As part of their 75th Year celebrations, The South Coast Choral and Arts Society have produced the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic Cinderella but with a twist.  Director Eloise Morriss and her team have guided a large and extremely talented cast in this production which explores an alternative hypothesis of what could be.  Whilst Cinderella is still the kind-hearted, positive character we all know, she also has a voice and advice to share that we could all take time to listen to.

Cinderella played by Megan Davis was a true delight.  According to her bio she originally auditioned for a different role as this was to be her first musical production.  She has always struggled with stage fright so never auditioned for any of her school musicals despite studying drama.  Her vocals were outstanding and her stage presence was completely natural as she floated across the stage with no apparent effort.

Prince Topher (Christopher Rupert Windermere Vladimir Carl Alexander François Reginald Lancelot Herman Gregory James) played by Harrison Golledge was the perfect patsy for the scheming Sebastian.  Topher is a troubled soul who is not sure of his place until he meets Cinderella and is convinced to take a look outside the castle walls.  His vocals sadly were difficult to hear much of the first half due to sound issues which I have no doubt will be sorted as the run progresses but this did not detract from his performance or regal stage presence.

Madame performed by Georgia Martin was the perfect Step-Mother oozing malevolence and disdain every time she spoke, whether to Cinderella, Jean-Michel or common folk she felt beneath her.  Along with Gabrielle, played by Leila Hollingworth and Charlotte played by Jemmah Simms, the three steps made Cinderella’s life miserable for a while.  Once Gabrielle find’s her own love however, she and Cinderella share each other’s secrets and a bond is formed between them.

Jean-Michel played by Daniel Cooper is the voice of the people giving rise to the injustices that are befalling the poorer folk.  He is also shy and insecure within himself and finds it difficult to speak of his own feelings with Gabrielle although they are clear to everyone in the audience.  The two sides he portrays in this role are well executed and often fun to watch.

Sebastian played by Josh Barkley is the quintessential baddie.  If this were a pantomime, he would be the character we would all be booing each and every time he walked on stage.  Josh is no stranger to theatre and I am assured he is nothing like the character that he is portraying.  He is so believable that you just want to hide under your seat each time he enters.  Lord Pinkerton played by Angus Hislop again shows the talent available on the South Coast.  Whilst Angus has performed with SCCAS for several shows now it has always been in the band.  This is his first time on stage as the Town Crier announcing to all and sundry the daily news.

Marie played by Matilda Boysen rounds out the principals as the Mad Woman/Fairy Godmother.  Her voice is also amazing and soars alongside Cinderella’s in the song “Impossible” which is a true highlight of the first half.

The ensemble for this show is large and extremely talented (and/or well drilled).  They fill the stage with both their presence and their vocals right from the opening sequence.  The stage set is effective and movement is just as well choreographed as the dance routines.  The choreography for the show was created by Leila Britton and was extremely well executed by the performers on stage.   A special mention must be made of the Costumes in general for their colour and sumptuousness but in particular special mention to Lukas Barker & Katie Marshall for the Specialty Costumes for Cinderella and Marie.  The costume reveals for the Ball and the Wedding were truly superb.

Finally a musical would be nothing without an Orchestra and this one was amazing.  With effectively three Musical Directors involved in the show, one for Ensemble Vocals, one Principle Vocals and one Band Leader, the additional effort and personnel certainly paid off in the richness of the production.

I encourage everyone in Adelaide to make the trip to Victor Harbor for an evening of glitter and entertainment.  It’s truly not that far and well worth the effort.