The Slipper and the Rose

The Slipper and the Rose

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
Johnstown, CO 
June 15 - August 22, 2017

Cinderella is a beloved story. It is so well loved that more versions of it exist than any other fairy tale. The Slipper and the Rose is a lesser known version by Robert and Richard Sherman.

This is a more mature Cinderella. The story contains more political implications than most others. Many versions contain princesses from other lands who are vying for a good political match, but most do not have the king interfering with the love match to force the prince into a better political match.

The performances in this production are top notch. The prince is portrayed as a thoughtful and sincere, as well as naïve. Cinderella is sweet and humble, but also shattered by her father’s death. The Fairy Godmother brings needed humor to the story. The addition of a cute dog named “Magic” is odd, but in a loveable way.

The songs were well performed, but they aren’t all that memorable. The choreography was fun to watch – although it did seem strange to have the prince skip through a cemetery. The magic tricks were mostly uninspired, but Cinderella’s transformation into her ball gown was fun to watch.

The set was well thought out. The stairs moved from side to side of the walkway which gave the feeling of different rooms. Cinderella’s room which rolled out onto the stage was a good contrast to the more regal settings of the show.

The Slipper and the Rose is an enjoyable show for families. The second act might confuse or upset younger children, but the happily ever after ending made sure everyone left the theater happy. If the finale didn’t create warm feelings, the invitation to take photos with Cinderella on the stage certainly would.