Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella @BroadwayCincy

I’m excited to introduce you to our newest “Arts and Entertainment Contributor” here at A Bird and A Bean.  Her name is Brianna Quinn and she is the sweetest.  She seriously rocks and I know you are going to love her as much as we do!  My kids just ADORE her.   She is so fun and hilarious and talented and generous.

She has a lego mini fig that looks like her (Little B) and she takes pictures of her all around and posts them to her instagram account!  You can catch up with Little B by searching her hashtag #TheAdventuresOfLittleB.

Aaannd she’s a Disney nut.  So, it seemed fitting that her first assignment for A Bird and A Bean was to review Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella at Cincinnati Broadway.

Take it away, Brianna.

Hello. I’m Brianna Quinn.  I’m a 20 year old that loves life. Theater was my one love until I started going to college.  Currently, I’m a nanny for one of the coolest families in the Cincinnati area (in my opinion).  I sing at my church and love sharing and growing my faith.  I am so excited to be here and contribute on A Bird and a Bean!  Thanks for having me.

Broadway Across America’s Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella was a modern interpretation of the timeless classic.

Ella, played by Paige Faure, is stunning. She embodies all of the qualities you would believe to find in a princess; sweet, charming, and most of all, kind.  Her voice was amazing and her dancing is an absolute delight to watch. The chemistry between the light hearted and brave Prince Topher, played by Andy Jones, and Ella is fabulous.

Photo credit – © Carol Rosegg

Like the classic tale, her step-mother, played by Beth Glover,  was terrifically horrid. Her sarcasm and wit was very modern to the time but was enjoyed by the audience  The step-sisters, Aymee Garcia and Ashley Park, followed in their mothers footsteps. Until one of them grows feelings for the radically thinking Jean-Michel, and as you can imagine her mother would not be pleased if she found out.

Photo credit – © Carol Rosegg

Then there is the announcement for a ball!  Just when you feel that poor Ella won’t get to go to the ball her friend Crazy Marie, Kecia Lewis, turns into the beautiful fairy godmother.

Along with her arrival comes the magic of the show.

Photo credit – © Carol Rosegg

The costume changes that Ella performs on stage were pure magic!  They were executed so perfectly that it brought tears to my eyes, making all of the magic from my childhood seem possible again.

Photo credit – © Carol Rosegg

They bring the pumpkin into the most beautiful carriage with horses made from mice and help from her acrobatic woodland friends to help her to the ball!

When Ella and Topher meet at the ball it is true love at first sight.  She brings out the King that Topher wants to be but before he can tell her how he feels the clock strikes midnight and she’s off!

Photo credit – © Carol Rosegg

At the start of the second act, the prince doesn’t know how to find his princess!  He searches but to no avail. He then holds a banquet in hopes that she will return.

Photo credit – © Carol Rosegg

I don’t want to ruin what happens next, but it’s a magical night.

Whether it be for the whole family or as a date night its a wonderful reminder that believing in yourself is the best kind of magic out there!