Irvine’s ‘Cinderella’ is a majestic masterpiece

by Katherine Schloss, published in the OC Register, 03/10/2017

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” brings to life the classic fairy tale in which a young, impoverished maiden wins the heart of a prince by way of her charm and dazzling kindness. Irvine High School gives this story a home on its stage with a whole lot of glamour and heart.

Grace Simmons is fairy-like as the servant girl Ella. She is graceful in her own right, yet brings a growing strength to her character as she realizes she can create change. Her open posture makes all of her dancing look effortless and regal, and in the song “In My Own Little Corner,” she allows her imagination to run wild, creating nuanced characters and showcasing her versatility.

Her counterpart, Prince Topher, is played with quirky charm by Ryan Lee. Lee’s confidence shines through in his open, expressive face and steady voice, solidifying his role as royalty. While he is often seen fawning over Ella, there is a passionate and defiant turning point when he yells at his adviser Sebastian (Colin Rinard) and stands his ground.

Evelyn Pham as Marie, the fairy godmother in hiding, and Sarah Heil as Madame, the evil stepmother, are extreme opposites. Pham starts out witchy and crazy, skipping around in a hunched position and babbling nonsense. Her transformation highlights her poise and beautiful, effervescent singing voice. Heil, on the other hand, uses her lanky body to her advantage. Her cackling and devious expression and rapier wit make her a likable villain.

The ensemble is cohesive in all things. Whether waltzing in sync or chanting with revolutionaries, they put forth an infectious energy and are engaged throughout the show.

The musical is transported to a whole other level by the exemplary work of the costume and set teams. The costumes are flattering and clever, as many transformation changes occur in mere seconds under fog. The set pieces are enchanting and functional, often doubling for multiple locations with a mere turn. Especially significant is the carriage that was built using garden tubing and run manually by the actors. This, along with a German-inspired cottage and a proscenium complete with a clock and lovely gilded vines, transports the actors into another world.

“Cinderella” is gripping and glorious, reminding us that anything is possible when magic can be found within.