CINDERELLA

Almost full theatre enthralled by novel adaptation by Henry Ramkissoon with enthusiastic participation by the young children. (Review by Maurice Kort)

As soon as one enters the Catalina Theatre and sees the set for Cinderella one knows one is in fairytale land and as the show progresses, one is not disappointed, certainly not the many young children in the audience, such a pleasant change to see an almost full theatre. Cinderella is, of course, a well-known story and a whole generation of young children are introduced to the tale of the cruel stepmother, Mrs Mansfield (Nirvana Naidoo), of Cinderella (Katinga Bussorello) and her two bullying stepsisters, Pansy and Petunia (Henry Ramkissoon and Koobeshen Naidoo).

Cinderella is produced by Dingaling Productions, who previously mounted Little Red Riding Hood, The Peg Leg Pirate and The Faraway Forest.

Director Henry Ramkissoon has suitably modified the story giving the Fairy Godmother (Kumseela Naidoo) a greater role with very much interaction with the audience and much participation by the children - and they loved it. The fairy tale is also made very topical with many references to the soccer currently taking place in South Africa. The hero who falls in love with Cinderella and rescues her from all the drudgery and bullying at Mansfield Cottage is appropriately Prince Ronaldo (Koobeshen Naidoo) of Portugal. FIFA need not call the brand marketing highjacking police, there is none, nor any illegal use of the FIFA logo.

To keep the children's interest there is just the right amount of slapstick and the Fairy Godmother's many magic tricks also captivate. In addition, the children are given invitations to the grand ball by the two pages (new actors Yuvaan Naidoo and Nikhil Ramkissoon) so dress the kiddies in their best finery for their added enjoyment. The adults will also be entertained in no small measure by the clever modifications to the story and humorous actions and throw-away lines. I loved the comment by one of the Ugly Sisters "That Page is making me angry, I'm going to tear him out of the book".

Henry Ramkissoon has created a delightful set and the costumes designed by Yasmin Designs deserve special mention. The opening music, although appropriate, was too loud but settled down thereafter. The actors all projected well so there was no problem hearing the dialogue above the noise of the extractor fan. The stepmother and stepsisters were suitably obnoxious, Cinderella delightfully sweet with her only friend a Teddy Bear and the Prince, a small role, suitably handsome and regal. It was indeed a complete change from the stepsister role he also took.

Cinderella, runs until July 9 at the Catalina Theatre, Wilson’s Wharf, at 11h00. It is ideal to keep the children entertained during their long holiday because of the Soccer World Cup and will keep them enthralled.

There is an optional boat ride around the harbour after the trip to Mansfield Cottage and the Prince's Castle. Tickets are R40 for the show and R55 for the show and the boat ride, good value indeed. To book call Thandeka on 031 305 6889 or e-mail tsibisi@mweb.co.za Tickets also available online at www.strictlytickets.co.za / 073 725 7381 or on the website at www.catalinatheatre.co.za or at www.goingplacesSA.co.za / www.goingplacesSA.com

The Catalina Theatre is still functioning thanks to support from Rainbow Chicken which supports the venue as well as National Arts Council and Ethekwini Municipality which support productions. – Maurice Kort