At a six o’clock time slot on an evening before a public holiday the “Kids” production of this Cinderella amalgam was an absolute whizz! It was well worth braving the rush hour traffic at that time of day.
The projected image settings together with sparse stage and recorded musical score was the backdrop for the large cast of young actors to strut their stuff.
They did so with great energy, dollops of zest and obvious pride in what they had rehearsed. A well drilled and energetic group of kids who were obviously having a great time performing to a receptive and appreciative audience.
I saw only one of two complete casts and I was really impressed.
Director Zali Sedgman had some sparkling talent at her disposal and they did not let her down. Bridget Tran was an imperious Evil Step-Mother who addressed the audience with a confident air. Fairy Godmother Nia Phillips sang with mature clarity. Zoey Velianofski was an enchanting and entirely believable Cinderella whilst Jordan Tyler made a dashing Prince. He was ably supported by a bevy of noblemen including Joey Fitzgerald as the King and Asher Gordon as the Grand Duke.
The narrators all displayed necessary poise as they spoke out to their audience and the group of mice were lively rodents indeed. I have left the “ugly” step-sisters until last because they had the enviable comic role in this piece. Both Zahli Linke and Sophia Scodella worked their characters to best advantage.
Their physical knockabout routines were skilfully choreographed by Skye Van der Vlies and Alyssa Tacono. They obviously had fun together on stage and were certainly fun to watch.
It is both encouraging and heart warming to see kids having such enjoyment being part of a team who have helped make a piece of theatre. An entertainment for others to enjoy. So, well done you! All of you. The two casts, all the people behind the scenes and the parents who have the foresight to encourage their child or children to participate.
I was well entertained.
