THEATER REVIEW

Tom Titus

Of all the fairy tales that have been passed down through folklore and

ultimately Disney-fied, probably the most endearing is “Cinderella,” the

title of which has become a synonym for overnight success and achieving

goals against impossible odds.

Musical legends Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II spun their

own take on the romantic tale a few decades ago, and it remains a most

tasty confection. Earlier this year, the musical unfolded at the Orange

County Performing Arts Center with legendary songstress Eartha Kitt as

the fairy godmother.

Currently, “Cinderella” is casting its magic spell at Costa Mesa’s

Trilogy Playhouse in a family-style show populated by a number of

youngsters with veteran actors in most of the principal roles. Director

Alicia Butler again demonstrates her ability to virtually enlarge the

capacity of her small theater.

The title character’s role is shared by two young actresses.

Saturday’s Cinderella was Jenny Stumpf, a charming lass of 16 who

radiates warmth and romantic idealism (she alternates with Charity

Smith). Stumpf successfully blossoms from the downtrodden scullery maid

to a luminous beauty who captures the heart of the prince.

The latter role is taken by playhouse stalwart James Mulligan, who

injects more than the accustomed depth into what is written as a somewhat

bland character. Mulligan skillfully projects his awkwardness at meeting

the freshly glamorized young maiden, and their duet “Do I Love You

Because You’re Beautiful?” is the musical centerpiece of the evening.

“Cinderella” incorporates a number of show-stealing roles, focusing

gleefully on the heroine’s crass stepmother and stepsisters, who are

beautifully uglified for their roles. Suzy Thatcher revels in the elder

character, while Deonne Gelb and Dersa Cyr squawk and squabble as the

hideous stepsisters, whose musical “Lament” is the show’s comic

highlight.

Eileen Conan, who stepped into her role on two weeks notice to cover

for an injured actress, is a cleverly captivating fairy godmother,

playing the role as a ditsy enchantress reminiscent of the style once

employed by Dody Goodman in decades past. Yvonne Houssels and Jim Thoms

reign over the populace with comic elegance as the chatty queen and her

henpecked king.

Mulligan also functions as the show’s set designer, and he has adapted

the backdrop from the preceding production, “Frankenstein,” to a much

lighter, dual-level setting, which incorporates both Cinderella’s home

and the palace.

Choreographer Jimmy Hippensteil and musical director Cynthia Lea keep

the show moving smoothly after an initial logjam in the opening number.

“Cinderella” is part of the Trilogy’s family theater series, and --

even if there isn’t a kid in the house who doesn’t know the story -- it’s

an enchanting production for youngsters and adults alike.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews

appear Thursdays and Saturdays.

FYI

What: “Cinderella”

Where: Trilogy Playhouse, 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

through Dec. 16

Cost: $15 or $17

Phone: (714) 957-3357, Ext. 1