DHT’s ‘Cinderella’
By John Berger
a charmer
Special to the Star-BulletinMELISSA Short makes a charming debut and Laurence Paxton steals the show as Diamond Head Theatre opens its 1999-2000 season with Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella."
This is not one of the greatest Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals, but as staged by DHT Artistic Director John Rampage it is perfect family entertainment -- clean, funny, colorful and in no way dumbed down for children. It is in fact the best all-around family show at DHT in a year or two and also stands as enjoyable entertainment for adults.
Short is making her theatrical debut in the title role. She proves well equipped in all departments. She sings beautifully and her first number, "In My Own Little Corner," quickly establishes that. She also plays well as an engaging heroine opposite a trio of talented actresses, and succeeds as a fine leading lady for Andrew Sakaguchi (The Prince) as well.
Sakaguchi has not always been blessed when it comes to female co-stars. He lucked out with Short. They're an attractive and well-matched couple whose voices fit well together on their big duets, "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?" and "Ten Minutes Ago." They also mesh nicely as dancers.Sakaguchi also displays his range as an actor with a solid performance as the young and innocent prince. He plays down in Act I and expands his presence thereafter to effectively suggest the emotional changes wrought by the appearance and sudden departure of the mysterious woman at the ball.
Paxton (The King) is hilarious as Cinderella's future father-in-law. He plays the character as a little bit fop and little bit James Mason, with just a hint of Marlon Brando's interpretation of Fletcher Christian in the 1962 remake of "Mutiny on the Bounty."
Paxton brought down the house on opening night with his first lines and raised the ante with each scene thereafter. However, he also succeeded in playing straight and romantic in a key scene or two opposite Stefanie Smart (The Queen).
"Boys And Girls Like You And Me" was a fine musical moment for the royal couple. Smart in turn shares credit with Sakaguchi for making "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful? -- Reprise" another defining point in the story. (Of course we all know that the Queen's warning is for naught because the Prince will find the mysterious woman, but the number is nicely done nonetheless.)
Euphrosyne V.E. Rushforth (Joy) and Stephanie Curtis Conching (Portia) add a pair of fine comic performances as Cinderella's step-sisters. Joy generally is not joyful, Portia is a dingbat, and the sisters spend almost as much time bickering with each other as browbeating Cinderella.
Rushforth and Conching do an outstanding job throughout. "Stepsisters' Lament" is one of their showcase numbers, but much of Act III also benefits from their skill as actors and physical comediennes.
Lisa Konove (Stepmother) completes the trio of villains in great style. The physical comedy generated as all three try to cram a foot into the glass slipper is a comic highlight.
Starr Kealaheleokalani Kalahiki (Fairy Godmother) brings equal parts glamour, sass, grit and beautiful voice, to the other key role in the show. Kalahiki makes a great first impression and builds on it as she and Short close Act I with Cinderella's magical preparation for the ball.
The show is another triumph for John Rampage as director/choreographer. An early production number, "Your Majesties -- Dance," is very nicely staged, but he tops it with the big ball where Rushforth, Conching and Konove are just sufficiently out of sync with everybody else to make the point.
Karen G. Wolfe (costumes) likewise uses colors for comic impact. Rushforth, Conching and Konove wear various garish combinations of pink, orange and lime green throughout the show, while Short and Kalahiki both look ready for a ball in gorgeous gowns.
Emmett G. Yoshioka (musical direction) provides a solid foundation throughout and plays in central role in giving this show a consistently light and tranquil aura. Yoshioka also contributes additional musical arrangements to the score. Michael Boyer (set design), Stephen Clear (lighting), Kurt Yamasaki (sound design) and Kathleen Kamakaiwi (makeup and hair design) add the other essential components that make "Cinderella" a wonderful experience at DHT.
Anyone looking for clean G-rated entertainment suitable for people of all ages should not miss DHT's "Cinderella."
Cinderella
On stage: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 30; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 10; 3 p.m. matinee performances Sept. 25 and Oct. 3
Click for online
calendars and events.
