Owosso’s ‘Cinderella’ is a royal treat

Owosso’s Lebowsky Center for the Performing Arts’ production of “Cinderella” isn’t exactly like the fairytale generations grew up with. This “Cinderella” is better.

The folk tale of a mistreated woman, who — with the help of a prince — changes her lowly status, goes back to medieval times with hundreds of often ghastly varieties. Disney’s 1950 cartoon movie offered a happier version that became popular.

With that template, the Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II musical was written for Julie Andrews for a 1957 CBS television special. It was remade in 1965 with Lesley Ann Warren and Stuart Damon and in 1997 with Brandy Norwood and Whitney Houston.

For Broadway’s 2013 “Cinderella,” Douglas Carter Beane revised Hammerstein II’s original book. Master director Garrett Bradley uses the modern version to give us a “Cinderella” with more command, a prince with less and a story more about finding fairness than finding a dream husband.

What isn’t diminished is the power of the songs and the pizzazz they bring to the show.

An especially gifted cast of 11, and an ensemble of 18, belt out songs, swing with the dances and play with our emotions. “Cinderella” has heart and comedy.

The lovely Claire Ladaga lifts the lead role of “Ella” to lofty heights. Her silvery voice easily reached the upper balconies of the nearly full Lebowsky Center on opening night. Her vocal muscles and mighty grace are marvelous.

James Debenham — playing his first principal theatrical role — is the perfect principled prince Topher. More than just a pretty face, he rules solos with a voice that is aptly majestic.

Accompanied by an elegant 16-piece orchestra conducted by Jillian Boots, the vocals of the entire cast are a royal treat. Amanda DeKatch as the Fairy Godmother, Marie, lends an operatic level of singing. Even minor characters like Josh Holliday, as Lord Pinkleton, have regal voices. And everyone executes magnificent choreography by Erica Duffield with flair.

A spectacular set by Dirk Rennick and Dan Wenzlick changes from three-story trees, to a home’s interior, a ballroom and more. Its backdrop adds class to the production. Substantial props by Debbie Drenovsky and Michael Windnagle, who is a grand Sebastian, help make the Lebowsky “Cinderella” worthy of a big city stage.

Rented or not, the clever, elaborate, and dazzling costumes are a must-see. It’s the only play I’ve seen where the audience gasped loudly when some of them were revealed.

“Cinderella”

$16 Children, $22 Senior, $25 Adult

Friday, March 6, 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 7, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 8, 3 p.m.

Lebowsky Center for Performing Arts

122 E. Main St., Owosso

Lebowskycenter.com, (989) 723-4003