Klook.com

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella Review [Melbourne]

Ainsley Melham, Shubshri Kandiah and ensemble | Photo Credit: Ben Fon
Ainsley Melham, Shubshri Kandiah, and ensemble | Photo Credit: Ben Fon


One of the things that I enjoyed much about visiting the city of Naarm (Melbourne) is the privilege to enjoy arts and entertainment, my phone was on silent mode and just had my full attention on the whole 2-hour performance. 

I was very excited to secure our tickets to attend one of Disney’s greatest musicals which give us magic for just a night.

There could surely be no finer place to stage Opera Australia’s Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella than Melbourne’s Regent Theatre, with its glittering chandeliers, velvet curtains, and beautiful proscenium arch. It’s a venue worthy of the royal status to which our protagonist, Cinderella, aspires.

I’ve watched several versions of the Cinderella movie, except the 1957 original version with Julie Andrews as Cinderella. But the plot of these movies is all the same, except this theatrical musical version with new twists, and turns with a hint of modernity thanks to writer Douglas Carter Beane.

Pumpkin-style coaches and glass slippers share the stage with social justice, equality, and kindness, the traditional and the radical neatly balanced and deftly blended into a gently persuasive whole.


Shubshri Kandiah, Tina Bursill, Matilda Moran, and Bianca Bruce | Photo credit: Jeff Busby
Shubshri Kandiah, Tina Bursill, Matilda Moran, and Bianca Bruce | Photo credit: Jeff Busby


The Australian cast and ensemble are impeccable, to the point where it’s difficult to justify singling out an individual for special mention – although Shubshri Kandiah as Ella just noses ahead of the rest of her co-stars for the way she manages her demanding lead role. It’s hard to recall a scene she’s not in, yet she does it all with such apparent ease.


Silvie Paladino and Shubshri Kandiah | Photo Credit: Ben Fon
Silvie Paladino and Shubshri Kandiah | Photo Credit: Ben Fon


They’re an energetic and talented bunch, featuring performers new and experienced. Ainsley Melham’s silky voice and boyish charm are perfectly suited to his role of Prince Topher, and his chemistry with Shubshri is great. Todd McKenny as Sebastian (Prince Topher’s advisor) provided plenty of laughs with his perfectly delivered lines. I used to dislike the stepsisters back in my childhood days, however, the contemporary stepsisters (Charlotte played by Bianca Bruce and Gabrielle played by Matilda Moran) also get a decent slice of the humor to showcase which they uplifted my hope.

Tina Bursill (as Madame) and Silvie Paladino (Marie/the Fairy Godmother) show they’re powerhouses with energy to burn as they sing, dance, act, and – in Silvie’s case – literally fly around the stage. 

Visually, the show borders on being overwhelming. The costumes are elaborate, the sets are sumptuous, and the dancing and acrobatics seem non-stop. There are numerous moments that live up to the title ‘breathtaking’, such as Cinderella’s ballgown reveal, and Marie’s transformation into the Fairy Godmother. They’re genuine ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ moments (or even don’t blink and you’ll still miss it, they’re that cleverly executed!). Costume Designer William Ivey Long and his team made all the magic possible. 

The fact it was penned by Rodgers and Hammerstein definitely gives this production of Cinderella a leg-up as it harks back to the golden era of musical theatre but, most importantly, the new writing lends it themes that feel relevant to today. For instance, would you expect the first stepsister is a bookworm?

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella Review [Melbourne]


This version of Cinderella still hones in on the premise of kindness, but does so by slipping in an unexpected dose of politics, with the concept of ‘every voice heard’. There’s also a hint of feminism and the refrain of possibility and change that seemed to match the fresh and optimistic feeling currently floating around Melbourne.

The standing ovation given freely by the audience to the cast was well deserved. It’s a glittering musical that waved its wand and created magic for all ages.

Be sure to arrive early as there’s a stunning Cinderella-inspired carriage in the foyer of Melbourne’s Regent Theatre, the perfect place to take a photo before the show. 

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella Review [Melbourne]


Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella Review [Melbourne]

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella Review [Melbourne]

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella Review [Melbourne]


Cinderella may not have the sexy edge of its current local competitors, but it fittingly serves its place as a delectable treat for lovers of traditional musical theatre.

Presented by Opera Australia and Crossroads Live, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella plays at Regent Theatre, Melbourne. For tickets, click here

Tickets; $69-$179
Rodgers+Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Melbourne) runs until 22 July 2022.


Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella plays at Lyric Theatre, Brisbane from 5 August 2022. For tickets, click here

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella plays at Sydney Lyric, Sydney from 23 October 2022, For tickets, click here


Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella Review [Melbourne]

Review: 4.5-stars out of 5




Share this:

33 comments :

  1. Sobrang saya po talaga manood ng ganito,I want to experience watching in theaters 🥺♥️hope you're happy while watching this Ms blair💞

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I was very happy and I love the experience! Medyo nahiya lang ako mag dressed-up, hihihi

      Delete
  2. Sidney is one of the best places for theatre entertainment that's why I'm dying to go there! Their touring company comes here to bring these world-renown productions to Manila, but I'm sure it is a totally different experience to see it there. I would love to see Cinderella...but more than that, I'd love to see my boys be part of such production.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. After the Melbourne show, the group will perform in Brisbane, and last stop Sydney.
      Australia government provides good funding for to support arts and entertaining industry. You should encourage your boys to join the local theater workshops, and maybe found their calling!

      Delete
  3. This sounds like such a fantastic show. I love musicals, and the production value on this one is through the roof.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was an amazing show! And so much fun adding contemporary humors with it.

      Delete
  4. The theatre looks amazing as I am sure the show was. A classic for any generation and will be for many more to come!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a very successful show! I can't wait to watch the next musicals on schedule.

      Delete
  5. I've heard Sydney has a wonderful theater community, thanks for sharing! Australia is next on my bucket list so I'll be checking out your other suggestions for my trip there too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you are visiting Australia, don't miss the arts, theatre, and entertainment experience. Totally worth it.

      Delete
  6. This is amazing, it's fun to visit and would love to travel to Sidney is amazing place.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This sounds like an amazing show and very well done. I haven't been to a show in ages (since before Covid), and it would be nice to get to a show.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is an amazing experience and we are grateful that we can now freely go out with less worry of the COVID-19.

      Delete
  8. That theater itself looks absolutely stunning, I would love to see a broadway show there! Cinderella was one of my favorites growing up, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed, the gorgeous theatre adds to its glamour.

      Delete
  9. Ah, they inserted modern twists. :) Very cool, I'm a huge Cinderella fan.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love musical theater! I would so enjoy seeing this in person. I hope to someday!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. It looks SO much fun! I would SO love to visit it one day as well. I like dances and Cinderella looks pretty classy and classic in this department

    ReplyDelete
  12. Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella sound amazing. The stills look dreamy and beautiful. Love to attend someday with my daughter who is apparently a Cinderella fan.

    ReplyDelete
  13. AWWW!! Im jealous you could watch! hehe! Ainsley Melham is one for the former cast members of Hi-5 Australia -- whom my son grew up watching and since they always visit the Philippines when they were still together plus my sister naman is former cast member of Hi-5 Philippines naman, they've been friends since! So proud of Ainsley's achievements outside Hi-5! and im so sure it was a beautiful musical as i've heard.

    ps. imagine my 2 year old son rubbing elbows with the Hi-5 cast whom he just watch on TV lang since he was 1 hahaha!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love the way these plays are conducted. Everything is so real and theatre is so stunning. I did got a chance to attend a few of them myself and i loved the experience.

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is truly one of the best to see! Such a fun time!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love their dresses!!! Seeing them in real life is more fun isn't it? I just see this kind of show on TV.

    ReplyDelete
  17. This look likes an amazing show. I will have to see it myself whenever it is around me.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wowww the place looks so magical! Anything Disney is always a treat, wish I could attend musicals like this as well!

    ReplyDelete
  19. This sounds so amazing. I haven't been to something like this in ages. A play? The Theatre? I'm not sure what the right terminology is.

    ReplyDelete
  20. This looks like a show I would really enjoy watching! I've never seen anything like it - it looks so great

    ReplyDelete
  21. I plan to travel to Melbourne in the next year and surely I will watch this show. It's good to know now.

    ReplyDelete

DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any partner brands/company(s), beauty & lifestyle brands, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities, unless specified.
 
Copyright © For Urban Women - Awarded Top 100 Urban Blog / Fashion, Lifestyle and Travel. Designed by OddThemes