If you're looking for a fairy tale ending to your kids' December holidays, treat them to Cinderella: A Fairly True Story. Set to a backdrop of majestic castle interiors, enchanting forests and stately ballrooms, Music Hall's production also brought in a narrator, just in case the little ones are confused about the twists and turns added in to update the musical.
Expect a kid-friendly retelling of the classic tale – emphasis on 'kid-friendly'. The production can come across as childish and the cast too eager to ham it up, particularly in the stepsisters' exaggerated facial expressions and slapstick shtick. And when we see the prince throwing tantrums and dancing with life-sized stuffed animals, it’s the children who went wild.
What impressed were the choreography and vocal chops on display. The cast drew the audience in with original tunes and popular hits, but our favourite moment has to be Cinderella going through a split-second costume transformation in view of the audience, literally going from rags to riches as she emerges in her iconic sparkling blue gown.
As long as you go with your kids, you won't be let down – hell, you might even feel that twinge of nostalgia watching a character from your childhood come to life.
Cinderella: A Fairly True Story runs 'til Jan 4 2016.