Reviews: Academy's 'Cinderella' is enchanting; Ari Lew is 'Fully Committed' in Cotuit

ORLEANS ― The Academy of Performing Arts in Orleans is celebrating the season of joy with a trip into the fairytale world that couldn’t be more — well, joyous.

It’s “Cinderella," with all the romance and magic of the tale backed up by the timeless music of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Cinderella and her prince are joined by a sterling cast, with an evil stepmother and stepsister who couldn’t be more fun. Then, of course, there is the glittery and glowing fairy godmother, and a large ensemble that includes just about the cutest mice/horses and rats/groomsmen ever.

The show: "Cinderella,” music by Richard Rodgers, book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein, directed by Judy Hamer, with musical direction by Chris Morris, presented by Academy of Performing Arts.

What it's about: If you’re nine or 90, you likely know the plot line. A lovely and lonely young woman (Rachel Walman) has been forced by her father’s death to serve her disagreeable stepmother (Julia Randall) and dimwitted stepsisters (Missy Potash as Joy and Erica Morris as Portia (names used in the 1957 show) who played the roles to pompous perfection) for her keep. She has garnered the name Cinderella because she sits next to the hearth so often she is covered with cinder ashes. It seems she will be doomed to sit in her own little corner forever, when she’s not bustling around caring for her nasty relatives.

But hark, the prince (DJ Kostka) is giving a ball because he’s just turned 21 and Mom and Dad (Terrence Brady and Sue Lindholm as the king and queen) have decided it’s time for him to find a bride. Somehow, the sweet and unassuming Cinderella must make her way to the ball. (You knew she would!) Enter her Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Almeida) who teaches her the lesson that in Fairytale Land all things are possible.

But this is a Rodgers and Hammerstein show, so it’s all about the music. And over the years — since the musical duo first crafted the show for television back in 1957 — we’ve all become familiar with the tunes. There’s the plaintive “In My Own Little Corner,” the jaunty “Impossible” and “It’s Possible,” the romantic “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful," “Ten Minutes Ago” and the melodic and touching “A Lovely Night.” It was great fun to hear so much of the audience singing along, this reviewer included.

Highlights of the show: Everything about the show is magical. First, there are the near-perfect voices of everyone in the cast. The duets with Walman and Kostka are especially pleasing, with the duo ably harmonizing throughout. Almeida’s voice is strong and obviously trained and — as always — Brady handles his numbers with ease. (His voice and comfortable demeanor have graced a number of the Academy shows, including the recent “Let’s Duet.”)

Then, of course, there is the magic of well-crafted stage lighting and special effects. The transformation of the rag-clothed servant girl into a sparkling and stunning princess-to-be was magnificently magical. As colored lights flashed, Walman was suddenly clothed in a shimmery gown. (I have no idea how it was all managed so seamlessly. Kudos to director Hamer, lighting designer Jen Kangas and the costume crew (Hamer, Karen Hepinstall, Jace Carpenter and Isabel Nash). Then there is the appearance of the magnificent carriage, made of a glowing and diaphanous fabric. (I was wishing I’d brought my grandson, who would have been sure it was real magic.)

Go or no go: Go because we all need joyful music and magic in our lives, especially during the holidays. (I just bought my grandson a plaque that says “We Believe in Santa.” I need to find one that says “We Believe in Magic.”)

Worth noting: Julie Andrews played the lead in the 1957 version of the show, with Lesley Ann Warren starring in the 1965 show and Whitney Houston bringing her own special magic to the 1997 production. It was in 2013 that the show hit Broadway.

If you go: 7 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, through Dec. 22. Then 2 p.m. Sundays and Saturday Dec. 23. Academy of Performing Arts, Academy Theater, 120 Main St., Orleans, 508-255-1963, tickets $25-$35, www.academyplayhouse.org.

Sue Mellen

Ari Lew dazzles in 'Fully Committed'

COTUIT ― Perched in the corner of the Vivian and Morton Sigel Black Box Theater at the Cotuit Center for the Arts, I sat enamored by Ari Lew and his performance of “Fully Committed.”

From poking fun at the customer base of Manhattan’s fine-dining restaurants to exposing the ludicrous realities of working for them as well, Lew brought energy and warmth to the dark and chilly theater. As he jumped from persona to persona during the 40-character, one-man show, fits of laughter were drawn from the audience who sat captivated for 70 minutes straight.

The show: “Fully Committed,” is a one-man show starring Ari Lew, written by Becky Mode and directed by Ruthe Lew.

What’s it about: Sam, a struggling actor, makes ends meet working on the reservation desk at Manhattan’s bougiest restaurant. While his days typically consist of fielding calls from New York’s hopeful elite attempting to bribe, cheat and beg their way into a table, one day, in particular, gives Sam an extra run for his money.

Highlight of the show: With 40 characters to personify, Lew gives each a dynamic and hilarious personality. His control of the stage and exaggerated expressions had the audience in fits of laughter. For me, his best characters outside of Sam were Mrs. Sebag, Mr. Decoste and Bryce from Gwyneth Paltrow’s office.

Fun Fact: Jesse Fergeson — Mitchell Pritchett in “Modern Family” — played Sam during the show’s Broadway run in 2016.

See it or not: If you’re looking for a night of hilarity, go see “Fully Committed.” You will not be disappointed.

Worth noting: The show is an hour and 20 minutes long with no intermission.

One more thing: Though the show is a comedy, the emotional side of Lew’s performance cannot be overlooked. I have never found myself relating to, and rooting for, a character as fervently as I was for Sam. The depth Lew brings to the character makes him an undeniable favorite and someone you can see parts of yourself in.

If you go: “Fully Committed” will be on stage at Cotuit’s Vivian and Morton Sigel Black Box Theater until Dec. 17. Show time is at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. on Sunday. On Dec. 9 show time is 7:30 p.m. and on Dec. 16 show time is 2 p.m.

Tickets for all Black Box Theater shows are part of the Center’s “Pick Your Own Price” program ranging from $10 to $50 plus a $2.50 convenience fee and can be purchased at www.artsonthecape.org/. The Cotuit Center for the Arts is located at 4404 Falmouth Road in Cotuit.

Frankie Rowley

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Review: 'Cinderella' and her mice in Orleans; Lew a hit in 'Committed'