By Lisa Panzer
Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra (RVC&O) offers ‘Cinderella’, one of the sweetest stories of all time, set to marvelous orchestral music (the awesome ‘O’ in RVC&O), with a lively cast and remarkable staging. From the robust opening ensemble number, ‘The Prince is Having a Ball’ and onward, this classic tale of a dream come true is a real treat, with just enough added spice to make it all the more fun. Cinderella (Maria Leonetti) wishes to go to the ball, but her nefarious stepmother (Sharon Kotzen) and despicable stepsisters (Meagan Rubino, Elisha Deni) insist she stay away!
Maria Lionetti is Cinderella, Chris Rubino is her prince and Lisa Franks her godmother.
Every available maiden dreams of marriage with the handsome Prince (Chris Rubino), but only one has a kind, magical Godmother (Lisa Franks) to help things along. Soon the song “Impossible” is followed by “It’s Possible” (Frank, Leonetti) pouring a sonorous message of hope from the stage.
Other favored tunes include “In My Own Little Corner” (Leonetti), “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful”, “Ten Minutes Ago” (C. Rubino, Leonetti), and “The Stepsisters’ Lament” (M. Rubino, Deni).
Kim Dahms and Jeff Swafford, as the Queen and King, hosting a lavish ball for their son to find a bride!
Directors Robert Moore, Kathy Michael (stage) and Florrie Marks (music) have woven wonderful details into this production, particularly within ensemble scenes which contain just the right amount of background action to maintain interest without overwhelming scenes, plus lots of cute chorus member cameos! Saucy Stepmother and Stepsisters played (in order) by Kotzen, M. Rubino and Deni bring a comedic piquancy into the romantic mix, adding zest and a good bit of laughter throughout their scenes. Franks’ stage presence is impressive, but she also pairs well with strong leading actress, Leonetti – they seem to play off of each with seeming ease. Mike Stadnicki, who plays the quirky Herald, is another bright spot in an altogether delightful cast.
Costuming, by Laura Ryan and team is resplendent with rich hues among gorgeous fabrics, particularly for the King and Queen who are engagingly portrayed by Jeff Swafford and Kim Dahms, but indeed overall, the entire cast looked fantastic in their period garb. John Adamson’s clever light design hits the sweet spot, casting a royal purple on stage for the King and Queen, or deep evening blue when the Prince is strolling with Cinderella, the magical light for the transition of pumpkin to carriage, and more. Spectacular set design by Bill Michael with fairly smooth scene transitions, which actually garnered some applause.
Richard Rogers (music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (book and lyrics) first put together songs for a TV broadcast in 1957 starring Julie Andrews as Cinderella, followed a few years later by U.S. stage versions of the show in 1961. Many versions of the musical ensued, with a first Broadway production opening in March of 2013. In adapting the story and creating the songs Rogers and Hammerstein originally sought to keep the traditional theme intact. RVC&O brings this enchanting, timeless tale to life for all ages to enjoy!
If You Go:
Cinderella
Music by Richard Rogers
Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Remaining performances are April 17th, 19th and 20th at 8 PM, and April 13th and 20th at 3 PM at the Strath Haven Middle School, 200 South Providence Road (Route 252), Wallingford, PA 19086. For tickets go to https://www.rvco.org/Tickets.php or call their ticket hotline at 610-565-5010.