Theater Review: 'Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella' at The Warner

Review by Patch Contributor Nancy Sasso Janis

Stage @ The Warner Theater in Torrington is presenting “A Lovely Night” (or afternoon) with their production of “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.” This is a charming musical version of the classic fairy tale, told in an old-fashioned way that can appeal across the generations. The script seems to follow the original 1957 Broadcast that starred Julie Andrews.

Jonathan Zalaski directs the multi-aged cast, hoping to “honor the legacy of community productions at the Warner Theatre, directing our vision of a show that helped to shape me so many years ago. It would have been ‘impossible’ to accomplish such magic without the help of many trusted collaborators, and a little ‘fol-de-rol.’” The hard work of the cast and crew is apparent throughout the performance.

Zalaski notes that “Cinderella cautions the modern viewer to unabashedly pursue that which is meant for them before it is too late; the impossible only becomes a reality if we play an active participant in manifesting such dreams.”

Those that are familiar with the television version will hear the musical numbers that they know, as well as a few added songs. “Your Majesties” and “Boys and Girls Like You and Me” are added to the first act, and “When You’re Driving Through the Moonlight” appears in Act 3.

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This enchanted version of the beloved tale is the perfect introduction to musical theater for the youngest patrons, three acts presented with one intermission between the first and second act, and still neatly fitting into two hours. Note that evening performances begin at a family-friendly 7 p.m. Tickets are available at warnertheatre.org/cinderella/ or swing by the Box Office before the show. Remember to add each ticket purchased online individually to your digital wallet. The production is sponsored by Torrington Savings Bank.

You can also bring the family to the mainstage at the Warner Theatre on Apr. 12 is “Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock Back to the Rock Live,” the first-ever Fraggle adventure live on stage.

Photos by John Mrakovcich