by Sam Seliger
Guilford Gazette Intern
In the middle of the second and final act of Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother (played by Isabell Berry) sings “There’s Music In You,” and Prince Topher (Carlos O’Ryan) recognizes Cinderella (Katie Rees) after the glass slipper fits on her foot. With Berry magnificently commanding the song, the moment serves as a climax of the show.
Berry’s Fairy Godmother, who initially is a character named “Crazy Marie,” was one of the many stars that shined in Hammond High School’s performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. She showed off her powerful voice on “Music,” and “Impossible; It’s Possible,” and displayed elegance and grace, after some well-executed comic relief in the beginning of the first act.
Berry’s performance was matched by star Katie Rees’s Cinderella. With a strong and pleasant voice that she put to use throughout the show, Rees not only made her singing sound good, she made it sound easy. On “Impossible; It’s Possible,” her duet with Berry, they trade melodic lines as their characters build confidence and revel in the possibilities of magic.
Their voices blended effortlessly as they built the climax of Act I. Rees’ talent and stage presence shown through the entire performance, as she commanded the stage every second she was on it. She nailed Cinderella’s gentle shyness, contrasting it with a casual confidence when appropriate. Her exquisite comedic timing lent extra punch to her character’s jokes, especially in the first act.
That’s not to say that there was only talent among the actresses. Carlos O’Ryan gives depth to Prince Topher, as he grows from an innocent prince into a confident and forward-thinking ruler. In the first act, he displays curiosity and intrigue, but also questions himself.
O’Ryan makes all these emotions believable and authentic. As Prince Topher begins to question his understanding of the world, and take control of decision making, O’Ryan gives the sense of a man filling into his shoes. In his singing, he displays internal struggle (“Me, Who Am I?”), frustration (“Ten Minutes Ago”), and affection (“Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?”) with equal nuance and skill.
Simon Guteng, Jr’s educated rebel, Jean Michel, was another great asset. Although he got few opportunities to sing, he did wow with his dancing, landing some impressive acrobatics when given the opportunity. As for his character, he lends the rebel just the right mix of styles, offering laughs without undermining his character’s devotion to right the kingdom’s wrongs. He displays an eagerness to work and an assertiveness to take action, balanced by a subtle innocence that disappears as he grows.
Great performances were not limited to the top of the bill, either. Daniel Quinter brought an exuberant confidence and burning passive-aggression to his riotous portrayal of the step-mother Madame. Meanwhile, Kaylee McDonald and Nya Stevens were excellent as the step-sisters Gabrielle and Charlotte, lending them nuance and depth. Kenneth Apana-Korley, as the royal advisor Sebastian, brought a well-masked sinisterness. The rest of the cast performed well too; ensemble tunes were clean and well-tuned.
The set design was equally quality, with a balcony adding a sense majesty to the castle, and a moving version of Cinderella’s carriage. Similarly impressive were the costumes, with many characters and ensemble members having multiple outfits.