That Prince Charming (a.k.a. Topher) isn’t really charming, but a dragonslayer with a paucity of social skills, self-confidence, and awareness of the kingdom’s usurping of farmers’ lands, inciting his subjects’ increasing growling against the empty throne? That lovely Ella (Kaitlyn Mayse), who sits “in her own little corner,” among the cinders, doing household chores and obeying her cruel stepmother’s orders, is also an activist, touting kindness, forgiveness and rights for the downtrodden?
‘Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ – Music by Richard Rodgers; Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II; New Book by Douglas Carter Beane; Original book by Oscar Hammerstein II; Directed by Gina Rattan; Choreography by Lee Wilkins; Scenic Design by Anna Louizos; Costume Design by William Ivey Long; Lighting Design by Kenneth Posner; Sound Design by Nevin Steinberg. Presented by Ambassador Theatre Group at Emerson Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston St., Boston, through Dec. 30.
If you’re thinking of not taking your kids to see Cinderella because it sends the wrong message to girls (and boys) – think again. You obviously haven’t seen the new and improved Broadway touring version now playing at the Emerson Colonial Theatre, which takes the story and turns it on its head while still delivering the wonderful songs in their original form. Disney – and productions of fairy tales in general – have rightfully been taken to task in recent years for reinforcing the “princess culture” that disempowers girls by creating role models that reinforce the wrong-headed notion that girls are less capable than boys in a range of skill sets – especially leadership.
