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By Kathy Carpenter
www.sdtheatrereviews.com Associate and Youth Reviewer
July 23, 2015 (El Cajon) - Grossmont College 2nd annual Summer Conservatory (where high school students work alongside college students in all aspects to put on a theatrical show) brought us Cinderella A New, Pop Musical. The classic story updated and written by Jennette Thomas, directed by Beth Duggan and Molly Stillens, with fresh music and songs from the 80's and 90's and a fresh attitude from Cinderella, who doesn't need a man to survive, a King willing to adapt to his son's happiness, and a Prince who still thinks Cinderella the most perfect of all.
The show was funny, fun, well-acted, and you couldn't help leaving the theatre with a smile on your face. This is a perfect summer show for the students to weave their magic, proving as Cinderella's Godmother says "Anything is possible if you believe."
The show runs July 23, 24, 25, 29, 30 & 31 at 7:30 p.m., July 25th at 2:00pm and July 30th at 12:30pm at the Stagehouse Theatre at Grossmont College. I love Cinderella and I love all the different versions spun from this classic, and I can see this Pop version playing in theatre across the country. Thank you, Jennette Thomas, for a delightful new take.
The high school students partake in all aspects including set design. Let me just say the backdrop of those huge volumes of books was great. My favorite set yet. The books were fabulous. Loved this set.
The music from the 80's and 90's transported us through this magical time - contemporary, yet not, Once upon a time ...The story was narrated by Yusuf O.Yusuf with a sense of humor that set the tone for the show.
Cinderella was portrayed by the sweet and beautiful Megan Mattix. She did an amazing job. The most magical moment of the play for me was the transformation of Cinderella's rags into the ballgown she deserves. Truly magical how they brought together the whole transformational scene. The prince was played Raymond Kazules, believe me he and Cinderella belonged together.
Garrett Johnson played the stepmother and wow what a job. Amy Oliverio and Rose Hawaree played the stepsisters. Kiley Giard played the godmother, and the beloved king (one of my favorites) was played by Ryan Schafer. Overall, this is a wonderful cast.
I also recognized Delia Mejia in the ensemble. She was my favorite over at Monte Vista High School, and it was great to see her continuing on with her acting and singing.
Another favorite scene of mine was when they taught the Prince to dance to the song "Safety Dance." Such a fun scene.Other songs included "True Colors," sung by the Godmother. "What makes You Beautiful," sung by the prince, and most songs you probably recognize but don't know the names of. The whole show was a great time. Take a chance - Come join the fun.
One more fun element to this magical time is a raffle for a pair of custom-made Cinderella shoes. Tickets cost five dollars and the drawing will be held at the end of the show run. This is a must have for true Cinderella enthusiasts such as me, or just shoe lovers in general-- they are so beautiful.
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