When the Broadway touring cast of “Cinderella” performed in Cleveland earlier this year, the musical’s fairytale story extended beyond the theater walls — one theatergoer began his happily ever after after the show, proposing to his girlfriend of nine years in Playhouse Square. 

Next week, “Cinderella” will bring its magic to Armory Square in the Salt City. 

The national tour of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” will play at the Landmark Theatre from Feb. 12 to Feb. 17. The Tony Award-winning musical opened in 2013 on Broadway as an updated version of the 1957 film, starring Julie Andrews.  

While the Broadway adaptation has new twists and turns, its score features classic songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s original version, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Ten Minutes Ago” and “A Lovely Night.” 

The reimagined version characterizes the main characters in a contemporary way, with an updated book and score. Cinderella has aspirations beyond just wanting to marry a prince, said Kaitlyn Mayse, who stars in the titular role. 

“The fairy godmother doesn’t just give her a pretty gown and send her to the ball, she makes sure she has the confidence to go forth and really make a difference,” Mayse said. In the show, Cinderella has goals for the kingdom and serves as an ambassador for people who don’t have a voice. 

The unexpected things that do unfold have kept the decades-old fairytale fresh, said Lukas James Miller, who stars as Prince Topher. Known in earlier versions as “Prince Charming,” Topher is newly characterized as a somewhat flawed individual who isn’t the idyllic royal figure, Miller said.  

 

This modern portrayal of Cinderella resonates with audiences, Mayse said, particularly younger audience members who see the iconic princess as a kindhearted role model. When the demanding tour schedule and busy travel days get tough, Mayse said that seeing the young kids after the show helps keep her going.  

Many fans have also reached out to Mayse through social media, email or at the stage door to express different ways “Cinderella” has touched their lives. One mother of a young girl with a heart condition told Mayse that the show and its music brought joy to their family. 

There’s a sense of nostalgia to the story of Cinderella, Mayse said, that brings people to the theater to see a version they may have never seen before. Last year, Mayse was a member of the company’s ensemble before being cast as Ella this year.  

“It’s a dream come true,” she said. “It is very terrifying and humbling, but also so lovely and just a true gift to get to do it every night.” 

Mayse and Miller “clicked” right off the bat, she said, adding that instant chemistry doesn’t always happen. As their friendship continues to grow, Mayse said, their chemistry gets better and better on stage as the duo discovers more about their characters and the show itself. 

Although it was hard to pick just one, Mayse and Miller both agreed that “Loneliness of Evening” is their favorite song to perform in the show. The duet was originally composed for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific,” but was later cut from the production.  

“It’s just a very beautiful, big ballad, but then there’s rolling melody that I really enjoy,” Miller said.  

Bringing the message of the show to audiences across the nation is one of Miller’s favorite aspects of tour life. After shows, he sometimes changes out of his costume quickly so he can leave the theater alongside audience members, seeing and hearing their joyous reactions to the show. 

“I’ve really enjoyed the fact that we’ll go do a show and see a whole parade of little girls wearing Cinderella dresses,” he said.

Published on February 6, 2019 at 9:03 pm

Contact Haley: hrober03@syr.edu