Less than a month after the world tuned in to watch the British royal wedding, dubbed a "Cinderella story," Beef & Boards’ audiences can see the original Cinderella musical for themselves. This past weekend the theatre was filled with tiny princesses wearing crooked tiaras and bouncing in their seats with anticipation. Knowing their about to see a "real" princess is too exciting for words.
The set is designed with a rotating centerpiece that becomes first a courtyard, then castle and finally a simple country home. Glowing turrets complete the fairy tale atmosphere and set the magical mood.
The most interesting difference between this version of Cinderella and others is the casting of the step-sisters. Instead of women, two men are undertaking the roles. B&B’s regulars, Jeff Stockberger and Doug King, have been transformed into the hideous and hilarious step-sisters. At 6’ 5” (plus a huge wig) Stockberger towers over his fellow actors, while lots of extra padding transforms King into a busty broad. Lindsay Sutton, who plays a very bubbly Cinderella, is dwarfed in comparison. As Shakespeare knew so well, men playing women is endlessly entertaining.
The rest of the cast just adds to the fun. Laura Lockwood's Queen provides a wonderful voice of reason, while Lynne Perkins eggs on her devious daughters as the evil step-mother. Prince Charming, played by Aaron Young, had a wonderful voice, which was showcased during songs like "Ten Minutes Ago." I hope B&B takes advantage of it in future shows.
If you have a daughter, niece or granddaughter, they're sure to love the show. It's fun, sweet and the magical transformation with the horse and pumpkin carriage is enough to make any little girl squeal with delight.
Don't Miss the Show
Performances: The show runs until July 1. Doors open for evening performances at 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The buffet is served from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. For Wednesday matinees doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the buffet is served from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The show begins at 1 p.m. For Sunday matinees doors open at 12 p.m. and the buffet is served from 12:15 to 1 p.m. The show begins at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: To purchase tickets call (317) 872-9664 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Prices range from $36 to $59 and include the show, tax, coffee, tea and the buffet. This production offers discounts; call the box office for more details.
Photos Courtesy of Beef & Boards Dinner Theater
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