, thanks to “that fool of a fairy Lucinda” (the delightfully obtuse Bree Beelow), who puts an end to baby Ella’s squallingbygivingherthe “gift” of obedience: Whenever she’s told to do something, Ella must obey, even if she’d prefer not to.
Once Ella’s mother is replaced by a wicked stepmother (Niffer Clarke in both roles, and a scenestealing stitch in the second) and two nasty, hilariously stupid stepsisters (Grace Becker and Elizabeth Robbins in Friday’s cast), it’s seemingly curtains for poor Ella (an exceptional Alison Pogorelc), who gets no support from her self-absorbed father (Matt Daniels).
But even as she remains bound by her spell, Ella uses her top-notch brain to fight back.
In a witty song calling to mind Maria’s “Do-Re-Mi” in “The Sound of Music,” Pogorelc describes language as magical and transformative; hence all the languages Ella has learned, the empathy for others (including talking animals) this reflects and her consequent ability to bend words (and others’ commands) so she might begin writing her own story.
Sure, it helps that Ella is loved by a supportive prince named Char, but a spot-on Max Pink understands his role quite well: Singer Wayne Newton, 74 Singer Tony Orlando, 72 Actor Alec Baldwin, 58 Actor David Hyde Pierce, 57 Comedian-actor Eddie Murphy, 55 Actress Jennie Garth, 44 Actor Adam Scott, 43 Actor Matthew Goode, 38 Actress Cobie Smulders, 34 Singer Leona Lewis, 31 Actress Amanda Bynes, 30 Actress-comedian Rachel Bloom (TV: “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”), 29 Actress Hayley Kiyoko (left), (TV: “CSI: Cyber”), 25
IF YOU GO
“Ella Enchanted” continues through May 1 at the Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water St. For tickets, call (414) 273-7206 or visit www.firststage.org/ Read more about this production at TapMilwaukee.com.
Unlike Cinderella’s Prince Charming, he isn’t a rescuing white knight but a supportive helpmate, winning Ella’s love because he makes room for her to take the initiative and sing her own song.
That’s no problem for the talented Pogorelc, making the most of her moments in a melodious score that moves toward close with a resounding anthem to the power of choice.
Much like Jessica Beth Redish’s choreography — initially as constricted and regimented as Ella before exuberantly opening outward — we see Pogorelc burst into bloom, matching the flower centering Jason Coale’s floor design and confirming that it’s Ella herself who is truly enchanting.