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Arts & Entertainment

Cinderella Finds Her Glass Slipper at Bowie Playhouse

2nd Star Productions is performing Cinderella at the Bowie Playhouse in White Marsh Park through the beginning of July.

A perfect escape from our already simmering summer can be found this June in at Bowie Playhouse where the entire family can enjoy 2nd Star’s current production of fairy tale favorite Cinderella.

This Rodgers and Hammerstein musical started as a 1957 television show starring Julie Andrews and later became a stage family favorite. Cinderella is a treat for adults with its wit and likeable characters and for the whole family with its transcendent stage magic when a pumpkin becomes a coach, mice become horses, and a drab maid is transformed into a beautiful princess.

In her Director’s Note, 2nd Star President Jane B. Wingard says, “Cinderella is a musical for all ages, and as theater folks, we think that it is critical to introduce young and old to live productions.” Wingard hopes that experiencing live theater will bring in the next generation of performers and patrons here.

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Director Wingard has gathered a gifted cast of performers for this production and in addition she again displays her artistry as scenic designer.

Musical Director Joe Biddle in his third 2nd Star production conducts a dozen fine musicians who bring back the magic of Broadway in the Bowie Playhouse orchestra pit.

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Anyone who has not yet discovered Bowie Playhouse will find a gem of a theater in this production filled with smooth and speedy scene changes that can instantly whisk audiences from a plaza to a family kitchen to a palace ballroom.

Played by Debe Tighe, Fairy Godmother is no pushover in granting wishes, taunting Cinderella with witty quips as she responds to her wish with her “Impossible” song.

Pam Shilling who plays Cinderella returns to the theater after a 10-year absence, which seems hard to believe based on her comfortable fit in the role. Shilling could have used a bit more volume in her opening number “In My Own Little Corner” which had lots of charm, but lacked volume at the invited dress rehearsal I attended. 

Most importantly, Shilling has the needed chemistry with her Prince (John Scheeler) and she is a strong player in all her interactions. The love-at-first-sight experienced by Cinderella and her Prince at the ball becomes more natural here as well.

Scheeler is a delightful, very human Prince, much like any son trying to please his mother by participating in a party he cares little about.  Scheeler’s singing talent is perfectly displayed in “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?” which I have never heard sung any better.

Heidi Toll gives another strong performance, here as the nasty Stepmother.  Her daughters Joy, played by Lisa Gregg and Portia, played by Malarie Novotny bring more fun than nastiness to the show.

The King and Queen are royally played by Wendell Holland and Linda Swann.

Zac Fadler gives his usual engaging performance, here as the Royal Herald, adding sparkle to the chorus and to the ball scene.

The entire ensemble deserves praise for excellent dancing and singing to complete the perfection of this timeless musical favorite.

Cinderella runs June 3 to July 2, 2011 – Friday and Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 3 pm.  Tickets are $20 general admission, $17 seniors and students, and $15 for children 12 and under. Children 12 and under who come dressed as a Princess or Princes pay only $10 and get "Magic" money to use for one treat at the concession stand.

For reservations call 410-757-5700 or 301-832-4819.  Information at website 2ndStarProductions.com

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