Despite a forecast that said the rain would clear by 8pm, or at the very least, the second act, we sat in a heavy-to-moderate drizzle for the entire production of Cinderella last night. The two girls, my mom and I went, but no one complained (even me…the complainer). We bought $1 ponchos and it was totally fine…even fun. (Sugared refreshments also helped)

The show really was a fairy tale come to life. The costumes were colorful and gorgeous (and even magical at some points). The singing voices were on point (there was not a wrong note hit all night, and that incredible talent is the norm this season at Starlight). It was witty and full of fun, family-friendly humor.

It could have been boring, though….I mean, we’ve all heard the story of Cinderella a million times in a hundred different variations. But even though the original music from Rogers and Hammerstein was the same, the story was just different enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. Beginning with a plot twist (no spoilers!) right before intermission, the classic fairy tale veers into an unpredictable, but pleasing, direction.

From kcstarlight.com:

When the new touring production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic Cinderella opens at Starlight Theatre, it will delight audiences with magical costume transformations, outstanding orchestration and, most interestingly, plot twists that give a contemporary flavor to the beloved fairy tale!

Originally written for TV, Cinderella debuted on CBS in 1957 with a young Julie Andrews as the star.It didn’t make its Broadway debut until 2013, earning a Tony Award® and praise from the Broadway world. The new musical makes its Kansas City premiere at Starlight on July 7-12. This show gives audiences a look at a more modern Cinderella, a spirited soul who fights for her dreams and encourages those around her to do the same. In short, she’s much more than a pretty face in a beautiful ball gown!

ADDED BONUS: Families can come early for the free pre-show “Fairy Tale Festival” each night, offering free activities, games and fun for all. Starlight will be collecting donations of new and gently used children’s shoes for Operation Breakthrough at the festival in our “If the Shoe Doesn’t Fit, Bring It!” philanthropic effort!

Tickets for Cinderella at Starlight Theatre are on sale now for $14 to $96. Tickets are available online at www.kcstarlight.com, by calling 816.363.STAR (7827) or at the Starlight box office at 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO 64132. All performances begin at 8 p.m.

I received two complimentary tickets in exchange for my honest review, but love of fairy tales, pretty dresses, and all opinions are 100% my own.

Productions photos copyright Carol Rosegg