Cinderellessons, or, an open letter to Ella: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’ at Drury Lane Theatre
Lissa deGuzman. Photo by Brett Beiner.
Dear Ella,
Ten minutes ago, I saw you. Ten years ago, too. And another 20 or more than that. But this holiday season at Drury Lane, I’m seeing you again for the first time. And I want to tell you just how proud I am of the young woman you’ve grown into. (Ella, Lissa deGuzman)
While accepting your difficult life of servitude to your stepmother and sisters, you don’t allow their bullying to get the best of you. Oh, that stepmother is an unashamed gold digger with the EQ of a gnat. And Charlotte is aloof as they come. But there’s hope for Gabrielle. She notices your compassionate spirit, and it’s rubbing off on her. Kindness has the power to change hearts. (Madame, Gisela Adisa; Charlotte, Alanna Lovely; Gabrielle, Christine Mayland Perkins.)
You have always been a terrific storyteller with the most dulcet voice and found others equally talented to share and sing with you. “In My Own Little Corner” has been a forever favorite of mine, and you continue to sing it gloriously. “Ten Minutes Ago,” “A Lovely Night” and “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?” are truly stunning. Music soothes your soul and those souls touched by your song. Please keep on singing. (Music, Richard Rodgers; original book and lyrics, Oscar Hammerstein II; orchestrations, Danny Troob; music adaptations and arrangements, David Chase; music direction, Carolyn Brady.)
I’m grateful to Marie, your “fairly godmother,” for her continuing presence in your life, though, truth be told, she never seems to get better as a cobbler. No matter how many pairs of slippers she’s crafted for you over the years, she simply can’t seem to get the size right. But she is a loyal friend who would truly do anything in her power for you. She also playfully and tenderly models care for all God’s creatures. We all need a Marie in our lives, Ella, just as each of us must work to be a friend like that to others. (Marie, McKinley Carter)
There are times throughout our lives when we all deserve and need to take a break from our daily routines. If the prince is giving a ball, you go, girl! And if not, throw one yourself. It does help when you have a magical stylist like Marie at your disposal–those perfectly twirling skirts are magnificent, and your wedding gown deserves to be on the cover of Bridal Guide magazine–but even without that luxury, remember to put on your Sunday clothes (wrong musical, but hey!) whenever you can, dream of things beyond the ordinary and always find a reason to celebrate another day. (Costume design, Theresa Ham.)
What I want you to know most of all is that I see such emotional growth in you, Ella. In the past, your story seemed to focus on fame, wealth and office provided by a patriarchal system grounded in nothing more than an unmoored sexist tradition. But today those take back seats to social justice, care, equity, and inclusion. By standing up for what’s right, you have also come to realize that the perfect fit in a life partner is determined by a whole lot more than a size 4-1/2 Waterford slipper. And while you’re ahead of your prince in the emotions category, there’s plenty in him in addition to his being the perfect duet partner (see paragraph three above) that gives me great hope for you both. (Prince Topher, Jeffrey Kringer.)
I am so enchanted, Ella, by this occasion to see you again for the first time and am certain many, many others will feel similarly. When Marie tells you, “Go in the name of every girl that has wished to change the world she lives in,” know that I have every confidence you’ll do just that.
Lovingly,
Your Fan, Barry Reszel
(Amber Mak, director/choreographer and mom of a six-year-old, is a genius whose vision here offers lessons for people of all ages.)
Cinderella runs through Jan. 7, 2024 at 100 Drury Ln, Oakbrook Terrace. For tickets or more information, please call (630) 530-0111 or visit drurylanetheatre.com.
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