Washington Post - Somewhat Recommended
"...This production incorporates material from later versions of the oft-revived and revised show, which debuted in 1957 as a landmark television event starring Julie Andrews. (The latest radical "reinvention" is due on Broadway in January.) The extra songs and dialogue may be part of why the core feels a little diffuse, even with staging highlights that include a truly enchanted quick change for Cinderella's transformation. Smith's direction and his cast have wit and a bit of nerve, but the evening never quite crawls up into your ears and into your heart the way a really good "Cinderella" can."
Washington Examiner - Recommended
"... It's a beloved story that has been told and retold countless times by countless generations of countless cultures in countless variations. And the reason "Cinderella" still enchants even the most hardened among us lies in its eternally hopeful promise of redemption, wrapped nicely in the notion that some of us really can live happily ever after.."
Washingtonian - Somewhat Recommended
"...But Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella is undoubtedly an old-fashioned story. Sure, Prince Christopher makes a few gestures to get to know his future bride as more than just a beautiful girl, and the Fairy Godmother has some advice to give about not only making wishes, but making the most of them once they come true. But above all else, this is a princess story. Cinderella seems more bemused than bereaved by her family's abusive treatment of her, and the audience is there to eagerly await the moment when the slipper fits her foot like a glove. At Sunday's matinee, when the majority of an audience of young girls and adult women alike were donning gowns and tiaras, it was clear the story still has a powerful hold on many hearts. But is it a universal story from which we can draw some modern relevance? That's more of a stretch."
DC Theater Arts - Highly Recommended
"... His royal highness Christopher Rupert Vwindemier Vlandamier Carl Alexander Francois Reginald Lancelot Herman Gregory James —is giving a ball! And not just any ball! But the ball of a lifetime, a chance to meet the Prince, fall in love, and be married off into happily ever after! The perfect classic fairy tale for the holidays, Olney Theatre Center is proud to present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Directed by Bobby Smith with Musical Direction by Christopher Youstra, this enchanting magical story will fill you with a giddy cheer just in time for the holidays."
Gazette.net - Somewhat Recommended
"...The temptation in staging “Cinderella” may be in trying too hard to wring something memorable out of material that is distinctly unremarkable. Director Bobby Smith, who as an actor has been known to camp it up from time to time, has made that mistake here. The Fairy Godmother is a little too “hip” and Lionel, the Prince’s attendant, is way over-the-top fop. The stepsisters are caricatured to the point of being predictable, and some of the dialogue has been tinkered with in an attempt to be trendy and perhaps find a laugh or two where there were none."
MD Theatre Guide - Recommended
"...Overall, this production is saved thanks to the good performances by the actors and Rodgers & Hammerstein's music. Sadly, there are moments which could have been more magical and enchanting, but that's nothing that the Fairy Godmother coudn't have fixed, if only you were to wish for it."
DCTheatreScene - Recommended
Tis the season when many daddies and mommies want to spoil their little girls, by taking them to that special performance, filling their eyes and ears with enough magical sparkle to feed memories for years to come. Olney Theatre Center has brought back its Cinderella to become just such a fitting family tradition, albeit crafting it with less supernatural magic than good values topped with a big dollop of optimism to ward away all challenges.
