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Need a little magic in your life? “Cinderella” plays the Buell Theatre through Feb. 15, 2015. Prepare to be dazzled by the story of a misunderstood stepdaughter whose kindness leads her to all the right places and captures the prince’s heart.

“Cinderella” is the time-honored tale of a young woman who becomes the servant of her stepmother and stepsisters after her father’s passing. She mends their clothes, carries their groceries and cleans the house.


The cruel treatment they throw her way has little bearing on Cinderella’s (Paige Faure) attitude. She demonstrates kindness, charity, and goodwill for everyone around her. She is even kind and helpful to Crazy Marie (Kecia Lewis).

The prince of the kingdom (Andy Jones), who has no knowledge of the injustices of his court, is out hunting with his soldiers. He sings of feeling unfulfilled in his life and wonders if there is more. When Crazy Marie approaches, his men raise their swords. Cinderella saves the woman, insisting that she means no harm. The prince notes Cinderella’s kindness, and insists she accept a coin from him. Cinderella gives it to Crazy Marie and wishes her well.

There are several ways this version of the play differs from what audiences are familiar with from the fairy tale. The glass slippers are Venetian glass, Cinderella meets the prince several times, one of the stepsisters becomes an ally --and in the end, Cinderella saves the prince from the brutality of his court.

The acting is strong, but watch for the subtleties in how Kecia Lewis plays with the role of Crazy Marie. Her transformation might be stronger than Cinderella’s as Crazy Marie goes from babbling idiot to Fairy Godmother. It’s no easy task for the Fairy Godmother to help Cinderella find her worthiness, “He would never love me if he saw who I really am.” Lewis brings strength, charm and warmth to her roles.

Writer Douglas Carter Beane blended scenes from the original French version by Charles Perrault with the Rodgers and Hammerstein show. This combination of new and old brings surprises to the stage. Even though the show does an good job of modernizing an old story, at times the cute phraseology of today doesn’t mesh with the historical time period.

If you go, you’re going to enjoy the costumes. From rags to glowing gowns to absurd gowns, the wardrobe is a treat in itself. Cinderella’s clothing changes so fast -- both for the ball and for the banquet, that you might believe there is real magic going on behind the scenes. Don’t blink and you might catch the method behind the magic.

If you’re worried that this is the same story you know so well, keep in mind that Cinderella’s job in this play is to play social activist to educate an unknowing prince to the cruelty of his court. This fairy tale boasts a different kind of love; Cinderella’s strength of character brings out the wisdom and confidence in the prince. Imagine a fairy tale where love is based on bringing out the best in each other.

Be prepared to see the audience filled with little girls decked out in puffy dresses and sparkling shoes.

"Cinderella" plays the Buell Theatre through February 15, 2015. Tickets range from $30 - $105 and are available online at www.denvercenter.org or by calling303-893-4100. "Cinderella" is recommended for children ages 4 and older.