FIELDING — The story of Cinderella is a timeless tale of rags to riches with many different versions. The Old Barn Community Theatre proves fairy tales are alive and well with a charming production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. With book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and music by Richard Rodgers, this production was adapted for the stage by Tom Briggs from the 1957 teleplay starring Julie Andrews. Directed by Audrey Mason, this production is nothing short of wonderful as the heart of community theatre truly comes together for a delightful show.
Paityn Peterson is everything hoped for in a Cinderella: warm, graceful, funny, and effortlessly charming. Peterson’s bright and youthful personality, along with her cheerful laugh, brought joy and life to the character. Showing her sass and independent thinking in “In My Own Little Corner,” Peterson playfully interacted with the younger cast members dressed in adorable animal costumes, including mice, a talented white dove dancer (Brinley Behling), and a very delightful cute calico cat (Delia Campbell). With the animals scurrying around the room miming finger guns as Cinderella imagined herself a “huntress” searching for the “lioness in her lair,” Peterson created playful interactions throughout the number including Delia Campbell’s tiny, and not so frightening “rawr!” earning plenty of laughs.
Jaden Buist, playing Prince Christopher, did a wonderful job portraying a somewhat shy but very kind and caring prince who looks for goodness on the inside before beauty. Singing “Ten Minutes Ago” with tender delicacy and sincerity, Buist proves a prince doesn’t need bravado to win hearts, his quiet sincerity is exactly what makes his performance shine.
Margo Tackett played the role of the Stepmother with absurd frivolity and an overwhelming desire to see one of her own daughters marry the prince. Tackett played the Stepmother’s demeaning and condescending attitude well. This extended beyond Cinderella and toward her own daughters as she declared “Let’s go have some beauty rest. Lord knows you need it.” Every entrance from Margo Tackett brought another laugh as she fully embraced the Stepmother’s wonderfully over the top antics. Especially when she fell flat on the floor in a panic upon hearing the royal advisor was at their home.
Allison Poor and Amma Christensen played the ridiculous stepsisters and were hilarious. Christensen played Grace in a blaring bright lime green and black dress with two childish buns on her head and an intense habit of itching whenever she became nervous. Her scratching against a pole was quite funny and after Tackett instructed, “Be a swan Grace, be a swan!” her character continued flapping like a bird for the rest of the scene making the moment even better. Poor played Joy with a frilly pink and orange dress with her hair piled into a large messy bun atop her head. Poor delivered a dreadful snorting laugh which fit the character perfectly.
The two made quite the characters as horrible bickering stepsisters and delivered the relatable song “Stepsisters Lament” complaining about why fellas never wanted girls like them. Sneaking around carrying trees, with Poor carrying hers upside down, only added to their ridiculous comedy. Whenever Poor and Christensen were onstage, they nearly stole the scene with perfectly timed chaos and ridiculous comedy.
Cari Phillips as the Fairy Godmother was a kind and smiling ray of joy with wonderful energy. The beautiful gold sparkling dress with flowing capes was elegant and made the character stand out as a magical being of light and joy. When Phillips launched into “Impossible” she reminded the audience why it’s one of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most uplifting songs with her impeccable performance with incredible vocals and wonderful comedic delivery. Phillips was witty and glorious stating lines that resonate such as, “It’s what you do with a wish that counts.”
Jack Owens played Lionel, the royal advisor with much gusto and liveliness while singing the song “The Prince is Giving a Ball” demonstrating excellent diction especially during the lengthy string of names. Owens’ comedic timing was perfection especially as he delivered the line “Now lets slip into something a little less comfortable” and as he expertly avoided the advances of the Stepmother.
Nathan Campbell and Renee Campbell, playing the King and Queen, acted like any modern loving parents who genuinely cared for their son and shared many funny moments and puns throughout the show. Renee Campbell dramatically unrolled a long scroll of the “intimate” gathering of family and friends invited to the ball with a flourish and flair. Together, the pair sang the touching “Boys and Girls Like You and Me” with many couples coming into the stage and finding love.
The entire cast and ensemble put their hearts and souls into the show and danced with great excitement and joy during numbers such as “The Prince is Giving a Ball” and the royal ballroom dance scenes. With choreography by Ashley Tuft, Brinley Behling, and Shayell McBride, the dancing throughout the production was engaging and wonderful to watch.
The lighting, with tech credited to Morgan Hawkes, was magical during the evening scenes with its beautiful blue tones. The transformation of the animals into horses and footmen using black lights and colorful costumes was a highlight and very well executed. However, the swirling red and green lighting before the Fairy Godmother’s entrance felt theatrically out of place, resembling a Halloween effect more than the magical moment it was intended to create. The costumes were beautifully designed and cohesive throughout the performance with fairytale charm. Congratulations to the costume designers, crew and performers for the flawless and magical transformation of Cinderella’s old dress into a beautiful blue ballgown.
Some productions entertain, others remind you why community theatre matters. Cinderella at the Old Barn Theatre accomplishes both with heart, humor, and a generous sprinkle of fairytale magic. From the performers to the director, costumers, set and prop creators, stage crew and everyone behind the scenes, this theatre is filled with heart and talent. The biggest magic trick of the evening wasn’t Cinderella’s gown transformation, it was watching an entire community come together to create something this joyful. Families and fairy-tale lovers will find this magical production to be an enchanting night. As the Fairy Godmother said, “And yet everything in your life has led you to this moment.”
Editor’s Note: This show is double cast. The reviewer attended opening weekend on Friday, and this review covers the Emerald cast.
Additionally, costume design is credited to a team of individuals.
MORE INFO: Rodgers and Hammerstein’sCinderella plays at The Old Barn Theatre (3605 Bigler Rd, Fielding) on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 7:30pm with Saturday matinees at 2:30pm through August 1st. Tickets are $12-13. For more information visit https://www.oldbarn.org/.
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