A TALE OF CINDERELLA

Move over, Perrault, and make room for this charming musical version of “Cinderella.” As soon as the listener adjusts to the embellishments of the traditional story line--an Italian setting, magic amulets, and a fairy godfather, for example--then the pleasure of a fast-paced musical takes over. The sadness of Angelina when her mother dies and her merchant father remarries haunts the song “Hear Us.” Angelina’s resolve to overcome drudgery and soot permeates “Out of the Ashes” and “Some Sweet Day.” La Stella’s admonition that the Italian crystal shoes will only lead and that Cinderella must find love with her own heart reverberates in “No One Ever Told Me.” All the sparkle and imagination that keep the listener humming tunes is in “Make Magic,” a duet of the prince and his fairy godfather. The chorus cheers, “If the shoe fits, wear it, Cinderella.” This recording fits perfectly and will wear well. A.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB / MAR 03]