Paolo as Prince Charming in Cinderella
Chicago- 1/26/01

   "A lovely night, a finer night you know you'll never see. You meet a Prince, a charming Prince as Charming as a Prince will ever be."

    How true is that song? It was more than a lovely night, and it was more than a lovely production. And of course, Paolo was MORE than a handsome Prince. He was very handsome, Charming, talented, in Suburb voice, and of course, he fit the role like no one else could!

    the show was quite surprising. I've been in Cinderella (As Cinderella) myself and of course I've seen it as an audience member, and never before have I seen or performed with such exquisite effects, and amazing lighting. The use of puppet mice and a cat was brilliant. The best part of it, was that the puppeteers made no effort to hide themselves. They all dressed in identical outfits, and walked out on stage with their puppets, even adding the voices. In a way, strangely enough, having the puppeteers actually on stage not hiding, added something to the scene. It in no way detracted from it like some would think. In fact, the scenes with the puppets and puppeteers were some of my favorite scenes.

    What Can I say about Ertha Kitt? She is ageless, and full of talent. She did it all, danced, sang, pulled out a few laughs, and even made the audience think. Especially the way she talked to Cinderella about her mother when she first enters the scene. She was the perfect fit to the Fairy Godmother. I don't think anyone else could have pulled this role off better on stage.

    Deborah Gibson (formerly Debbie Gibson 80's pop sensation) played Cinderella. She did a great job, and fit the part looks and voice. I don't understand where critics were saying she had a weak voice, because from my point of view, she was very strong, and sang powerfully. However, I have to say she did seem to back down slightly from the higher notes in her solos, although she hit them clearly in her duets. For those who asked, yes I too heard a slight lisp in her voice, I don't know if that was intentional or not. In my opinion, I did notice it. (It was hard not to notice every little thing sitting as close as I was) but really, it didn't take anything away from her voice. She still sang strongly, in tune, and it was very pretty. Much better in my opinion than the pop wraspiness of Brandy (who did good herself in the movie role, but I favor Deborah's voice over Brandy's in the role).

    You want to know who (besides Paolo of course) stole the show? The step sisters, the gentleman who played the step mom, and Lionel. They were fantastic offering many laughs. My parents (who I brought with me) could not stop laughing everytime the stepmother took the stage with "her" two daughters. I also loved the King and Queen. I found I liked them even more than in the movie. (With Woopie as the Queen).

    And of course let me Get back to Paolo Montalban, the man of the hour. Talk about an amazing singer. My parents and I had prime seats. Lets just say, if I was any closer, I'd have been onstage. (Thus what I meant by my comment earlier that it was hard not to notice every little thing as close as I was). It was the stage, where the orchestra played, then my seat. So I could hear and see every detail when Paolo stood right in front of me. I knew he was a good looking guy in pictures and on tv, but I never imagined he was so handsome and tall. He looked every bit a Charming Prince. He was also very comical in his scenes, and yet serious and intense when he sang his songs like "Do I love you" and "The sweetest sounds". One of my favorite scenes was the Ball (Before Cinderella showed up.) when he was dancing with each girl. Whoever choreographed that scene should be applauded. It was hilarious. And the look on Paolo's face was to die for. All you could do was laugh as he did this dance that looked to be a strange rendition of "Paddy Cake".

    Another great scene was trying the shoe on every girl in the kingdom. That was hilarious. the use of shadows, the map with the crown tracing their path, the giant women looking ready to crush the Prince and Lionel. It was an adorable scene.

    All in all I have to say this musical was above the mark. The show was fun, well played, well sung by all, everthing was done perfectly to the tee. And of course, once again, Paolo was the Perfect Prince. His family and fans are VERY proud of him. He is a remarkable man and a remarkable talent. Congratulations on the best version of Cinderella I ever saw Paolo. It was a pleasure!! (And thank you for the other things, I won't mention here.) You truely are a real life Prince Charming. You should be proud of yourself. I know I'm proud of you.