MNfusion: Original Broadway Cast Of 'Cinderella' Comes To Minn.

About five months ago as I was scrolling through my Facebook feed I found an article my friend had posted about a lesser known version of the musical "Cinderella."

The article was written because the new 2015 Disney live-action "Cinderella" had recently been released. It referenced the 1965 televised stage production that starred Lesley Ann Warren, some fabulous hats and a whole lot of fur.

In it, the author mentioned that no one ever seemed to remember this version. But from my friend's posting it was clear that there were a few people who did indeed remember it.

Myself included.

This version was based on the original Rodgers and Hammerstein musical written in 1957 that starred the incomparable Julie Andrews.

Much like the author of the article, I adored the 1965 version. I wore out our family friend's copy of the VHS. It was because of this version that I was able to mouth the words as I sat in the audience of the Orpheum Theatre Tuesday night, recalling lyrics I forgot I knew.

However, it was also because of this version that I struggled with the 2013 revival of the musical that is now on tour.

Now, before I go on to explain why I prefer the predictable-somewhat-sexist-fairytale original, I should say for those who have never seen it the current production is worth going to. It's a beloved story, a fun show and you won't be tainted by any expectations. Except maybe by Disney, although the script is very similar to that of the 2015 live-action film.

The revival includes almost all of the songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein's original score which, for those who have never heard it, is harmonious and lyrical.

The costumes are bold, colorful, full and sparkling, the sets are beautiful and, of course, there is a bit of magic.

The way the costume changes are executed is creative and smart, and the appearance of the glass slippers is remarkable.

Madame's (Beth Glover), or the step-mother, wickedness is played out with a combination of ignorance and rudeness. This keeps her from being a despicable character and makes her almost a likable villain.

Charlotte (Aymee Garcia), one of the step-sisters, offers a great physical comedy that is needed by being a blundering, loud character.

And Prince Topher (Andy Huntington Jones) is every bit as dreamy as you'd like a prince to be. Huntington has a beautiful voice, hitting even the highest notes with ease. He is slightly unaware, but that makes him all the more admirable.

If there was one element that led me to wish for the 1965 movie it was the script, which is not the fault of the cast, crew or accompanying musicians.

In Douglas Carter Beane's  2013 revival, the magic is lost.

Instead of a love story about a down-on-her-luck-girl capturing the heart of a powerful man because of her kindness and charm, it's muddled with political plot lines and modern humor.

I'm not arguing that themes of equality are bad, but the show never intended to be a story about revolution. It adds a conflict that was never missing.

It's also true that the original is a bit sexist, but then what fairy tale isn't?

Part of what makes "Cinderella" magical isn't that the Prince is saving her from her stepmother's home, it's the idea that love can be strong enough to overcome all obstacles.

In Beane's script, after leaving the ball at midnight Cinderella does not lose her slipper (to the confusion of me and everyone else in the audience.) Instead, she returns to a banquet Prince Topher has held in hopes of finding her. After lecturing him about how he needs to open his eyes to the injustices in his kingdom, she then refuses to tell him her name for fear that he will not love her because she is poor.  Then, she takes her shoe off and places it on the stairway as a clue for him to come find her.

This unnecessary twist in the plot belittles the theme that the bond between the Prince and Cinderella was so strong it created miracles, and also made Cinderella's character seem less likable.

True in other versions Cinderella knows she cannot meet the Prince as she is, but after attending the ball she is just happy to have had the chance to attend. Beane's version makes Cinderella seems self-deprecating. Also, she urges her friends to change their situation and talk to the Prince Topher, which is hypocritical because she could simply do the same to changer her own situation.

I'm all for musicals featuring stories of communities overcoming injustices and strong women choosing their own fate. But in a world that is already riddled with civil war and inequality, sometimes it can be fun to escape.

And isn't part of what influences strong-willed people the stories of others who experienced misfortune succeeding? The stories that claim with perseverance, kindness and a little bit a magic anyone can achieve their dreams?

The story of "Cinderella."

"Cinderella" is playing at the Orpheum Theatre. It is open now through Sunday, Sept. 13. Tickets cost between $29 and $154. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the Hennepin Theatre Trust online.