**** Recommended You’ve been invited to a ball in the kingdom of Other, you and all the other single girls in the kingdom, because the prince is going to pick a bride! Is this another Cinderella story, you might ask? The answer would be no. This is Jackie Taylor’s magical musical version of the fairy tale, The Other Cinderella. 4 Spotlights
The Other Cinderella was written and directed by Jackie Taylor, founder/doyenne of Black Ensemble Theatre. It’s hard to believe it was first stage in 1976, it’s still so fresh and funny. The Other Cinderella opens and closes with the entire cast singing a toe-tapping song called Welcome to the Kingdom.
Brothers from the ‘hood, Groundhog (Isaac Ray), and Pee Wee (Blake Reasoner) were thrilled when Page (Brandon Lewis) won the lottery and became a page. When Page first strolled into the palace, the King’s Attendant (Dennis Dent) tried to instruct Page in how to do his duties, but he had his own style!
Cinderella (Miciah Lathan), who grew up in the projects, didn’t get much of an education. It was just her and her father until he remarried. Since he passed, she lives with her Stepmama (Cynthia F. Carter), who works hard at the Post Office to support the family.
Stepmama dotes on her daughters (Cinderella’s stepsisters), Margarite (Britt Edwards) and Geneva (Michelle Bester) who love to shop even though neither has a job. Stepmama treats Cinderella like a servant, expecting her to do all the work around the house. The stepsisters, who fight and quarrel all the time, are united as they mock and bully Cinderella.
Meanwhile, King Harry (Vincent Jordan), who doesn’t like his son’s friend, Duke’s Son (Makenzy Jenkins), decided that Prince Charles (RJ Griffith), has to get married. Over the objections of Queen Mildred (Qiana C. McNary), he decided to hold a ball and invite all the single girls in the kingdom. Surely the Prince could find someone then. By the way, the Queen’s Lady in Waiting (Caitlin Dobbins) has her own duties, but she certainly has eyes for the Attendant.
When the King’s invitation arrived at Stepmama’s house, Margarite and Geneva rushed out to get new gowns, quarreling all the way about who would be chosen. Of course when Cinderella asked if she could go, they just laughed.
After Stepmama and the stepsisters left for the ball, Cinderella was sitting on her stool in the corner when her Jamaican Fairy Godmamma (Melanie McCullough) appeared, singing a song called You Make the Wish. With a flick of her wrist – and some costume legerdemain – she zaps Cinderella into a frothy pink party dress and sparkly pink heels (no glass slipper in this show).
Meanwhile at the ball, Dorothy (Colleen Virginia Perry) from Kansas asked if she could become a part of Other. The King said she’d have to pass three tests first. Then she had to pass the Queen’s test, singing the blues. Dorothy grabs a mic, turns to the audience and proceeds to belt out The White Girl Blues.
Kudos to Costume Designer Evelyn Danner. The costumes ranged from beautiful to absolutely gorgeous – and almost all sparkly. Be sure and notice the shoes! The women’s styles ranged from a simple black slip-on (Cinderella) to a fur-trimmed bootie (Stepsister Geneva). The men weren’t neglected either. Among others, I noticed a shiny gold pair with sparkling toes and another which seemed to change colors.
The Black Ensemble musicians are Robert Reddrick (Musical Director/Drummer/Arranger), Adam Sherrod (Keys/Bandleader), Myron Cherry (Drums); Oscar Brown Jr. (Bass) and Charles Dubose (Guitar).
“The Other Cinderella” runs through December 31st at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street, Chicago. Valet parking is available in BET’s adjacent garage ($10).
Running time is 2 hours, 20 minutes, with an intermission. Performances are Fridays at 8:00 pm; Saturdays at 3:00 and 8:00 pm; Sundays at 3:00 pm. Tickets range from $56.50-$66.50. FYI (773) 769-4451 or www.blackensemble.org.