The Wick Theatre in Boca Raton is currently presenting the play “Cinderella.” The retelling of the timeless romantic fairy tale features music and lyrics by Rodgers and Hammerstein and a libretto by Tony Award-nominated playwright Douglas Carter Beane. “Cinderella” has performances now through December 24, 2022.
I interviewed Production Stage Manager Jeffry George, who explained how Douglas Carter Beane’s version of “Cinderella” is updated from the original classic.
“In Beane’s version, Cinderella rescues the prince. The original story focuses on a life of servitude for Cinderella where the prince comes to the rescue. This new version empowers females and embraces the political strife between the classes in the Kingdom. There is an underlying political story that opens the eyes of the prince. As a result, he begins to understand who he is and how he must rule the kingdom. Beane inserts a good deal of comedy, wit and satire that are not present in the original story. His version does not falter from the original message of kindness. In fact, he strengthens this message through new characters and plot development.”
“Several of the characters are different in comparison to the original version. Crazy Marie, living at the edge of the woods, turns into the Fairy Godmother. The prince’s parents have passed away leaving the prince wondering who he is and how he can lead the Kingdom. One of the stepsisters is now empathetic to Cinderella’s plight. Jean-Michel, a new character, is a revolutionary and he opens the eyes of Cinderella and her stepsister Gabriella to a better way of life.”
Jeffry described the show’s visual effects.
“The transformation of Crazy Marie into the Fairy Godmother is unexpected and magical as she goes from a beggar woman into an elegant godmother. Her transformation happens very close to the audience as she is swathed in swirling lights and projections. Cinderella turning into the princess goes even further as her peasant clothing unfolds under projections, with lights and fog, producing a beautiful gown and tiara as she spins. The carriage is revealed from a small pumpkin patch as fog descends from the heavens and fireworks surround the sparkling gold carriage with four small white horses that have clearly come from mice. The Fox and the Raccoon become the driver and the footman, and are played by two brilliant technical dancers.”
Jeffry shared details about the show’s costumes and music.
“The costumes are designed by Marilynn Wick and support both sides of the story with working class period peasant attire for the oppressed villagers and farmers and the inhabitants of the palace in lavish classic royal attire. The costumes clearly define the classes. The peasants are dressed in earth tones whereas the royalty are dressed in jewel tones sparkling with rhinestones.”
“Original songs from the show include “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/Possible,” “Ten Minutes Ago” and “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful.” This updated version also includes songs from the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s archive that were written for other shows of theirs that were never used. These include “Me, Who Am I?,” “Now Is the Time,” “The Pursuit,” “Loneliness of Evening” and “There’s Music in You.”
For more information and to purchase tickets visit thewick.org or call (561) 995-2333.
The Wick Theatre is located at 7901 N Federal Highway, Boca Raton.
