A whimsical take on Toronto history that will tickle the funny bones of adults and children alike, Cinderella in Muddy York is a fairy tale of a Cinderella in Canada, reset in 1834 at the time when “muddy” York is about to become Toronto.
Puppetmongers’ Cinderella story is the tale of young Ella, born and raised in Muddy York, who seems to be the only member of her family able to cope with daily life in their drafty cabin at the edge of civilization. But will her newly landed step-mother and sisters squash Ella’s self esteem as they attempt to reduce her to servitude?
When an invitation arrives from Government House, inviting them all to a ball in honour of the city’s renaming to Toronto, hopes are high of meeting the eligible bachelor son of the Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada. True to the classic fairytale, with a little magic Cinderella manages to get to the Ball, satisfying the romantic expectations of all.
This witty and acclaimed work is ingeniously staged with beautiful rod-marionettes, inventive special effects and the charming performances of David and Ann as live actors along with their puppets. A traditional marionette theatre is imaginatively transformed to create scenes evoking the wilderness, settler life and early Canadian society, and the historic references, costumes, scenery and musical selections are authentic to the era. This is a delightful way to learn about Canadian history. _At the end, children often ask, “Did this really happen here?”
“[Cinderella in Muddy York] plays beautifully to children and adults alikeŠ. the humour is subtle and beguiling. This show is magic for everybody. Go to it immediately.” – CBC Radio’s Lynn Slotkin (slotkinletter.com)
“NNNN Š.sure to become a Holiday classic.” – NOW Magazine’s Jon Kaplan
The enchanting winter holiday performances by the Puppetmongers’ brother and sister team Ann and David Powell have become a delightful tradition for families and theatre-goers in Toronto these last two decades, although Puppetmongers Theatre has been bewitching audiences for 38 years with their extraordinary creations. At the forefront of puppetry arts in Canada, Puppetmongers have won numerous awards including five UNIMA-USA Citations of Excellence in the Art of Puppetry, the Presidents Award from the Puppeteers of America, the Harold Award for contribution to the Toronto theatre community and many Dora and Chalmers nominations. Their production of Cinderella in Muddy York earned a Citation of Excellence in the Art of Puppetry from l’Union International de la Marionette – USA in 2010.
Director Sue Miner is the co-artistic director of Pea Green Theatre Group with Mark Brownell, for which she has received numerous Dora Award nominations. She has thrice been nominated for the Pauline McGibbon Award for her work as a director.
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