Thanks to Kurt for this article! A review from the Chicago's Reader CINDERELLA Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1957 TV musical version has been turned into delicious stage entertainment that will appeal to viewers of every age and persuasion. Given a contemporary flavor by a new script and updated pop arrangements, director Gabriel Barre's touring production boasts boldly colored storybook scenic design, elegant and outrageous costumes, impressive special effects, and delightfully imaginative puppetry as well as a terrific cast that includes Deborah Gibson in the title role, Paolo Montalban as the handsome prince, Eartha Kitt as the fairy godmother, and off-Broadway drag actor Everett Quinton in a brilliant turn as the wicked stepmother. One of the show's most intriguing aspects is its unapologetically nontraditional casting: Cinderella's white, her prince is Asian, and his father is portrayed by a black man and his mother by a white woman. Hammerstein, whose best work (Show Boat, South Pacific, The King and I) reflected his deep-seated hatred of racism and his delight in cross-racial cultural stimulation, would have been pleased to see his work recast in this casually color-blind manner. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph, 312-902-1400. Through January 28: Thursday, 7:30 PM; Friday, 8 PM; Saturday-Sunday, 2 and 8 PM. $20-$70