What I remember most about the 1998 Cinderella film “Ever After” was that Drew Barrymore had thee worst British accent I have heard since Madonna tried it out in the early 90’s. My British accent was better. And I was born in Brooklyn.
I have no doubts that Broadway veteran and Drama Desk Award nominee Margo Siebert as Danielle will give a much more convincing performance when “Ever After” debuts at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn this month. If you’ve seen the movie, you know the story takes a few liberties with the original children’s fable. There is no fairy godmother, no pumpkin carriages, no Bibbidy Bobbitty Boo. And no talking mice. That saddens me a little.
There is however, two-time Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole in the role of the seductively evil Baroness de Ghent, originally portrayed by Anjelica Huston. There are evil stepsisters and a wicked stepmother. There is a handsome prince, a glass slipper and a weird kid who flies a kite alongside Leonardo da Vinci. I’m not sure if that will make it into the stage version but one thing is for certain – when the Paper Mill Playhouse takes on a project, the end result will be professional, passionate and perfectly cast, directed and scored. One of New Jersey’s premiere theatre companies for decades, PMP prides itself on its variety of classic theatre pieces, musical revivals and original productions that at times out rival the best that Broadway has to offer. “Ever After” continues that trend.
The main character of Danielle was lauded in the 1998 film as being a positive role model for young girls. It was not about the magic. She was witty, resourceful and strong. She was well read, articulate and as charming as any fairy tale prince ever was. The story is built on relationships, beginning with the love between a little girl and her father who suffers an untimely death at the beginning of the tale. She patiently endures the barbs of her “family” until she reaches her breaking point, and that’s where the story gets its wings. Leonardo da Vinci becomes her trusted confidant and benefactor, and who knew old Leo was funny?
The play is directed by three-time Tony winner Kathleen Marshall and also stars Tony Sheldon as da Vinci, James Snyder as Prince Henry, and Emmy winner Charles Shaugnessy as King Francis.
“Danielle makes her own dreams come true. Warm and romantic, funny and smart, this is the musical you’ve been waiting for.”
