CINDERELLA - The Sillylicious Family MusicalBy: Toronto4Kids The still-popular story of Cinderella continues to influence popular culture, lending plot elements and allusions to a wide variety of media. Ross Petty’s Cinderella, The Sillylicious Family Musical, which opened November 28, 2008 at Toronto’s Elgin Theatre, reworks all the old favourites of the tale, while incorporating fresh and humorous twists of its own. The witty, exuberant musical serves up a hilarious but sweet romance.
The 13th annual fractured fairy tale is set in Ville d’Orange where Cinderella lives with her father, Baron Horatio Hardup. After her father is entrapped into marriage, Cinderella (played by Paula Brancati of Degrassi: The Next Generation) soon finds herself inheriting a new Evil Stepmother, Bertha Von Botox (played by the most adored villain Ross Petty) and two Ugly Stepsisters, Plumbum (played by Dan Chameroy) and Carnivia (played by Adam Brazier of We Will Rock You).
That's when the fun begins. Cinderella, our fairy-tale heroine discovers that Bertha Von Botox is plotting to cast the same spell that duped her father into marriage, on Prince George (played by Jake Epstein also of Degrassi High fame), as the Prince is looking for a wife. But, the Prince has issues of his own – he doesn’t really want a wife and would rather focus on his musical career. Nonetheless, the King organizes that infamous ball and sends a message throughout the kingdom that the prince will be in quest of a wife. What follows is more of the traditional tale of Cinderella that kids know and love…and the enchantment of the getting Cinderella to the ball, with the help of her Fairy Godmother.
The big night arrives and all the damsels at the ball are eager to enter the “So You Think You Can Prance” competition – to win the first dance with the Prince. All vying for that top spot, Bertha delivers a hot Latin mambo while Cinderella takes on an energetic Jive and well; the Ugly Stepsisters attempt to boogie to Flash Dance. Wait till you hear what that panel of judges has to say… Will the clock strike twelve? Will the Fairy Godmother save the night? Who will fit into the glass slipper? Will the prince find his true love?
Ross Petty is wickedly good in his role of Bertha, Cinderella’s Evil Stepmother. His jokes rarely miss and the result is a refreshingly mocking fairy tale. But the Ugly stepsisters, Carnivia and Plumbum steal the show with all their antics, and their utter and sheer ugliness. One is boy-crazy and one is food-crazy and their silliness keeps the kids amused during the entire performance. Eddie Glen returns to the cast as Cinderella’s BFF, Buttons; and Patty Sullivan of CBC KIDS makes her wonderful theatrical debut as the Fairy Godmother.
Video clips recognizing the show sponsors (The King Edward Hotel, BMO, Tim Horton’s and Mr. Clean) are just as outrageous as the show itself!
With a fine cast and fun in-jokes, Cinderella makes magic and is sure to cast a spell over both children and adults. The songs are uplifting and entertaining, the stage is adorned with gorgeous set pieces, and the costumes are dazzling. Even if most of its ironic humour will sail over the heads of very little ones, Cinderella is that rare comedy that will appeal to the entire family.
CINDERELLA - The Sillylicious Family Musical is playing at the Elgin Theatre until January 4, 2009. For more information, visit: www.rosspetty.com.
 
 
© Toronto4Kids - December 2008. This article was accurate at the time of its publication, and information is subject to change without notice. This article may not be reproduced in part or in its entirety without the expressed written permission from Toronto4Kids. |
