Cinderella

Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at Koorliny Arts Centre is a delightful production, suitable for the whole family, beautifully presented and well performed.

Regular readers will know that it is difficult for me to review the performance of lead performer Madeleine Shaw. I will simply say that I believe that this is her best theatrical performance to date.

Handsome princes are notoriously difficult to play and Daniel Nixon manages to do much more than look pretty and sing charmingly, bringing life to the character. His companion, Lionel, is nicely played by Mark Thompson, a last minute addition to the cast.

Nasty stepsisters Joy and Grace were played with excellent comic timing and wonderful team-work by Grace Dennis-Sayer and Stacey Hollings. Their cruel mother was played with power by newcomer Tammy Miller in an exciting breakthrough performance.

Shelley Whiteaker was an elegant Fairy Godmother, while David Major and Pamela Ogborne were nicely paired as the King and Queen.

A hardworking ensemble provided lovely support. Special mention must be made of gorgeous cat Charles (played with wonderful boyish charisma by Josh Germain) and the sweet team of mice (Holly Germain, Jazmyn Francis, Cassandra Miller, Jasmine Miller and Sienna Law) who added wonderful whimsy and enchanted the audience with every appearance. Ashleigh Riley added balletic grace as the dove.

The show is lavishly costumed, under the supervision of Lee Germain. Cinderella's transformation to her ball gown (designed and constructed by Lynda Stubbs) is a highlight, while the set is elegantly simple and supplemented by Alex Coutts-Smith's evocative lighting.

Krispin Maesalu leads a thirteen piece band, providing near faultless accompaniment to quality vocal performances.

A feel-good production with a beautiful heart.

Kimberley Shaw