Review of Cinderella Wore Combat Boots at the Industrial Strength Theatre
February 7, 2010
by Mitch Scott

269 Sunset Park Drive
Herndon, VA 20170
703.481.5930
Google Map

The Bottom Line
Very enjoyable, original entertainment, every bit as engaging for adults with lots of tongue in cheek humor, as it is for the children. If you enjoy live theater and you're looking for unique activities for the family, don't miss this.

Full review
Cinderella Wore Combat Boots, at Herndon's Industrial Strength Theater, is a great contemporary take on the classic fairy tale. A quote from the theater's website describes it well: "Cinderella and the other characters think and speak in modern terms, replacing the innocent mood of the original with the very hip and knowing attitudes of today's young people. The stepsisters are more boy crazy than ugly; their mother more silly than cruel; and the prince is so bashful and tongue-tied that he hides whenever a girl comes into view."

The children are encouraged to sit up front, even wear costumes to the show, and are welcomed to participate during the play by helping the characters decide what to do next. The cast of seven actors was wonderful. Jessica Ross was terrific as Cinderella; Laura Ransbotham and Meredith Walker, as Mozzarella and Godzella, made great stepsisters.

The play opens with the narrator Carolyn Camera who sets the scene for the audience before the other actors take the stage. Carolyn does a wonderful job acting and engaging the kids in the audience, encouraging them to answer actors’ questions during the performance. She also plays the Fairy Godmother. Having the narrator tee things up for the kids really helps, as they can focus more on the players and less on figuring out the plot.

The stage is small and the scenery spare; but that works well on two fronts. First, the audience is just a few feet from the stage and the actors. Second, we are encouraged to use our imagination, as the narrator describes people and places offstage, such as the ball and ballroom, the mice who transform to take Cinderella to the ball, and the "Magic Extreme Makeover Chamber."

My six-year-old fellow Our Kids reviewer was enthralled. As we were leaving the theater, she asked if she could see another show. I assured her that we'd make sure we caught the next production; but she wasn't interested in the next production - she wanted to see Cinderella Wore Combat Boots again! I promised her we would. I'd gladly see it again.

For parents
The material is appropriate for all ages.

Notes
Herndon's Industrial Strength Theater is an intimate, professional, fully equipped theater with a committed theater troupe in the Elden Street Players, a group that has been around for over 30 years. It's a real gem, tucked away in a little industrial park near the Fairfax County Parkway exit of Route 267. In addition to the children's play, the Players are also staging a drama, The Violet Hour, with evening performances.

Cinderella Wore Combat Boots performances are cancelled for this weekend due to the snowstorm, but they have performances on February 13th (11am, 2 & 4pm) and February 14th (11am & 2pm). Tickets are $7/person and can be purchased online, by phone at 70.481.5930 or at the door. Up Next: Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf March 27 to April 11, 2010.

Have you seen Cinderella Wore Combat Boots? What's your opinion? Just drop us a note and Our Kids will add your comments to this review.