Looking for a weekend family activity that you can enjoy indoors in this muggy weather? Well, this fall, Storybook Theatre brings you its new musical version of the classic story “Cinderella". From the first minute, this musical is full of fun and laughter. For proof, you had just had to look at the animated faces of the little Cinderellas in the audience. Kids take out your Cinderella costume from your Halloween closet and don’t forget the tiara. What made the experience more intimate and alive was the cozy theatre seating. The actors often came out from the audience, as did the main character Cinderella. In a drab looking gown, Cinderella came out sweeping and talking to the audience about her chores. I especially liked the modern twists in the script, like RSVP to princecharming.com. It had everybody laughing.
Interactive – The experience was more fun and spontaneous because the actors constantly involved the kids in the act. When Cinderella talks about her chores, she invites kids to talk about their chores. The highlight was the ball where they invited three kids from each side and about thirty enthusiastic ones landed up on the stage. The most hilarious was lining up little girls on stage to try out the glass slippers. Among the excited ‘wanna-be-Princess Charming’ was a little boy who promptly got his Croc removed to try out a glass slipper. I definitely had a ball! Even my little 16 month-old watched attentively. The interactive script really made it impromptu. 
Music – Music by Michael Paul was lively and foot-tapping. I especially liked Cinderella’s voice, she had good range. And again they involved the audience in the songs. The number ‘I Believe’ was an instant hit. Parents and children joined in as the comic fairy godmother danced up and down the aisle encouraging everyone to sing along.
Cast – Cinderella (played by Laura Marion) was youthful and vivacious, just like she should be, even though she was bogged down by chores. Prince Charming (Paul Denniston) needs a special mention for his spontaneous humor. He was hilarious when he interacted with kids and exuded a lot of energy. Kids loved the Fairy Godmother (Mary Garripoli) who was comic and endearing. Finally, the step mom (Barbara Mallory) cracked me up with her shrill voice, especially when she was speaking for her two daughters and screaming “Cinderella” at the top of her voice.
Set and props – The stage was really simple with pre-made backdrops that were rotated in the second half. But this musical is really not about an expensive stage or props. On a small production budget, the musical engaged the audience in a manner that many big budget productions sometimes cannot. The use of puppetry was clever as was the use of props like a pink bouncy ball to reach the ‘ball.’ Personally I felt the costumes could have been a little brighter, since this was fantasy. But otherwise, this was wholesome family entertainment for a weekend. It really opened my eyes to how effective a stage production can be on a modest budget, if we just think creatively.
“Cinderella” Theatre West
3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, in Los Angeles, CA 90068
In close proximity to Universal City, Studio City and North Hollywood.
Free parking available in a lot across the street.
September 29, 2007- March 29, 2008. Saturdays at 1 p.m.
ADMISSION: $12 adults. $10 children.
RESERVATIONS: (818) 761-2203.
WEBSITE: www.theatrewest.org
Book and lyrics by Lloyd J. Schwartz. Directed by Lloyd J. Schwartz. Produced by Barbara Mallory. Theatre West executive director: John Gallogly.
Photos by Paul Denniston
