Quote of the Day: Latté Da and I gravitate toward work that emphasizes theatricality, imagination, engagement, and the calculated fusion of elements. Justin Lucero, Artistic Director at Theater Latté Da and making his Twin Cities directorial debut in their production of Cinderella.

Jon Michael Stiff, Nambi Mwassa, Theo Janke-Furman, Abby Magalee, James Delage in Cinderella at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 1/5/25. Photo: Dan Norman

Theater Latté Da is bringing Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella to the stage this holiday season. It’s filled with all the magic and music that you know and love, and adds a bit of modern flair. The creative duo who brought us The Sound of Music, Oklahoma! and other great Broadway shows, wrote Cinderella as a movie made for television, featuring Julie Andrews. In 1997, a new version of the movie was made starring Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as her fairy Godmother. The song “There’s Music in You” was included to add to the character and feature Whitney’s voice. In 2013, the show finally made it’s Broadway debut with an updated book by Douglas Carter Beane.

Po Cushman, Gabriella Trentacoste, Evan Tyler Wilson, James Delage, Theo Janke-Furman, Tod Petersen in Theater Latte’ Da’s production of Cinderella. Photo: Dan Norman

Theater Latté Da’s production of Cinderella is gorgeous. The updated book keeps with the original story and adds some modern touches, empowering the women, giving them more purpose in improving the land and caring for the poor. Nambi Mwassa plays a smart and talented (Cinder)Ella. When she meets the Prince (Chris)Topher, they talk about what’s happening in the kingdom. Later, when they have their magical dance, their connection deepens. Theo Janke-Furman plays a charming prince who seeks to make the world a better place for everyone. The two have a lovely chemistry, two gorgeous voices that blend beautifully together.

Nambi Mwassa, Isa Condo-Olvera, Sally Wingert, Hope Nordquist in Theater Latte’ Da’s production of Cinderella. Photo: Dan Norman

Sally Wingert plays the evil, but funny, Madame (wicked stepmother). Hope Nordquist plays the more spoiled daughter Charlotte, but with such energy and humor that you laugh along with her. She has some great lines and solo/ensemble moments that are simply delightful. A particularly fun number is the “Stepsister’s Lament.” Isa Condo-Olvera plays the friendlier of the two stepsisters, Gabrielle. She falls for a commoner, Jean-Michel (Po Cushman), who is also a protester. Gabrielle and Ella have a few heart to heart bonding moments that are a nice touch to this modern retelling. The sisters can be there for each other. When they all sing together, they are spectacular.

Tod Petersen, Sally Wingert in Theater Latte’ Da’s production of Cinderella. Photo: Dan Norman

Tod Petersen plays the conniving Sebastian who is trying to trick the Prince into signing documents. He also has some great moments and songs that give you a little tap your fingertips together, lift your eyebrows, “I’ve got a trick up my sleeve,” feel. Tod makes it seem like Sebastian a fun character to play. The play includes two adorable wire form puppets, a fox and racoon. Jon Michael Stiff plays as the Fox, and is also an excellent dancer in the ensemble. Gabriella Trentacoste plays the Racoon and is also a dancer in the ensemble. James Delage and Abby Magalee are also in the ensemble. They were all especially charming as dancers at the ball. Evan Tyler Wilson is Lord Pinkleton with a fun, whimsical costume and a gorgeous singing voice!

I loved the Fairy Godmother character, Marie, in this production. Understudy Carnetha Anthony played the part on opening night. She is clever and kind and pushes Ella to be herself and to believe that she is worthy of a better life. Her songs are absolutely wonderful.

Gabriella Trentacoste, Carnetha Anthony, Nambi Mwassa, Jon Michael Stiff in Theater Latte’ Da’s production of Cinderella. Photo: Dan Norman

Everything about this production is magical. The set is cleverly designed by Eli Sherlock with flowing lines and circles. Set pieces turn and move to create the different settings, including the magical horse-drawn carriage. Mathew J. Lefebvre designed the beautiful costumes. Marcus Dilliard is the lighting designer with so many beautiful and surprising elements! Kevin Springer is the sound designer. Kyle Weiler is the choreographer, and the dancing and moves are amazing! Wesley Frye is the music director. The band members are on stage in various platforms, and the drummer is underneath the second tier. It is so fun to watch them make the music for the performers and sometimes even have a little interaction. It was different to see them separated into different areas, which I imagine was a little tricky since they can’t exactly make eye-contact with each other! They pulled it off grandly! 

You can see Theater Latté Da‘s gorgeous production of Cinderella through January 5, 2025. Bring the whole family. They’ll love it!

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: What are some of your favorite childhood stories?