Contemporary but classic ‘Cinderella’

UTICA, N.Y. >> Rodgers + Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” the 2013 Tony Awardwinning Broadwaymusical from the creators of “The King & I” and “The Sound of Music,” will play the the Stanley theater for a one night on Thursday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.

With its fresh newtake on the beloved tale of a young woman who is transformed from a chambermaid into a princess, this hilarious and romantic Rodgers + Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” combines the story’s classic elements – glass slippers, pumpkin, and a beautiful ball along with some surprising twists. More than just a pretty face with the right shoe size, this Cinder- ella is a contemporary figure living in a fairytale setting. She is a spirited young womanwith savvy and soul who doesn’t let her rags or her gowns trip her up in her quest for kindness, compassion and forgiveness. She longs to escape the drudgery of her work at home and instead work to make the world a better place. She not only fights for her own dreams, but forces the prince to open his eyes to the world around him and realize his dreams too.

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, a new book by Douglas Carter Beane and original book by Oscar Hammer- stein II. Originally directed by Mark Brokaw and choreographed by Josh Rhodes, the tour is directed by Gina Rattan and choreographed by Lee Wilkins. Music adaptation and arrangements are byDavidChase andmusic supervision is by Greg Anthony Rassen. Orchestrations are by Bill Elliott and are adapted from the original Broadway orchestrations by Danny Troob.

One of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most popular titles, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” was written for television — debuting in 1957 starring Julie Andrews. In 2013, the show made its long-overdue Broadway debut. Along with “Cinderella,” Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musicals include “Oklahoma!,” “Carousel,” “The King and I,” “South Pacific” and “The Sound of Music.”

Tickets for “Cinderella” can be purchased in person at the Broadway Utica box office located at 258 Genesee St., by phone at 315-7247196, or by visiting BroadwayUtica.com.

PHOTO BY CAROL ROSEGG Kaitlyn Mayse and Lukas James Miller (center) and the cast of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”

PHOTO BY CAROL ROSEGG From left are Tyler Eisenreich, Zina Ellis and Kaitlyn Mayse in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”

PHOTO BY CAROL ROSEGG From left are Kaitlyn Mayse, Sarah Smith, Natalie Girard and Joanna Johnson in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”