Just last year, Melbourne audiences were enchanted by Rodgers And Hammerstein’s Cinderella. And now, another Cinderella iteration has come to town. This time, it’s an original Australian production, adding another spin to this timeless tale. Midnight: The Cinderella Musical is now playing for a limited season at the Comedy Theatre. It will stay in Melbourne until July 18.
Midnight: The Cinderella Musical
This romantic comedy has spent eight years in the making. Follow Ella, a feisty young heroine, and The Prince, who is captivated by her and finds himself in uncharted territory. Can he prove his worth, and can she ignite his desire for change? All of this must be done, in classic fairy tale fashion, before the clock strikes twelve.
This musical has plenty of familiar threads from the Cinderella story, including the fairy godmother, the wicked step-family and the transformation for the ball. It also has new elements, including politics, a talking teddy bear and a child narrator.
The show features a cast of Australia’s favourite stars, including Shane Jacobson, Lucy Durack, Verity Hunt-Ballard and Matt Lee. The lead role of Ella is played by Brianna Bishop, with Thomas McGuane as the Prince. The cast and ensemble all do a wonderful job of bringing the songs and choreography by Kelly Aykers to life.
Midnight features music/lyrics by John Foreman (Aussie Pops Orchestra, Carols by Candlelight) and Anthony Costanzo (Life’s A Circus, Cross Roads). There’s also an additional song by Kate Miller-Heidke (Muriel’s Wedding).
This show is recommended for children ages 8 and up. But with a run time of 2 and a half hours, including a 20 minute intermission, it will definitely feel too long for the youngest members of the audience.