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Meredith A. Zahn as "Annabelle" (our "Cinderella") and surround her are her Guardian Angels: Gabby Pedroza as "Meney," Kyle Moore as "Miney," Jacob Briggs as "Mo," and Kirsten Hosty as "Eeney."

by Tahrea Maynard

Columbus Children’s Theatre opened its newest production, Cinderella: A Hip Hop Fairytale, on August 5 to a full house and a quickly sold out run. True to its title, CCT’s Cinderella, based on the classic fairy tale, gets a hip hop makeover with many modern twists. Annabelle (Meredith A. Zahn), a 21st century 16-year-old has been blessed by angels with a beautiful singing voice. However, Annabelle finds herself silenced by her evil aunt Priscilla (Maggie Pfeifer), who forces the girl to hide her gift. Annabelle soon enjoys the help of her four guardian angels, Eeney (Kristen Hosty), Meney (Gabby Pedroza), Miney (Kyle Moore), and Mo (Jacob Briggs), replacing the classic Fairy Godmother and her mice. Replacing the “Prince” is the Pop Sensation Christian (Logan Solana), who creates a singing competition, American Icon, to find his next singing partner, his Cinderella.

Villainess Priscilla and her two daughters, Vanessa and Skye (Lucy Porter and Carolyn LaLonde), play off of each other well, as their characters relentlessly torment poor Annabelle. Their highlights include the musical numbers “Green Makes Us Blue” and “How to Be a Loser.”  Pfiefer’s nasty Priscilla proves especially chilling.  As one young audience member said to her mother during the opening night performance, “She’s not nice!”  Juxtaposed to the family’s constant malice, the kind-hearted guardian angels provide warmth and comfort as they serenade Annabelle with the smile-inducing “Happy Birthday Song” and “We Got Ya Back.”  Unfortunately, director Angela Barch mars the pacing of the jokes, jabs, and puns in the opening scene, causing it to drag.

This production boasts a cast of 25+ actors, many playing multiple roles, all of whom do a wonderful job both dancing, and acting.  This reviewer noticed a few supporting actors who stood out in their multiple roles including the darling Kate Coley and Gabrielle E. Marie Wilson who work well together as Record Label Representatives, exhibiting professional comedic timing in their quick banter.   Later, Coley, Lauren Mae Livingstone, and Bailey Laws parody American Idol judges Simon, Paula, and Randy (or, in this case, Brandy), adding their own touches to the recognizable characteristics of all three of the actual judges. Another actor who caught this reviewer’s eye is Briana Hunter, a delightful young performer who shines in each of her roles, most notably as Nicky, one of the American Icon contestants, as she urges the audience to applaud her entrance and then sing along to her rendition of “ABC Song.”

Overall, this production is well done within many of its creative nuances. Light effects and sound cues help set the mood for every scene, with white rope lights illuminating the Angels and red spot lights signifying the no-so-nice Lucy (Haley Tandy) and other Fallen Angels. Each song has its own hip hop choreography (Natalie A. Bowsher) done well by the energetic young cast. Patty Bennett and Angela Barch’s costumes are believable and suit the characters and situations Each of the four Guardian Angels wear a simple white shirt and wings, but each has details that add to the individual personalities, whether it’s a spiffy silver neck tie or a simply un-tucked shirt.  Although the minimal set is perfect for the production, allotting enough space for moving props and dancing, the 3/4 thrust stage causes audience members to miss some of the action, as Barch’s at times static blocking causes sight-line problems and acoustic issues for those in corner seats. Such was the case within a few scenes during this show.

CCT commissioned Musical Director Matt Johnson to write this production for the 2009 Youth Performance Company, making it a CCT Original. Directed by Angela Barch, CCT’s Cinderella: A Hip Hop Fairytale takes some liberties with its source material, but the fine acting, top notch singing, and powerful dancing makes it an adorable musical this reviewer recommends for ages 3 and up.  Please note that some small children and infants may not be able to tolerate 75+ minute run time.  Cinderella: A Hip Hop Fairytale runs August 5th- 16th. All seats are $10. Show times are 10 am Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 7:30 pm on Fridays, and 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. For ticket information, visit the website or call 614-224-6672.  Note that at the time of this posting, all tickets are listed as sold out.

*****

Tahrea Maynard has spent the majority of her life onstage, appearing on stages with such Central Ohio theatres as Roundtown Players and Rosebriar Shakespeare Co. She also teaches Musical Theatre classes with the Charmion Performing Arts Center in Circleville.  Check out her blog here.