Esteemed subjects from the kingdom of Whidbey Island and beyond, put on your sparkliest garments and make haste, for the Whidbey Playhouse invites all to an enchanting event.
“Cinderella” is directed by Allenda Jenkins and follows the script originally created by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein — a classic that most famously starred big screen names such as Julie Andrews in 1957 and Brandy Norwood in 1997.
Gabrielle Eaton, who brings Cinderella to life with her crystalline voice, said this has been one of the most magical shows she has been a part of.
To transport the audience to Cinderella’s world, the Playhouse has moved the seats to the side to make space for a colorful dance floor and town square where characters interact with the public. Staff also uses projections to create backgrounds and has built a fancy marble-like staircase for show-stopping entrances.
Karina Andrew, who plays the glittery and sassy Fairy Godmother, said she enjoys the feeling of power she gets from moving her wand around and summoning fog and a carriage and transforming an old dress into a ball gown — a trick made possible by Kim Dolan’s sewing skills.
Cinderella is a feel-good musical for all ages, featuring wholesome moments, puns and physical comedy. Despite some unrealistic elements, the story has resonated with people of all ages and genders for generations.
Whereas in Cinderella’s world mental health support comes in the form of a mice infestation and kindness is repaid with a vocally talented hunk and a royal title, cast members like Jordan Kingma find that good things do happen to those who are kind.
“True beauty is found in kindness,” said Kingma, who plays Prince Christopher. “Not from appearances or lofty positions.”
Though they might lack in the kindness department, the stepmother and stepsisters — played by Dianna Gruenwald, Laurianna Newcomb and Zo Eisenbrey — deserve some credit for always causing laughter with their flamboyant meanness.
By royal proclamation, the Playhouse declares “Cinderella” will run at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays, June 7-30. At 2:30 p.m. on June 2, special needs families can attend a sensory-friendly version of the show, hosted by Island County Parent To Parent.
For more information, visit whidbeyplayhouse.com.
The Fairy Godmother (Karina Andrew) sings “There’s Music in You.” (Photo by Luisa Loi)
A peasant woman impatiently waits for Lionel (Bill Larsen) to help her into the glass shoe in front of a perplexed Prince Christopher (Jordan Kingma). But could this be the fair maiden the young man is desperately looking for? (Photo by Luisa Loi)
Sisters Joy (Zo Eisenbrey) and Grace (Laurianna Newcomb) can’t fathom why the prince would pursue a “merely lovely” girl like Cinderella. (Photo by Luisa Loi)
Charles the Cat (Henry Lang) and the mice (played by Andi Eller, Ana Magnoli, Amani Sykes, Evie Christie, Jack Colvin and Wren Willis) observe from the stairs. (Photo by Luisa Loi)
Lady Ann Anonyme, Cinderella’s stepmother, notices the girl in blue looks somewhat familiar. “Ann Anonyme” is the name Dianna Gruenwald, the actress, gave to her character. (Photo by Luisa Loi)
Sisters Grace (Laurianna Newcomb) and Joy (Zo Eisenbrey) have a passion for humbling Cinderella. (Photo by Luisa Loi)
