Review: CINDERELLA

by Lynn on November 29, 2014

in The Passionate Playgoer

At the Elgin Theatre, Toronto, Ont.

Written by Reid Janisse
Directed by Tracey Flye
Designed by Michael Gianfrancesco
Lighting by Kimberly Purtell
Projection Designers, Beth Kates and Ben Chaisson
Sound by Peter McBoyle
Music director, Bob Foster
Choreographed by Robin Calvert
Starring: Dan Chameroy
Eddie Glenn
Reid Janisse
Jeff Lillico
Bryn McAuley
Ross Petty
Danielle Wade
Cleopatra Williams

Ross Petty brings Cinderella a wonderfully silly, annual family-friendly, fractured fairy tale, to the Elgin Theatre.

The Story. We are in Toronto. Cinderella a bright, young woman, will inherit her late father’s farmer’s market in two weeks, when she is 21. She wants to be true to her father’s wish to sell only good, wholesome food. She wants backing from Max Charming, a rock star whose charity wants to bring healthy snacks and food to poor kids.
She just has to meet him and pitch him her idea.

In the meantime, Cinderella’s evil step-mother named Revolta Bulldoza and her two evil daughters, Nastine and Shakiki, are plotting to take over the market for those two weeks and sell their secret recipe potato chips. The chips are addictive and turn the eater into dozy zombies who follow only Revolta. Revolta wants to drug all the folks in Toronto so she will rule them. She also has plans also to marry Max and get his money too.

Cinderella meets Max by mistake. She doesn’t know Max Charming looks like. This young man who presents himself says his name is Matt. They click. There is a reality show—like a ball, that Max is involved with. As luck would have it Cinderella gets to go, thanks to Max/Matt.

There is a Godmother named Plumbum who has worse make-up and clothes than Revolta, but never mind. It all works out and everybody sings about it.

The Production. Michael Gianfrancesco’s design is neon bright colourful. Director Tracey Flye keeps the pace swift. Writer Reid Janisse has produced one of the funniest scripts full of puns, topical jokes and references: Ford Nation, junk food vs healthy food if referenced. There are sight gags, chases, rehearsed mistakes, and rehearsed adlibs. Everybody cracks up on cue. It’s all part of the fractured aspect of the show.

Ross Petty has been doing these shows for 19 years and has perfected it so that the shows are virtually critic-proof. Petty plays Revolta in a dress, bad wig and makeup. He plays the audience beautifully and they reply by hissing and booing him, on cue. Petty hires very talented people for his shows.

Danielle Wade plays Cinderella with sweetness, spunk and a belter voice. Plumbum is created by Dan Chameroy. Plumbum is flippant, sarcastic and never met a lip-line she couldn’t over-lipstick. As Max Charming, Jeff Lilico is boyish and sweet. As usual Eddie Glenn plays various parts, each impish and funny.

Comment. Every body knows what they will get with a Ross Petty panto; sight gags, corny jokes, double entendres and topical references. It’s a romp. And fun.

Ross Petty Productions Presents:

Opened: Nov. 27, 2014
Closes: Jan. 4, 2015
Cast: 16: 9 men, 7 women
Running Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes, approx.

www.rosspetty.com

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1 Ela December 23, 2014 at 10:48 pm

Um your show was amazing!!!! I love all of the funny stuff that happens and I LOVE theatre I come to see u every show since I was 3 I remember I was yelling and screaming when I was little because I wanted to go up on the stage so bad ! You tell a wonderful remix of it and really fast costume changes ( I know how that feels) and amazing songs that you had to remake ! You guys have inspirede to do this and I’m going to try out when I’m old enough!!!! Love you all!!!! Love nastine and shakiki I would try out for that role but they play it sooooo well !!!! Great job from: Ela ❤️

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