Musical ‘Cinderella’ star called ‘sweet perfection’

Kaitlyn Davidson, right, in the title role of "Cinderella." (Carol Rosegg)

To play someone like Cinderella, an actress must be prepared to sing, dance and act, and by all accounts Kaitlyn Davidson can do it all.

“I’ve been told since I was very young that I’m a triple threat, and I really love doing all three,” said Davidson, who plays the title character in “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” coming to Proctors for six days beginning Tuesday.

“To do ‘Cinderella,’ you really must be able to sing and dance, and act at all times. That’s one of the reasons I love the show so much.”

Davidson, a native of Kansas, was with the show on Broadway in February of 2014, first as part of the ensemble and then as Gabriella, one of the stepsisters. She also was an alternate for the lead on Broadway, and over the last four months has played the main character on the national tour.

‘Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella’

WHERE: Proctors, 432 State. St., Schenectady

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 1:30 and 8 p.m. Jan. 21, 8 p.m. Jan. 22, 2 and 8 p.m. Jan. 23, and 2 p.m. Jan. 24

HOW MUCH: $80-$20

MORE INFO: 346-6204, www.proctors.org

In Orlando, Florida, critics called her “sweet perfection,” and in Washington, D.C., the DC Theatre Scene said that Cinderella, “as played by powerhouse Kaitlyn Davidson, is no goody-two shoes here; she’s a real human being, gifted with a heavenly voice.”

“I loved my ensemble track, and playing Gabriella was a lot of fun,” said Davidson, who got her degree in musical theater at the University of Cincinnati.

“I did get to go on as Cinderella and Gabriella on Broadway and that was a lot of fun. On the tour things are going really well. I feel like people are really surprised at how swept up they get in the story, and they like how funny it is.”

It’s family fun, according to Davidson, that’s every bit as entertaining for adults as it is the kids.

“The reaction we’ve been getting is very positive, and that’s from a wide range of ages and people,” she said.

“Sometimes the kids get really excited. Occasionally I’ve heard a few of them, right before the prince proposes to Cinderella, shout out ‘yes’ before I get a chance to. That’s very sweet. But the adults like it just as much. It really is a family show, and it’s also a great date night.”

The book for this updated version of “Cinderella” is by Douglas Carter Beame, who won a Tony Award for “Xanadu.” Sharing the stage with Davidson is Andy Huntington Jones as the prince. A University of Michigan alum, Jones played Riff in the international tour of “West Side Story.”

Among the more memorable songs from the show are “In My Own Little Corner,” “Ten Minutes Ago,” “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?” and “A Lovely Night.”

“My favorite would have to be ‘Lovely Night,’ ” said Davidson. “She’s reliving the ball with the step family, and it’s the first time you see them sort of function as a family and put aside their differences. It’s them imagining what it would have been like for the girl who danced at the ball.”

The national tour of “Cinderella” closes in May. “I gave up my New York apartment, but that’s still where I’m based,” said Davidson.

“I’ll head back there when the show closes in San Francisco. But I’m really looking forward to Proctors and Schenectady. I’ve never been there. But I had a couple of friends pass through for ‘White Christmas,’ and they really liked it. They said Schenectady had some great vegan restaurants so I’m looking forward to checking them out.”

Reach Gazette reporter Bill Buell at 395-3190 or [email protected]