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A storybook style set with a fairy tale castle and hues of pink and purple enveloped the audience at Syracuse Stage, inviting viewers into the classic story of “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.”

“It’s such a comforting show. Sometimes it’s just nice to escape into a storybook for a little while and let the magic fill your heart,” Sydney Carmona, who plays Joy, said.

Syracuse University’s Department of Drama and Syracuse Stage’s “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” invite audience members of all ages into a modern rendition of the classic fairy tale. It’s playing at Syracuse Stage from Nov. 22 to Jan. 5. The musical tells the classic story of a young servant girl, Cinderella, who falls in love with Prince Christopher.

This rendition of the play features a diverse cast, Madison Manning, who plays Cinderella, said. The leading roles, including Cinderella, Prince Christopher, played by Darrell Morris Jr., Fairy Godmother, played by Trisha Jeffrey, and Grace, played by Adeera Harris, are all performed by Black actors. Manning said this diverse group makes the story even more impactful.

“Theater is not a diverse community all the time,” Manning said. “When you get to see not only one person of color on stage but over five, that’s a win.”

As a Black woman in the arts, Harris said it’s important to find multifaceted spaces and avoid racial stereotyping. The show serves as a reminder all races can play various roles, Harris said.

Manning hopes the show speaks to Syracuse’s underrepresented children. She wants to serve as representation and a reminder that they can be princes and princesses, too, Manning said.

It isn’t the typical Disney movie version of “Cinderella,” but rather a version with a real story behind it.

Christian Calabrese | Staff Photographer

Cinderella, played by Madison Manning, sits in a decorated pumpkin while her fairy godmother, played by Trisha Jeffery, uses magic on her.

“Even if people think they can’t relate to it, there truly is something in it for everyone who comes to watch it,” Manning said.

The titular character is an optimist and always looks to challenge adversity with kindness, Manning said. While playing Cinderella, Manning has learned to stay calm in tough situations and view experiences with positive perspectives.

“Knowing people will reap what they sow and that all you can do is move on,” Manning said. “That’s been actually really healing and made for more peaceful situations.”

The co-production between Syracuse Stage and the Department of Drama is a bridge out of senior year and into professional productions, Carmona said. Students gain professional experience while still in college.

“It’s cool to be in what is a professional environment while still being able to have that last moment with your fellow students,” Carmona said.

Harris said the show has created a tight-knit community where the cast and crew rely on each other. The cast and crew had a joint Thanksgiving dinner to be together during a time where she wouldn’t normally be in Syracuse, which Harris appreciated.

Carmona has never performed in a show with a run as long as “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.” She’s learned to depend on the other actors during times of loneliness and tiredness.

Carmona said she has also learned to trust her instincts, especially in times when she has eight-to-nine performances a week. She has built up her stamina and brought the audience a great show from beginning to end.

Harris hopes the show serves as a reminder that goodness can still win. It serves as an escape, filled with dreams and happiness, from everyday life.

“Sometimes you just have to step away from the world and just be in a fairytale where all the good guys win,” Harris said.

Published on December 5, 2024 at 12:19 am