Rodgers and Hammerstein's made-for-television Cinderella won't ever be confused with Oklahoma or Carousel as a classic of the musical stage.
But a bright, attractive retelling of the fairy tale it is, and one can hardly keep from humming along with the breezy score which contains tunes such as "In My Own Little Corner," "It's Possible," "Ten Minutes Ago," and "Do I Love You?"
Having opened Cinderella on Sunday afternoon, Children's Theatre of Annapolis is poised for a four-performance run this weekend, and families looking for a pre-Christmas treat would do well to seek it out.
For starters, the show is exceptionally well-cast.
Sarah Espinosa is lovely in the title role. Granted, this Cinderella is a little buttoned down - we don't feel much of her hurt as she suffers abuse at the hands of her nasty stepmother and stepsisters, nor does she go dewy-eyed when her prince claims her at last.
What we do encounter, though, is a poised, beautifully spoken young woman who seems every bit the regal princess she is destined to become. The voice is attractive and fresh as well. A sweet vocal timbre is essential for the role, and Espinosa has that in spades.
Cinderella's handsome prince is Andrew Lincoln, who also sings up a storm, especially when he faces front and sings his heart out in the reprise of "Do I Love You?" - the musical highlight of the show.
You'll not find a pair of more hilariously awful stepsisters anywhere than Ashley Burke and Amy Leslie, who flash attitude, timing, delightfully inflected accents and a flair for slapstick as Portia and the deliciously misnamed Joy.
They are egged on superbly by their stepmother, portrayed by Meghan Taylor, whose put-downs are as tightly pursed as her heavily made-up lips.
Eileen Keck is both sassy and wise as the queen, while Angie Boss delivers an attractive "It's Possible" as the fairy godmother.
Ensemble numbers could use more facial energy, but the choreography is a pleasure, costumes and sets sparkle, and CTA's orchestra, heard on a recorded tape, sounds eminently professional most of the time.
Pacing already is effective, but a more assured sense of flow is likely to materialize by the end of the coming weekend as the kids start to get in and out of their songs and scenes with a bit more pizazz.
The directors also might want to rethink their decision to have the king speak his lines while the queen is singing hers. The combination doesn't work at all.
Minor quibbles aside, CTA has bestowed a lovely Christmas present on all of us with this production. As children, music and family are at the core of this special time of year, Cinderella is a gift none of us ever would want to exchange.
Children's Theatre of Annapolis presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" at Anne Arundel Community College's Pascal Center tomorrow and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. For ticket prices and reservations, call 410-757-2281.