You have seen the movie about a thousand times, but have you checked out @PrettyWoman The Musical yet? #PrettyWomanTheMusical

This post is made possible by support from Pretty Woman: The Musical. All opinions are my own

Looking for a creative gift idea for Mother's Day?

How about a night on Broadway?

If your mom (or any special lady in your life that you are gifting for Mother's Day) loves the theater like mine does or loves the movie Pretty Woman, she will definitely love Pretty Woman: The Musical playing at Nederlander Theater, 208 West 41st Street in New York City!

ABOUT:

Pretty Woman: The Musical combines the beloved romance movie you already know and love with an original score with music and lyrics by Grammy Award Winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and choreography by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell.

How did it come together?

Check out this neat video:

Based on the Julia Roberts-Richard Gere movie about a star crossed meeting between a sex worker (Vivian) and a disillusioned businessman (Edward), this contemporary stage adaptation of the popular romantic comedy stars Samantha Barks as Vivian, and Andy Karl as Edward.

Above: Left to Right, Samantha Barks and Julia Roberts (this was for the Gary Marshall Tribute Performance,  the producers announced that a seat in the back row of the theater will include a plaque in his honor)

Did you know originally (for the movie version) Vivian was slated to die of a drug overdose? I had no idea, but I am glad that was changed!

Both the movie and broadway production are based on George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, and in the iconic Opera Scene - both the play and the movie - the couple watch the Opera 'La Traviata' by Verdi, which tells the story of a Parisian Courtesan who falls in love with an older, wealthy man.

True to the movie is the signature red dress, and presentation of a 'borrowed' Diamond Necklace complete with Edward snapping the box playfully and Vivian's Booming laugh! I give Samantha so much credit for making the role her own without it being an exact copy of the original.

The shopping scene is still there, and watching those snooty, bougie, department store assistants get theirs just never gets old.

The entire cast definitely deliver a high energy performance, but I will admit Orfeh who portrays Vivian's friend Kit (played by Laura San Giacomo in the movie) and Eric Anderson as concierge Mr. Thompson (played by Hector Elizondo in the film) are truly standouts! Eric plays multiple roles in the production and literally gives you *EVERYTHING* in each scene where he appears. Another scene stealer is Tommy Braco as the bellhop "Giulio" who brings a great deal of comic relief.

There are some changes, Vivian does not sing along to Prince's "Kiss" in the bath tub scene, Edward does not have a mane of sexy gray hair, and another more major change, 'Stuckey' is the one that gets slapped first! You guys have no idea how much I hated Jason Alexander after seeing the film, in the musical, Stuckey is portrayed by Jason Daniely. Edward and Stuckey are both noticeably younger in this stage version, but Stuckey is still as greedy and slimy as ever.

Above: This amazing blogger night on Broadway included a talk back and Q&A with the cast.

Center: Check out Orfeh's super cute furbaby curled up on her lap!

DISCOUNT: 

Want to save up to $40 on your tickets? of course you do! Use Code: MOM1

You can nab your discount tickets, easy as '1,2,3'

1. Online at TicketMaster.com using code MOM1
2. By phone at: 877.250.2929 and mention code: MOM1
3. In Person at the Box Office, Nederlander Theatre, 208 W. 41st Street and reference code: MOM1

Note: This code is valid through 09/01/19 - TicketMaster includes an additional $2 Facility Fee per ticket. The Discount Code is NOT applicable to Facility Fee or TicketMaster Service Fees. Offer is not valid on tickets that have already been purchased, new tickets only. Blackout Dates May Apply. Limit of 8 tickets per order.

Above: The empowering posters in the lobby were a hit for post play photos - you know for the gram! Red Coat is from Wallis Fashion US, top is by Calvin Klein, Jeans: Silver Jeans, Handbag from DSW and the Boots: Earth Shoes Raleigh - these 100% waterproof tall boots with lacing details up the back (allowing you to widen them or tighten them so you have a custom fit calf) a full length side zipper, are sadly now out of stock! (I have them in the Bridle Brown which I love - I wish I had nabbed them in black as well)

My Take:

Age 13 and up is recommended for Pretty Woman: The Musical and with good reason, world's oldest profession, dead prostitute scene, and a sexy scene with Vivian and Edward, I would go a bit more conservative and restrict this to older teens and leave the younger teens and defintely the littles with a sitter!

I would have liked Edward to have the silver fox hair like Richard Gere and definitely for them to have left Prince's 'Kiss' as the song in the bubble bath scene, but understandably with Bryan Adams doing the original score for the production, the music is a bit different from the movie.

And while I love the creativity and how many stage productions are going more high tech to tell their stories, I appreciated that this production was not relying solely on tech to immerse you into the story. I found it pretty upbeat considering the subject matter, it pays homage to the film without being too much of a copycat of it, and the actors bring so much energy to their performances, you definitely want to be sure to catch this one before it leaves in 2020!

Online/Get Social:

Web site: https://prettywomanthemusical.com

Hashtag: #PrettyWomanThe Musical

Social media profiles:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PrettyWoman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrettyWoman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettywoman/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/PrettyWomanTheMusical

READERS: Have you seen Pretty Woman - The Movie or The Musical? What did you think of it?

·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, Show Tickets were Provided by Pivoting Media for Editorial Consideration, and all opinions are 100% my own!  The love however is genuine, Broadway Shows are among my favorite things to do in New York City! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#FridayFlick} Reco @danishgirlmov Highlights from #TheDanishGirl NYC Advanced Screening event + Actor Talk Back! #movies #theater

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, the few times I have found myself last minute shopping or a last minute addition to my gift list to shop for, I have always made it a point to catch a movie as a way to unwind after shopping.

If you find yourself needing a break from the holiday shopping madness and find yourself by a theater playing The Danish Girl, I definitely recommend you go see it!

ABOUT:

The remarkable love story inspired by the lives of artists Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener (portrayed by Academy Award Winner, Eddi Redmayne ["The Theory of Everything" - which I reviewed HERE] and Alicia Vikander ["Ex Machina"], directed by Academy Award Winner Tom Hooper ("The King's Speech," "Les Miserables"). Lili and Gerda's marriage and work evolve as they navigate Lili's groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer.

I had the opportunity to attend an Advanced Screening with Actor Talkback with co-star Alicia Vikander who portrays Gerda in the movie. The Advanced Screening was hosted by the dynamic duo  - Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein - we call "The Moms" in the Dolby 88 Screening Room in New York City!

On my way to the theater, this was my view:

Holidays in New York City takes on a magical quality and so many buildings and business go all out and put up such beautiful holiday trees!

The building where the screening took place also had a beautiful holiday tree indoors (and a coat clothing drive bin!):

We arrived to Coffee and Danishes of course! And we got to leave with a copy of the book - which I can't wait to dive into!

If you want to pick up the book too, check out our friends over at Amazon for a copy!


The movie is both powerful and moving and holds nothing back, for me seeing Eddie Redmayne dive into another equally intense role was fascinating to watch. He has a way of immersing himself in his roles and portrays the nuances of each of his characters perfectly. As convincing as he was as Stephen Hawking, he is as powerful and emotionally giving as Lili Elbe. There is actually no weak performance in the bunch, and Alicia Vikander who plays Gerda, gives the role the strength that is needed while never losing track of the vulnerability.

What stays with me after seeing it is how Gerda an independent spirit and tough girl in her own right, so easily not just accepts what is happening so much as becomes his immediate advocate and champion. I don't think most women could handle the situation the way Gerda does. With a love and friendship for her partner that is so strong she puts her own pain aside to be the friend that he needs during a journey of discovery and unknown.

Matthias Schoenaerts who plays Lili's old friend Hans Axgil also gives a very strong performance. (And of course much like anything with children and animals - the pet dog is a little scene stealer in his own right!)

After the film there was a talk back with Actress Alicia Vikander who portrays Gerda.

Left: Denise Albert, Center: Alicia Vikander, Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein

Much like Gerda, Alicia is very grounded and centered - just slightly more 'soft-spoken'. It was interesting getting her thoughts and insights into Gerda, and of course behind the scenes about the movie you don't see on film.

I am going to include the video of the Q&A, but there was a moment during the Questions and Answers where someone in the audience shared how much she related to the story and to Gerda, Alicia was very moved, and after the Talk-Back I was touched to see that Alicia made it a point to connect with the person who made the comment. I managed to capture that moment and couldn't resist sharing it here:

I hope neither of them mind, but this was such a poignant moment and one you don't always experience during press junkets and actor talk-back experiences. Just a real, raw moment and a genuine 'non-posed' connection.

One of the pro photogs in attendance managed to nab her for this shot and since I was close enough and thankfully my DSLR didn't take forever to warm up I managed to nab it too! I can see why the camera loves her, there is something just naturally 'soulful' and expressive about her.

Here is the Video of the Talk Back:

MY TAKE:

I think it's good for millenials to know that Bruce aka 'Caitlyn Jenner' is not a 'pioneer' in the world of Transgender, and seeing someone live through one of the first gender change surgeries and getting a such a raw and honest glimpse into that process was fascinating! This story is moving and powerful, but it's the way the subtle moments - like watching Lili learn to emulate the things women do naturally - a flirtatious gaze, smile or glance - and then the ramifications of doing so, her ease with managing the perfect cat eye, how lucky she was to have such a fierce partner and warrior in her Gerda.

This is definitely a bring your Kleenex type of movie but it's a good one!

Will you be catching any movies this Holiday Season in the Theater? Which ones?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a compensated/sponsored Post, All opinions are 100% my own! Tickets were provided for Editorial Consideration. This post also contains affiliate links. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#Theatre} Opening TODAY go see @MotherStruck a new play starring @staceyannchin #Review #Spon

Disclosure: I participated in the MotherStruck! blog program as a member of One2One Network. I received compensation but all opinions are my own.

New York City never fails to bring out my inner 'culture vulture', and this weekend I got to take in a new stage play in previews that opens TODAY called MotherStruck! - written and performed by StaceyAnn Chin (bestselling Author of "The Other Side of Paradise: A Memoir.") and Directed by Cynthia Nixon (Sex & The City). The show is produced by Rosie O'Donnell in conjuntion with NYC Culture Project.

Staceyann Chin co-wrote and performed on Broadway in Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam (she performed "If Only Out of Vanity", check it out on YouTube HERE) and she performed in THREE one-woman shows before creating her current show MotherStruck! 

"I want to be that woman that your parents use as a bad example of a lady" ~Staceyann Chin, from "If Only Out of Vanity" - Def Poetry Jam

You can also catch her piece "Nails" from Def Jam Poetry HERE. or "Three Frenzied Days" on Def Poetry Jam on YouTube HERE. "A City in Tragedy" - a powerful spoken word poetry on the tragedy of 09/11 on YouTube HERE.

I can get lost when it comes to Poetry - on the page or spoken. So I will get myself back on track and share a bit about what MotherStruck! is actually about!

About MotherStruck!

MotherStruck! sets forth Staceyann's personal journey to motherhood as a single woman, lesbian, and activist who does not have health insurance or a "serious, stable, financial set up", but wants to have a child. Told through Chin's uniquely personal and poetic lens, this solo show explores how the process changed her life and how she makes peace with what she learns from this profound experience.

Opening Night is TONIGHT - Monday, December 14th.

Showtimes:

• Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30pm
• Friday at 8:00pm
• Saturday at 4:00pm and 8:00pm
• Sunday at 5:00pm

There is a piece in the show about her confronting an 'internet bully' which is truly powerful you can get a sort of preview of it via YouTube from The Nest Collective, I won't write the title here because Google might then deem this post as 'adult content', but you can watch it HERE.

I like to tell stories through photos and words, I nabbed some shots while I was in the lobby of The Lynn Redgrave Theater (45 Bleecker Street, New York City) while waiting for the show to start:

Above: Long time readers know I have a thing for two things butterflies and buddha art, needless to say this one caught my eye as soon as I walked in the door. It was my beautiful reminder to release pre-conceived thoughts and the craziness of my commute into the city.

Above: I loved the treatment on this door, it reads 'Subculture' and the screen with the instruments is just plain everything! 

When you enter the theater itself you can immediately tell that this performance is going to be 'in your face'. It's a small theatre and on stage is one large ottoman, Staceyann literally uses every part of the theatre to tell her story, she walks through the audience, and breaks the 'wall' - she makes eye contact and this is a show you can't just passively 'watch', you are forced to immerse yourself in it.

The show runs 1 hour and 40 minutes with one intermission and when the show arrived at the intermission point I thought it was funny how most people commented that the intermission seemed to arrive 'so fast'. That is how engrossed you will get in the story!

DISCOUNT: 

I don't have tickets to offer you this time around butterflies, but I can get you all 20% off tickets to the show - When selecting your seats, select 'Blissful Media Group' for the discounted rate, HERE!

Get Social:

@staceyannchin

@MotherStruck

Use Hashtag #MotherStruck

Visit Culture Project on Facebook

I worked up the nerve to get my program signed (sorry I should have been holding it the other way!) and nabbed a photo with Staceyann!

MY TAKE:

In addition to a middle name in common, like StaceyAnn I am also a poet. The very first moment I understood that writing could be a career is when I entered a writing contest in my freshman year of College, (well actually I didn't enter it, my Professor entered one of my short stories in progress without my consent) and my work won a cash prize! I was asked by my Professor to read my piece at Nuyorican Poets Cafe, but I didn't feel comfortable doing that (and sometimes I greatly regret that). Staceyann mentions in MotherStruck! that one of the first places she discovered when she got to NYC from Jamaica was the Nuyorican Poets Cafe.

While writing this I was listening to an interview Staceyann did for The Rock Newman Show and I loved this quote:

"I believe holy is what you do when there is nothing between your actions and your truth" ~StaceyAnn Chin

I have a great respect for the 'one-woman show' format, it requires a great deal of stamina and a whole lot of nerve/heart! The last time I saw a one woman show that powerful was 'Ann' starring Holland Taylor, see my review of that HERE, the difference is Staceyann is not playing someone else in MotherStruck!, she is relaying her experience, her life and her truth. And she does it boldly and un-apologetically. Hers is a life lived out loud and her journey to Motherhood is certainly not a 'straight' road (no pun intended!) - what I am not seeing enough of is this story ON BROADWAY. Every single time I have seen a powerful one-woman show it has been off-Broadway. I would like think that Broadway has room for human stories with different faces, with strong women leads. I want to see something new on Broadway. I want to see more of THIS!

I urge you to make it a point to go see MotherStruck! Lets move 'diversity' from a boardroom buzzword to a DEMAND. I want to see more theatre where women take the lead in every way, from creative conception, to director and producer like MotherStruck! does.

The end is very much the beginning, while the play chronicles her journey to Motherhood, she recognizes that this is exactly where the story actually begins.

This play is very much poetry come to life, so readers today I ask you:

What work of poetry has resonated with you and greatly impacted YOUR life? (Is it your own? Do you write Poetry?) Do you like 'Memoirs'?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure:  This is a compensated/sponsored Post, All opinions are 100% my own! Tickets were provided for Editorial Consideration. This post also contains affiliate links. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Hey YOU!, Yeah YOU, Shut Up Sit Down & Eat! The Only Cure for @ItalianInsanity #Theatre #Comedy

For my New York City Based Butterflies (or those who plan to visit here for the holidays this year), who want to inject some laughter and levity into your Sunday and start off your week right, check out 'SHUT UP SIT DOWN & EAT'!

Four of New York City's most sought-after stand-up comedians bring the hit comedy Off-Broadway after their sold-out performances at The Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City and are now at The Anne L. Bernstein Theater at The Snapple Theatre Center in Manhattan, and after seeing it for myself I can certainly see why this 'PLOMEDY' was nominated by the Off-Broadway Alliance for "Best Unique Theatrical Experience of 2014"!

And because I know you are thinking it, as defined in 'The Urban Dictionary', a 'PLOMEDY' is a new theatrical event that blends the wit of stand-up comedy and the intensity of a one-man (or one woman) show presented in an innovative play format by professional comedians.

The Plomedy, SHUT UP SIT DOWN & EAT is written by and stars, Tina Giorgi, Joe Moffa, Chris Monty and Eric Tartaglione and was co-written by Tom Ingegno and Directed by Eve Brandstein. A comical take on emotional dysfunction when four Italian Americans show up for a group therapy session where the therapist never shows and they grow impatient and take their issues into their own hands delving into their true feelings about work, love, relationships and their Italian Families.

Preview/Peek:

My Take:

I truly enjoyed Shut Up Sit Down & Eat! The stories shared are easy for anyone to relate to, some moments are nostalgic and others are simply laugh out loud funny, and you walk out feeling like you spent time with good friends, it just doesn't get better than that. Personally I think this one should be right on Broadway, it is well written, well cast and the performances are delivered to perfection, I can easily think of some snoozers that could be replaced by this show!

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like the show on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow them on Twitter too

Discount:

Nab $35 Tickets using code LAUGHED through December 28, 2014 at Ticketmaster!

What is the funniest thing that has ever happened at one of your family dinners butterfly?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: Perfomance Tickets were provided to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration, this did NOT influence my opinion, and all opinions are 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Set Your Inner Child Free with Peter and the Starcatcher at the New World Stages Theater!

Can you still tap into your inner child? If you need a little help with that then you might want to check out Peter and the Starcatcher (A Grown Up's Prequel to Peter Pan!) now playing at the New World Stages Theater in New York City!

Peter and the Starcatcher won five Tony Awards and was named one of New York Times, New York Magazine and New Yorker's Top 10 Shows of the Year! It recently moved to the New World Stages Theater at 240 West 50th Street.

SYNOPSIS:

This imaginative prequel to the story of PeterPan, (based on the best-selling Disney-Hyperion novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson), tells the story of an Orphan who heads to a faraway land, where he finds love, friendship, and ultimately, himself. The show is comprised of twelve actors playing more than a hundred unforgettable characters, all on a journey to answer the century-old question: How did Peter Pan become the boy who never grew up? The epic story of one of popular culture's most enduring and beloved characters proves that an audience's imagination can be the most captivating place in the world.

MY TAKE:

What I love about anything that is even remotely Disney related is that somehow, somewhere in the show there will be something with wings, Peter Pan of course has Tinkerbell (or in this version we learn how Tinkerbell comes to be), but my favorite quote from the play was: 'To Have Faith, is To Have Wings'.

Isn't that a perfect Ascending Butterfly quote? Faith really is the wings that allow us to soar in life, to take chances, to follow our dreams and to become the person we are meant to be!

But the best life lesson that comes from Peter and the Star Catcher, is that Peter keeps reminding the adults around him, that 'he just wants to be a boy' for awhile. Sometimes we cram so much into a child's schedule that they don't get time to just 'be', to just 'breathe' and enjoy what is supposed to be a care free time in their lives.

The performance is recommended for children ages 10 and up, and that sounds about right to me, there are some double entendres and an appearance of men dressed as mermaids, so I'll let you decide how young you feel comfortable in going.

This is a definite 'Ticket', and for my fellow cocktail lovers, I tried a cocktail called 'The Bad Idea' which was fantastic! (It's a bit like a Long Island) And they will bring it to at your seat if you don't feel like getting back up to hit the bar!

I greatly enjoyed Peter and The Star Catcher! Trust me, your inner child will thank you!

GET SOCIAL:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @StarcatcherBway on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Peter and the Starcatcher on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Keep up with Peter and the Starcatcher on Pinterest as well (I like the 'Imagination' Board!)

If you've seen it, or plan to see it, let us know!

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received by Ascending Butterfly, we were provided only with our seats for editorial consideration. All Opinions are always 100% my own. Special thanks to Culture Mom Media!

Glass Slippers are SO Back! Cinderella on Broadway is a MUST see! @CinderellaBway #Cinderella

Theatre sign for The Broadway Theatre where Cinderella on Broadway is currently running

My mom has always been a huge theater buff, and through her I developed the same love of Broadway. I think it is one of the best parts about being a Native New Yorker. The first two plays I saw spoiled me, Peter Pan with Sandy Duncan and the original King and I starring Yul Brynner, both of those plays were amazing from every standpoint and gave the theatre a sort of magic that had been missing for me for quite awhile until Ghost on Broadway last year, this year Cinderella on Broadway brought back that magic for me, and I wanted to make sure I got my recap posted because I don't want you to miss this one!

Playbill for Rodger's + Hammerstein's Cinderella at Broadway Theatre

The Moms put together a totally fun night on Broadway for New York City Bloggers and their families and seeing the little girls dressed up in the lobby of The Broadway Theatre many in their little Cinderella dresses was so cute! Many of them admiring the touches and details of the other's outfits, we arrived to a lovely reception where we had time to talk and take a few photos before the Play began.

Ascending Butterfly at Broadway Theatre for Cinderella on Broadway Mamarazzi Event

Rodger's + Hammerstein's Cinderella on Broadway starts with an overture that truly sets the pace for the show, it's a hint to the magic that is to come! With a nod to the tradition of musical theatre. There was already so much excitement and energy in the air that the overture just added to the strong energy you could feel in the crowd.

Ascending Butterfly at Broadway Theatre for Cinderella on Broadway Mamarazzi Event

About The Show:

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA has arrived on Broadway for the first time ever! Four-time Tony Award® nominee Douglas Carter Beane’s (Sister Act, Xanadu) delightfully romantic and hilarious take on the ultimate makeover story features all the classic elements you remember—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more—plus some surprising new twists! Rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago” in this outrageously fun Broadway musical for dreamers of all ages.

Right before the overture you are asked 'kindly turn off your phones and leave your worries and cares at the door', and for 2 hours and 20 minutes you get to do just that, leave your cares at the door and be immersed in a magical, musical, wondrous fairy tale come to life right before your eyes!

The Cast:

Cinderella is played by Laura Osnes, The Prince by Santino Fontana, Marie/The Fairy Godmother was played by Victoria Clark, Harriet Harris plays Madame/Cinderella's Stepmother, Ann Harada plays Cinderella's Step-Sister Charlotte, and Marla Mindelle plays Step-Sister Gabrielle, and Peter Bartlett plays Sebastian (yes my fellow One to Live lovers THAT Peter Bartlett, our beloved Nigel!), Greg Hildreth plays Jean-Michel and Phumzile Sojola plays Lord Pinkleton and is also the understudy for Sebastian.

After the performance a Questions and Answers Session was arranged with some of the members of the cast, here are my photos from the Q&A:

Questions and Answers Session with Cast members of Cinderella on Broadway

The Cast really had a great dynamic and rapport amongst each other!

Questions and Answers Session with Cast members of Cinderella on Broadway

The cast as well as the audience enjoying Harriet Harris answering one of the question asked by a child at the Q&A "How did it feel to have to be so mean to Cinderella?"

Harriet Harris plays Madame, Cinderella's Stepmother, she was a very good sport during the Questions and Answers!

You may remember Harriet from her television role on the hit TV series Frasier!

Left: Santino Fontana who plays The Prince and Right: Laura Osnes who plays the title role of Cinderella

We asked Santino who plays the Prince about his background with his musical training and he mentioned that he was a bit embarassed when he was younger and starting out but outgrew it and fully began to embrace his training.

Victoria Clark plays villager Marie as well as The Fairy Godmother in Cinderella on Broadway

And of course The Moms always put together thoughtful gift bags so you can have a fun memory of your experience! Here are the bags on display:

Gift Bags at Cinderella on Broadway Mamarazzi Event

Here is a close up shot of the bags (apparently people liked my vignette, because before I could get my camera out of my bag people took photos of my gift bags before I could! LOL)

The bags contained light snacks from Andean Dream (Gluten-Free and Vegan Quinoa Cookies), a foaming facial wash from Willa and something fun for the moms too, a cosmetic bag from Trish McEvoy with a wonderfully thoughtful note enclosed, that contained a lash treatment, long-wearing, upper-eye brightener/shadow primer, intense gel eye liner pencil and under-eye brightener/line filler - products that will keep your eyes shining after the clock strikes twelve! :-)

Super thoughtful, thanks to The Moms, Andean Dream, Willa, and Trish McEvoy to making an already magical experience that much more memorable!

I got to nab a photo of the family of one half of the dynamic duo! Here is Melissa Gerstein and her family:

Melissa Gerstein of The Moms and her family at the Cinderella on Broadway Mamarazzi Event

Aren't these his and hers souvenir tshirts cute?

His and Hers Souvenir Tshirts from Rogers + Hammerstein's Cinderella on Broadway at the Broadway Theatre

My Take:

Left: Mama Butterfly Right: Ascending Butterfly enjoying a Magical  Night at the Cinderella on Broadway New York City Mamarazzi Event! 

Cinderella on Broadway is a truly magical theatrical event, it brings back the roots of what made theatre magical for me right from the begining. They pull of costume changes right before your very eyes that are truly amazing, when the pumpkin turns into the coach I'll bet you could watch it literally a hundred times and not see how it is really pulled off. It's magical for the adults as well as the children! 

This is a MUST see!

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @CinderellaBway on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Cinderella The Musical on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @andeandream on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Andean Dream on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @WillaSkincare on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Willa Skin Care on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Trish McEvoy on Facebook

And don't forget to tell them you saw them Featured on Ascending Butterfly! Of course we will also be putting these photos on our Pinterest page as well.

Fan of the Week:

If you get picked as Fan of the Week, don't forget to come back here and let us know! 

Do you have a magical Theatre moment that you'd like to Share? Tell us About it!

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: Our tickets to the show and gift bags were provided courtesy of The Moms, however NO monetary compensation has been received for our recap coverage and all opinions are 100% my own.