Short & Sweet critic Linda Rosen reviews Cinderella with Diana Martinez of Broadway in Chicago

Short and Sweet guest critic, Linda Rosen of Buffalo Grove, has a particularly unique perspective of Cinderella -- she once played Cinderella in a school play. Rosen was impressed by the changes the play has gone through over the years, and thinks that the updates make the fairytale more relevant for today's audience, while still impressing the viewers with split-second costume changes and talented performances.

See below for a review by Diana Martinez of Broadway in chicago.

The must-see show for this holiday season is Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. This Tony Award-winner comes direct from Broadway and is a lavish and magical production, which has been remarkably updated by writer Douglas Carter Beane and director Mark Brokaw. This new version packs all the classic opulence you expect from a magical fairy tale but has been updated with loads of humor, more music, a stronger heroine, moral messages and a brilliant cast.

Each show I invite a Daily Herald reader to be my guest audience critic, and give you their perspective on the show. Linda Rosen from Buffalo Grove, who once upon a time played the part of Cinderella, was my guest.

"The set, vocal and dance numbers (both athletic and period dances) were terrific - it was a stunning performance visually. However the costume changes were astounding...enough for adults to be in awe wondering, 'how did that happen?'

There were so many magical moments, but the contemporary twist on this tale made it much more relevant for today's young women. It is now definitely an empowering tale that is up to date without losing the fairy tale feel.

The moral issue of voting, woman being responsible for their own happiness and kindness and generosity as virtues make this must see theater for families. There is so much more to this production than the original fairy tale, with the addition of topical humor, situations and the ever popular "be yourself" motto as virtues of this production. "If you have a dream, you're going to have to fight for it" is a treasured quote from this show. What a great message to give to our children!" Linda Rosen

Cinderella will not disappoint - the opening night crowd leapt to their feet in appreciation and awe of this beautiful show. It's a lovely escape to visit a beautiful place from our childhood and a story that has shaped hopes and dreams for generations. Cinderella leaves town on January 4th so hurry and get your tickets at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. The show runs about 2 hours and 20 minutes with an intermission. If you have a daughter, granddaughter niece, goddaughter, please do yourself a favor and take her! This show brings the kind of magical experience that makes everlasting memories. I promise, you won't regret it.