The other night, Aliyah and I had the privilege of attending the opening night of Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella as part of its nationwide tour. It was such a magical experience, sitting there with my daughter beside me, holding hands as we watched the enchanting story unfold on stage. The show wasn't just about Ella; it was about every girl who has ever dared to dream bigger, about every heart that yearns to make a difference despite challenges.
As we watched the mesmerizing transformation of Ella into a princess, I couldn't help but feel inspired. This version, with its modern twist by Douglas Carter Beane, is far from the traditional Cinderella narrative. Ella doesn’t wait passively for her happily ever after. She fights for it, rises above obstacles, and makes changes happen in her world.
This story resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the potential within each of us. What is it that lies dormant inside you, waiting to be awakened? What dreams or passions do you have that you've put aside? Remember, as Marie, the quirky yet wise fairy godmother, says, "Don’t wait for everything to be perfect—just GO."
Living an extraordinary life isn’t about escaping the mundane. It’s about choosing to see the beauty and opportunity in everyday moments. As Salle Redfield wisely puts it, "Don’t settle for an ordinary life." Even amidst the daily grind of grocery shopping and laundry, we can choose to infuse our lives with meaning and purpose.
Paige Faura, who plays Ella, is a true inspiration. Not only does she captivate audiences with her charm and talent, but she also juggles the demands of motherhood while touring. Her journey reminds us how much effort and dedication it takes to follow our dreams, especially when they seem impossible.
During the performance, there were countless delightful moments that had the audience laughing and cheering. One particularly amusing scene involved a young girl loudly reacting to Prince Topher kissing Ella’s hand, exclaiming “Ewwww!†This simple yet genuine reaction brought the entire theater to life with laughter.
The Straz Center collaborated with the production team to collect formal gowns, shoes, and accessories during the show. These donations go to the Belle of the Ball Project, an organization dedicated to ensuring no girl misses out on her special night due to financial constraints. Their mission aligns perfectly with the spirit of Cinderella—empowering individuals to believe in their worth and ability to shine.
As I left the theater that evening, I was filled with gratitude for this reminder of the magic within each of us. Whether it’s pursuing a passion project or simply finding joy in small daily acts, let’s embrace the possibilities. After all, we all have the power to create our own fairy tales, even if they look different from what we initially imagined.
If you're in the area, don’t miss out on experiencing this enchanting show yourself. It runs from October 21-26 at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa. Showtimes vary, so check their website for details. Tickets start at $56 and can be booked via phone or online.
This review was made possible through a partnership between the Straz Center and Tampa Bay Bloggers, who provided us with complimentary tickets in exchange for sharing our thoughts. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here remain entirely my own.
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Details: Oct. 21-26, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Show times: 7:30 p.m. Tue-Thurs, 8 p.m. Fri, 2 & 8 p.m. Sat, 2 & 7 p.m. Sun. Tickets range from $56-$95 and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955. or online at www.strazcenter.org.
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