CB West’s Harlequin Club’s Spring Show: Cinderella
By: Julia Donald
In their performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, the Harlequin Club yet again transported West’s stage and auditorium to a magical place. In each of their four shows earlier this month, the cast and crew brought amazing talent and skill to the stage each night. The show featured fight scenes, tap dancing, and a script that kept the audience laughing while on the edge of their seats. The performance was enchanting and far from ordinary; intricate set and costume design, audience participation, special effects, and a phenomenal orchestra and cast helped bring the classic and captivating tale of Cinderella to life.
The show follows the stories of a diverse- and at times, conflicting- set of characters through their own personal journeys to find themselves. With the help of her Fairy Godmother, Ella is able to fulfill her fantasies and emerge from her “Own Little Corner”, going to the ball and meeting Prince Topher. The prince’s story and dynamic touch the hearts of the audience; the connection he builds with Ella teaches him to rule with both courage and kindness. Revolutionary uproars are whispered throughout the story by a witty, passionate peasant named Jean-Michel; the kind and heartless Ella and her stepsister Gabrielle are able to help Jean-Michel present his woes to the kingdom. Along with Topher and Ella’s marriage, the happily-ever-after ending of the story includes Prince Topher leading his kingdom to a better place, promising land and recognition for the poorer townspeople. By the end of the story, the audience is even able to fall in love with the iconic “evil” stepsisters, realizing that they might be misunderstood. Both Fairy Godmother and the rest of the cast taught us that nothing is impossible- in other words, It’s Possible!
The show was absolutely perfect for any young prince or princess. During intermission, the club held a prince and princess parade on the stage for young audience members to show off their costumes. Parents could also select audience participation seats, a unique and fun way for younger kids to be incorporated into the performance. Desperately trying to locate the girl from the ball with only a glass slipper, Prince Topher would approach different kids in these seats, determine if the slipper fit them, and announce to the audience and fellow cast that the shoe did not fit. A small moment like this is something these kids will cherish and remember forever and is one of the many things that sets the Harlequin Club’s productions apart from any others you’ve seen before.
Among the excitement after the show, a quote I overheard captures the sensation of this production of Cinderella best: “They did it- they brought the magic again!”. Congratulations to the cast, crew, orchestra, and production team on an amazing show!
Be sure to attend the club’s next performance, Puffs, a student-run production of a unique adaptation and parody of Harry Potter! Tickets are $5 and the show will be held on Friday, June 6th at West- you won’t want to miss it!
