Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Image: Ainsley Melham, Shubshri Kandiah in CINDERELLA. Image: Jeff Busby

The highly anticipated production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella arrives in Sydney after having enjoyed successful seasons in both Melbourne and Brisbane.

The Tony Award winning Broadway show is one of the most beloved musicals of all time and the Australian production has an A-list cast and huge ensemble headed by Shubshri Kandiah as Ella (Cinderella), Nicholas Hammond as Lord Chancellor Sebastian and Tina Bursill as Madame, Ella’s stepmother.

“Rodger + Hammerstein immediately conjures lyrical and beautiful music. That’s just a precursor to all their productions so it means it’s sweet with orchestral swells and it transports you visually,” explained Bursill who spoke to City Hub recently.

“It’s absolutely beautiful, the costumes, the setting and the lighting are extraordinary so it captures you immediately and triggers a lot of images and emotions of the fairy tale and a world beyond.”

Bursill who commenced her career in the musicals Godspell and Grease is extremely excited to be returning to the theatre. “This now for me is a big cycle return to the theatre in such a sumptuous production and also a huge energy output I have to say, and that’s just by carrying the costume. It’s massive!”

Shubshri Kandiah, Tina Bursill, Matilda Moran and Bianca Bruce in Cinderella. Image: Jeff Busby

Bursill is enjoying playing the role of Madame, Ella’s stepmother whom she describes as a ‘barbed wire powder puff’.

“I’ve stolen this from somewhere!…meaning for all her brittleness and everything else there is a softness underneath. Every human being has to have that and I always try to find the sweetness and heart in every character that I play.”

When asked whether Madame has any redeeming qualities, Bursill paused momentarily. “Through her own adversity she’s climbing that social ladder because of her want, and that want is the redemption in a way to make good and give support to her daughters, and there’s an honesty in that – she’s  climbing over people for a relevant cause – her own flesh and blood.”

Ainsley Melham, Shubshri Kandiah and ensemble in Cinderella. Image: Ben Fon

And is it fun playing the role of what can only be classified as a ‘baddie’?

“Of course!” laughed Bursill. “In fact, I’ve just come off a show called Ten Pound Poms and I’ve been playing the most ruthless woman and somebody said, ‘you must enjoy playing these roles!’”

It must also be satisfying performing in a musical that gives audiences so much pleasure, transporting them to another time and place.

“Call me old-fashioned but I’m standing in the wings and as soon as I hear the music, I stand on the side of the stage waiting and watching these extraordinary balloon puffs of costumes lifted into the air, and the joy on everyone’s face – I’m gone!” enthused Bursill.

“You know by the end of the show that you’ve transported everybody. During the curtain call there’s a lot of love coming at you and I get really teary in these situations.”

Bursill believes that this musical should appeal to everybody. ”There’s singing and lavish dance sequences. There’s that swell of the orchestra and the beautiful ensemble players, they’re breathtaking. Everything has been heightened in this production. It’s been brought to the surface and it’s delicious!”

The musical incorporates some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beautiful compositions including “My Own Corner”, “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago”.

Experience the romance and magic as it unfolds on stage. You’ll believe that dreams can come true.

“Whatever your slant on life, it’s an ‘everyone come and see’! The hardest of cynics have loved this musical. I think it’s that music, that visual thing and Shubshri Kandiah who plays Cinderella is absolutely breathtaking!” concluded Bursill.

 

From October 23

Sydney Lyric, 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont

 www.cinderellamusical.com.au

 

 

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