North Shore Music Theatre's 'Cinderella' is an Enchanting Evening

Anything is possible. With a touch of magic, your wishes will come true.

North Shore Music Theatre presents Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. Learning that the royal palace is having a ball, Cinderella desires to go. Her wicked stepmother refuses it. Finding a touch of fairy dust, Cinderella’s festive evening at the ball is a night of surprises.

It was a magical opening night of Cinderella at North Shore Music Theatre. Audiences marveled at the hard work presented by a talented team of actors. Finding the magic of the story, Cinderella incorporates fun twists into a well-known fable. Cinderella includes an invigorating moral. Never give up and think positive.

Meadow Nguy was marvelous as Cinderella. Cinderella’s kindness is the best trait of her character despite the unfair negativity brought on by her stepfamily. Nguy had a beautiful singing voice. I enjoyed her interpretation of Cinderella. Props to Nguy who had to do a lot of running around the stage in long gowns and high heel shoes.

Stephen Brower was excellent as Prince Topher. Not a confident prince, Topher learns to listen to his own instincts. Brower’s comedic timing is a highlight of his performance. I laughed at his hilarious delivery of an awkward question. Brower and Nguy built genuine romantic chemistry for their roles.

The highlight of the evening was Jujubee as the narcissist Madame. Don’t ever cross Cinderella’s stepmother the wrong way. Anytime she appeared onstage, audiences howled in laughter. You’ll get a kick out of how Madame mispronounces words.

Jujubee, Jaelle Laguerre (Charlotte), and Mychal Phillips (Gabrielle) did not shy away from showcasing the vicious behavior of Cinderella’s stepfamily. Laguerre was fantastic, especially in her noteworthy song, ‘Stepsisters Lament’ (my favorite song of the evening!)

Never judge a person by their appearance. That’s what ‘Crazy Marie’ (Tregoney Shepherd) teaches audiences. Shepherd was wonderful in her role. I cannot get her trademark song ‘Impossible/It’s Possible’ out of my head.

The ensemble for Cinderella is unforgettable. No small part is ever too small in the theater world. Working hard in elegant ballroom dances, the waltz is beautifully conducted by the ensemble. I wanted to go on stage and join them. Their exuberant energy made for a memorable evening.

No show is ever put on its feet alone. The wardrobe team for Cinderella deserves the highest acclamations for their designs of elegant and beautiful gowns. They accomplished costume transformations that transpire in the blink of an eye right on stage. Audiences were in awe, clapping in wonder.

No matter what, you’ll find yourself humming or singing tunes as soon as you leave the theater. Songs to include are ‘In My Own Little Corner’, ‘The Prince is Giving a Ball’, ‘Loneliness of Evening,’ and upbeat music performed by the live orchestra.

When the ensemble is having fun so is the audience. That’s one of my favorite parts of any show. A few audience members dressed in their most elegant attires. Young children happily wore Cinderella’s iconic blue dress to the show.

Kevin P. Hill focused highly on the morals of Cinderella. Kindness is a thoughtful message along with finding courage. Changing some elements of the Cinderella story, audiences sat forward in their seats to see what would happen next. Based on the surprise and wonder on children's faces, Hill accomplished the magic of the story.

Cinderella is a fun, magical, and entertaining evening. As some audience members have told me, and I agree, it’s a show that makes you happy. Cinderella plays at North Shore Music Theatre until July 24. It makes for a memorable evening with the whole family.