Glass Slippers and Grand Stages: Cinderella Lights Up the Empire Theatre
Published 17 March 2024
Photography: Atmosphere Photography
Opening Friday, The Empire Theatre's spellbinding take on Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" has transformed Toowoomba into a realm of enchantment, filled to the brim with melodies, laughter, and love; etching itself into the hearts of its audience, and promising a night of magic, joy and romance.
At the heart of this magical journey are Shannon Gralow, in the role of Ella, and Gabriel Tiller, as Prince Topher. Their stellar performances, backed by an exceptional ensemble, infuse the stage with an infectious blend of energy, humor, and grace under the adept direction of Tim Hill. Featuring homegrown stars like Helen Walsh, and an incredible cast of new and familiar faces, the show is testiment to the incredible richness of local talent in the region (honestly we can’t praise this production and the quality of cast and crew enough!).
Frances Storey's innovative set design, transforming from an ethereal forest to the grandeur of a castle with the wave of a wand, Tess Hill’s beautifully crafted and lively choreography (we heard many an involuntary ‘wow’ from the crowd as the performers gracefully moved, danced & leapt across the stage), alongside a live orchestra led by Craig Renshaw, draws the audience in, immersing the crowd in a story as visually stunning as it is musically captivating.
Beyond the spectacle and the fairy-tale magic, this rendition of "Cinderella" carries with it a message of hope and the power of dreams. It's a timely reminder that in a world often clouded by uncertainty, there always remains a beacon of light and possibility. As Cinderella herself discovers, with a little bit of magic and a lot of courage, the impossible can indeed become possible.
Whether you're a lifelong fan of the tale or new to the enchantment of Rodgers and Hammerstein's work, this production is guaranteed to be memorable. As the clock ticks closer to the final performance, secure your seat, let the magic unfold, and allow yourself to be swept away by the enchanting world of "Cinderella".
More information and tickets can be found here.
