Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella

Rodgers + Hammerstein's CINDERELLA tour company. Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg.

Toronto audiences are in for a sweet treat this season. The Broadway production of Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella is now playing at the Ed Mirvish Theatre, just in time for the holidays.

Featuring a beautiful score by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscal Hammerstein and a fresh book by Douglas Carter Beane, this uplifting family-friendly show updates the classic fairytale for a new generation.

The basic story hasn't changed: a kind-hearted Ella (the charming Kaitlyn Davidson) overcomes her unfortunate circumstances and finds her Prince, Topher (Andy Huntington Jones). With the help of her Fairy Godmother, a homeless woodland woman named Marie (a larger-than-life Liz McCartney), Ella transforms from an ordinary chambermaid to the belle of the ball, much to the surprise of her nasty, social-climbing step-mother Madame (played by a delightfully wicked Blair Ross). In this version, only one of Ella's two step-sisters, Charlotte (a hilarious Aymee Garcia), is evil, and not much at that. While her other step-sister, Gabrielle (Kimberly Faure), is actually an ally. Along with local activist Jean Michel (David Andino), Gabrielle helps Ella reunite with the prince after the Fairy Godmother's spell is broken at midnight, and together they open Topher's eyes to corruption in the kingdom. It's a happy ending all around, as peace and progress reine—even the cruel Madame has a change of heart in this positive spin on the original.

Packed full of funny, if occasionally corny, one-liners and modern inflections, Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella is a joy to watch, with solid performances and magical costume changes throughout. Catchy musical numbers such as "In My Own Little Corner," "It's Possible," "Ten Minutes Ago," "Stepsister's Lament," and "A Lovely Night" will leave you humming long after the curtain call.

Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella runs until January 10, 2016 at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. Visit mirvish.com for more information and to buy tickets.