Cinderella (Solona Husband, second from right) and her stepfamily (from left) Judith Miller as Madame, Paige Collazo as Charlotte and Ayanna Brewer as Gabrielle. (Photo by Mark Kitaoka)
Several reasons account for the enjoyment of Hillbarn
Theatre & Conservatory’s musical production of “Cinderella.”
Chief among them are the character-defining costumes
designed by Pam Lampkin, especially the outlandishly elaborate dresses worn by Cinderella’s
two stepsisters and stepmother.
On the other hand, in a puff of smoke, the raggedy
dress worn by Cinderella (here called Ella) magically transforms into a lovely
gown. A similar transformation takes place as the beggar woman, Marie, becomes
Cinderella’s fairy godmother.
Another reason for the show’s success is the show
itself with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and a new
book by Douglas Carter Beane.
Yet another reason is director Randy O’Hara, who also
is co-choreographer with Zoë Swenson-Graham. He has selected a terrific cast of
performers who sing, dance and act well.
Solona Husband is a charmingly winsome Ella. She’s
well paired with Sidney Matthew Romȧn as the gallant Prince Topher.
Her imperious, cruel stepmother is played by Judith
Miller, while her seemingly thoughtless stepsisters are played by Ayanna Brewer
as Gabrielle and Paige Collazo as Charlotte.
In this version of the Cinderella fairy tale, several
characters experience epiphanies that change their attitudes and behavior for
the better with an emphasis on kindness.
Although the set design by Eric Olson is relatively
simple, it’s augmented by projections that help to define the setting.
The production team also includes music director
Andrew Burden, aided by a recorded orchestration, along with lighting designer
Pamila Gray and sound designer Jeff Mockus.
Running about two and a half hours with an
intermission, “Cinderella” will continue through Dec. 28 at Hillbarn Theatre,
1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City.
For tickets and information, call (650) 349-6411or
visit www.hillbarntheatre.org.
