Cappies Reviewer, Max Spitz of Beth Tfiloh, reviews the Saturday production of NDP’s Fall musical, Cinderella.
Cinderella is the classic story of a beautiful girl with a heart that matches; it is the story of a girl forced into slavery to her evil stepmother and stepsisters. Luckily, the fates (and a fairy godmother) smile upon her kind nature and she is granted the happy ending she deserves: a wedding with her true love, the prince. Despite entertaining numerous adaptations over the years, Notre Dame Prep’s version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella was welcomed with open arms.
NDP’s production was ripe with energy from all those involved. The ensemble remained totally in character and focused throughout, whether or not they were in the spotlight. Neither a vacant face nor a bored expression was found anywhere on stage.
This show’s star turn came from its own titular lead, Julia Unitas, as Cinderella. Unitas captivated with an effortless vibrato complimented by her earnest sweetness and honesty. Her performance echoed with the beauty of Cinderella’s kind heart. She was matched well with her prince, played by James Ruth. Ruth displayed a firm confidence in his portrayal of the less than confident Prince Christopher. Unafraid to let less be more, Ruth did not fall prey to the actor’s trap of over-demonstrating. Rather, he allowed himself to live in his character’s insecurity, and the performance was better for it.
The solid leads were backed by a fabulous supporting cast, each performer taking to their character with gusto. The Stepsisters (Nikki Smith and Jamie Watson) provided brilliant comic relief with their unabashed and practically insane performances. They held nothing back and refused to feel any shame in looking, sounding, or simply being ridiculous. Libby Brennan, as the Stepmother, created a perfect foil to her daughters’ insanity. Brennan brought an incomparable air of pomposity and royalty to the role which made it all the more painful to squirm as she thrashed Cinderella with many a vocal tirade.
Taking on a classically styled musical score, NDP’s Pit Orchestra shined in its own performance. There lacked a single noticeable misstep throughout the entirety of the production. Each member played with audible energy, and they infused the cast with an extra boost of pep.
Putting on a show with as deep roots as Cinderella is always a risk. However, NDP succeeded in shedding the weight of past variations and presenting a production that was very successful in its right and for its own merits.
–Max Spitz of Beth Tfiloh