Theater Review – May 16, 2026

TPTC’S “EVER AFTER” TELLS THE FAMILIAR CINDERELLA TALE WITH PANACHE

“Ever After”
The Phoenix Theatre Company, Stephenson Theatre
Phoenix AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

There’s always something exciting about a debut show especially a new musical premiering locally that may go on to a long career at theaters throughout the country and perhaps around the world.

The Phoenix Theatre Company (TPTC) is presenting the first production of “Ever After” based on the popular 1998 film that starred Angelica Huston and Drew Barrymore   The well-known Cinderella fairytale is intact.  Poor put-upon Danielle de Barbarac and her life of pleasing her wicked stepmother and two evil half-sisters evolves as expected.  Charm wins her the dashing Prince Henry and their marriage transforms her into a Princess.

Kate Wetherhead’s story adaptation adds some pithy, comic, and contemporary references, jokes, and gags that the audience I attended with enjoyed immensely plus a collection of pleasant and melodic songs by Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler.  It all adds up to a charming tale with no surprises that looks and sounds a lot like several older musicals we rarely see today.

But beyond the familiar story, TPTC’s presents a dashing Broadway-style production that splashes across the stage in a buoyant staging blessed with a gifted cast that makes these cardboard characters very real as they display passion and commitment to this tale.  Marlo Hunter’s never-stopping production with splashy choreography by Billy Griffin is filled with dancing, merriment, and abundant infectious charm even for cynics like me.

Elegant and sumptuous costumes and scenery bring the early 1800’s setting alive and the ever-changing locales move swiftly and effortlessly around the stage with remarkable precision equal to the finest Broadway musical production.

For audiences that wish to return to simpler times when musicals entertained without much story, “Ever After” fits the bill perfectly.  For those who desire a more contemporary statement with a bit more challenge, “Ever After” isn’t for you.

The cast is superlative.  Bailee Endebrock charms as Cinderella.  She sings lushly and moves with swirling sway.  It is easy to believe Endebrock’s Cinderella fascinates and bedazzles Prince Henry who is played with steadfast swagger and dash by Jason Gotay.  David Garrison has great fun with artist Leonardo da Vinci who narrates the story.  Lisa Howard plays the evil Mother Rodmilla de Ghent with just a touch of sincerity.  A boisterous ensemble brings the fun-loving town residents to vibrant life and Kevin Robert White’s sprightly orchestra plays the songs with lusty flair.

“Ever After” and The Phoenix Theatre Company warranted a mention in Playbill online, an impressive acknowledgment from a national theater news organization.

“Ever After” is enchanting to watch as it relates a familiar story with conviction and flair.  “Ever After” continues through June 14.  To order tickets, call The Phoenix Theatre Company box office at 602-254-2151 or order tickets online at www.phoenixtheatre.com.

Grade: A-