A sly, socially conscious ‘Cinderella’

Who doesn’t know the story of “Cinderella?” Certainly my 6-year-old granddaughter, Kaylyn, who viewed the show with me at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, knew pretty much what to expect, but the classy touring production surprised us both in several respects.

For one thing, could you imagine that the title character shares romantic secrets with one of her snippy stepsisters? Or that said stepsis has a thing for the village rabble-rouser?

Well, this isn’t Disney’s “Cinderella” but rather Rodgers and Hammerstein’s, with a new book by Douglas Carter Beane aimed at today’s politically conscious audiences. And it’s eminently watchable under the spirited direction of Mark Brokaw.

The lilting R&H score remains intact with such hummable numbers as “In My Own Little Corner” and “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?” But Beane has done a number on the characters, including chipping the rougher edges off the shrewish stepmother to render her a bit more likeable — not right off the bat, of course, or where’s the fun in the villainy?

The focal point of this time-honored tale is its focal character, played sweetly but with a keen political conscience by Kaitlyn Davidson, who handles both her put-upon scullery maid and the queen of the royal ball with a winning, and winsome, dexterity.

As the young Prince Topher, who’s just learning he can wield power when necessary, Andy Huntington Jones is impressive, excelling at detailing his character’s complex back story. He and Davidson mesh beautifully in their romantic numbers.

The show-stealing role of the fairy godmother, who defies gravity every bit as effectively as “Wicked’s” Elphaba, is bitten into with gusto by Liz McCartney. Chauncey Packer thoroughly inhabits the character of Lord Pinkleton, the corrupt power behind the throne.

Blair Ross initially oozes pure avarice as the stepmother, known only as “Madame,” before unveiling her more human side. Kimberly Faure nicely depicts the secretly admirable stepsister Gabrielle, while Lulu Picart is a howl as her rotund and awkward sibling, Charlotte, the pictorial definition of a bad hair day.

The peasants are revolting and the most revolting of the bunch is David Andino’s awkward but ardent Jean-Michel. His character appears to have been penciled in to give the ancient plot some social conscience.

The show’s elaborate scenic design with its towering forest trees and sweeping staircase is the fine work of Anna Louizos. William Ivey Long’s costumes win appreciative applause on two occasions, both involving swift changes by Cinderella.

Musical orchestrations by Danny Troob, splendidly adapted by David Chase, combine with Josh Rhodes’ sweeping choreography to render the show a vocal and visual delight. Ensemble work is especially impressive.

A “Cinderella” for today’s audiences, this rendition holds riches for young and old alike at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

*

IF YOU GO

What: Rodgers + Hammerstein’s “Cinderella”

Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

When: Closing performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday

Cost: Tickets start at $57

Information: (714) 556-2787