#CANDLELIGHT THEATER MOVIE#
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As in other older musicals, this show sometimes becomes bogged down in dialogue - no fault of this very good production but of the play itself. This Cinderella version was created 40 years ago. Acclaimed Candlelight Director Don Berlin is respected for his work on a wide variety of productions, with a special interest in bringing little-known musicals to local theatre audiences. It premiered in the USA in 2004 at the Hale Center Theater in Salt Lake City, Utah, but has not been produced frequently in the United States. The stage version was created in 1984 in England.

#CANDLELIGHT THEATER MOVIE#

When England’s Queen Mother saw the Royal Command Performance of the movie musical in 1976, she noted to the songwriters, “The waltz you wrote for the ballroom scene is the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard.” There is a super sequence in the second act of the current production when the prince, his friend John, and palace servants compare everyone’s role in life, “Position and Positioning.” While the audience doesn’t leave the theatre humming the score, the music has an enchantment of its own. Songs were provided by the Sherman Brothers – Richard and Robert - who also wrote the scores for “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” The Jungle Book,” and others. The movie version of this Cinderella story was released as a British musical in 1976. Stephen Bertles provides the choreography, including an especially charming ball at the conclusion of Act l. Sound by Mark Derryberry is excellent as is the music, under direction of Nicholas Gilmore. The look is very impressive, as are the costumes designed by Debbie Faber, and the lighting by Emily Maddox. Casey Kearns is credited as scenic designer, with Joel Adam Chavez as scenic artist. The set, not to be outdone by the experience of the performers, becomes a character on its own. All are talented performers but were unfortunately shrill and annoying as they tormented the hapless orphan, Cinderella. Heather McClain portrays the awful stepmother and with Katie Jackson and Rebekah Ortiz as the equally-dreadful daughters. The basic story is so familiar that I felt I was seeing stereotypes of characters I’ve known for generations.

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Visual effects are great, as the Fairy Godmother can prepare a full meal in the “twinkling” of an eye and can transform tacky dresses into beautiful gowns for the dreadful stepsisters. Whenever she appears, some sort of magic is just around the corner. The magic she weaves and Furby who obeys her every command provide great fun, especially to the many young people in the audience. One of the newcomers to the stage is Furby, an amazingly-trained dog, accompanying Annie Dwyer’s “Fairy Godmother.” Dwyer is very good, and has the good sense to let the dog occasionally steal her spotlight. Melissa Morris makes quick costume changes to be Lady Caroline and other women in the ensemble. Timmerman and Wygant are not featured predominately, but are familiar faces and talents.Įthan Knowles is effective as the prince’s friend, John, and Samantha Jo Staggs plays the long-suffering wife of the king. Wygant, and Broc Timmerman are back! Shaffer as the over-the-top Montague in the King’s Court, and Kent Sugg bewigged as the King’s mother tottering around in high heels. He’s been on Colorado stages for 44 years, and is a daffy delight as the befuddled ruler of the kingdom. With the help of her Fairy Godmother, however, her raggedy dress magically changes into an illuminated blue gown to wear to the ball.

Cinderella in this version of the tale is more downtrodden than ever. Sarah Grover is Cinderella, coming from a variety of acclaimed performances such as the spunky Little Red Riding Hood in “Into the Woods” at Candlelight. In the Arvada Center, he was Judas in “Jesus Christ Superstar.” At Candlelight, he was Che in “Evita,” and the Baker in “Into the Woods.” He is Cinderella’s Prince Charming this time, but doesn’t come into his own as the desirable man of Cinderella’s dreams until late in the show with his “I Can’t Forget the Melody.” Photo Courtesy of Don Berlin Matt LaFontaine wooed and wowed audiences with a string of outstanding performances in recent months.

It is a “Who’s Who” of top talent in Northern Colorado. Annie Dwyer Provides Magic As Warm & Chatty Fairy Godmotherĭirector Don Berlin has assembled an extremely experienced cast now performing on stage at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse in Johnstown.

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