With the swish of a magic wand and a Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo, Disney’s Cinderella of yesteryear has vanished. She is no longer a damsel in distress waiting to be rescued. She isn’t a girl who needs a whole crew made up of a faithful dog, tweeting birds and a team of mice to get herself together. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella sings “I can be whatever I want to be”. This Cinderella isn’t afraid to speak her mind, even to a prince. In fact, her timely direction and encouragement ultimately saves the kingdom. When Cinderella arrives at the ball she doesn’t just look beautiful but her leadership and kindness changes the spirit of the event. And Cinderella doesn’t just hope for the prince to find her, she makes it happen. Today’s Cinderella is resourceful, confident and smart. After all, isn’t that what you want your daughter to become?
The Rodgers and Hammerstein’s version of Cinderella was originally created in 1957 for CBS and was watched by 100 million people which was about 60% of the US population. Rodgers and Hammerstein were known for producing shows that were not only entertaining but also addressed issues of racism, classism and sexism. In 2013, Cinderella was reworked for Broadway by Douglas Carter Beane and it was nominated for 9 Tony awards. Some wonderful African American actresses have appeared in television and stage productions of Cinderella. These include Brandy, Whitney Houston, Whoopi Goldberg, Eartha Kitt, Keke Palmer and Sherri Shepard. The current Broadway tour stars African American actress Kecia Lewis as the Fairy Godmother.
Cinderella has all the elements needed to make it a dream come true: enchanting set, luxurious costumes, elegant dancing and romantic music. And if that isn’t enough to make you feel like a princess, you can even purchase your own tiara in the lobby and take a picture at the ball. Soon you too will be singing “Impossible/It’s possible”.
In the audience there are lots of little Cinderellas in their gowns and crowns watching the performance intently. And today they can experience the magic, wonder and excitement of a fairy tale come to life as well as be inspired by a Cinderella who can create her own destiny. Because “happily ever after” shouldn’t be about finding your prince, it’s about finding your voice.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella will be at the Durham Performing Arts Center until November 23, 2014. For more information, visit www.dpacnc.com.
The Rodgers and Hammerstein’s version of Cinderella was originally created in 1957 for CBS and was watched by 100 million people which was about 60% of the US population. Rodgers and Hammerstein were known for producing shows that were not only entertaining but also addressed issues of racism, classism and sexism. In 2013, Cinderella was reworked for Broadway by Douglas Carter Beane and it was nominated for 9 Tony awards. Some wonderful African American actresses have appeared in television and stage productions of Cinderella. These include Brandy, Whitney Houston, Whoopi Goldberg, Eartha Kitt, Keke Palmer and Sherri Shepard. The current Broadway tour stars African American actress Kecia Lewis as the Fairy Godmother.
Cinderella has all the elements needed to make it a dream come true: enchanting set, luxurious costumes, elegant dancing and romantic music. And if that isn’t enough to make you feel like a princess, you can even purchase your own tiara in the lobby and take a picture at the ball. Soon you too will be singing “Impossible/It’s possible”.
In the audience there are lots of little Cinderellas in their gowns and crowns watching the performance intently. And today they can experience the magic, wonder and excitement of a fairy tale come to life as well as be inspired by a Cinderella who can create her own destiny. Because “happily ever after” shouldn’t be about finding your prince, it’s about finding your voice.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella will be at the Durham Performing Arts Center until November 23, 2014. For more information, visit www.dpacnc.com.
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