The fairytale life on stage of The Empire’s Cinderella
Published 1 March 2024
Written by: Sarah Fleming
Imagery provided
Like the iconic imagery of Cinderella fleeing the palace steps as the clock strikes twelve, for talented Toowoomba triple threat Shannon Gralow, her story so far has been leading right to this moment.
On March 15, the curtain will rise on the fairytale world of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Broadway Version) at The Empire for a six show season, and Shannon will step into the glass slippers for a fourth time.
Photography: Justin Nicholas
“This is a show that means a lot to me, and this character just seems to keep coming back,” she said.
“It’s everything I was hoping for and more.” she said.
First playing Cinderella as a teen at ballet school, followed by the original Rodgers and Hammerstein version several years later and again in Sondheim’s Into the Woods, Shannon will soon complete the set, this time with a character who perhaps isn’t the Ella we all think we know.
“This role is such an all round pleasure to play. She is a heroine who is not a typical damsel, it’s a legitimate vocal role so I get to sing beautifully as well as wear beautiful costumes.
“Who wouldn’t want to be Cinderella?”
It’s glittering costumes and stunning sets guaranteed in this production of Cinderella, with Set Design by Iceworks Principal Designer Frances Story incorporating stunning wallpaper by Milton and King, a few enchanted theatrical surprises, and costume jewellery by Ryley Jewellery Creations.
The princess experience continues off stage on March 8, when Shannon will model Ryley Jewellery Creation’s Cinderella inspired Ever After Collection at its official launch before she heads into the final few days of rehearsals before dazzling on Opening Night.
“There is nothing quite like the rush of being on stage in a really good show.” she said.
And she would know.
Shannon’s on stage roles are almost too many to count and her leading lady triumphs on The Empire stage include My Fair Lady (Eliza), Wicked (Glinda), Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins) and the legendary Liza Minnelli in 2023’s The Boy From Oz, each one a stepping stone to where she is now – ready to take one of the original underdog stories, and make it her own.
“One of my biggest shows was The Empire’s Mary Poppins (2015). I had such an affinity for that role, it was such a hard show, but it just got better every time and I feel like I could have kept playing Mary Poppins for a few more months at least!”
“Playing Eliza in My Fair Lady was another full circle moment as I had played Eliza Doolittle in school, and getting to play her again was incredible.”
Shannon’s expertise as a performer and a teacher of both violin and voice, the result of years of training and hard work, was also almost inevitable.
Shannon’s father was a journalist by trade whose interest in singing led him to several community productions and to Shannon’s mother, a talented piano accompanist. As a result, much of Shannon’s childhood was spent immersed in theatre.
“Daycare was not a thing, I was in the rehearsals, either annoying the performers or taking it all in.” she laughed.
“I would see these people doing these amazing things and though I was very small, I still had a clear idea of the kind of dynamic people I was seeing work and it made want to be just as good as they were.”
Cinderella is on stage at The Empire from March 15-23. Tickets available at empiretheatre.com.au, by calling 1800 655 299 or visiting the Ticket Office at 56 Neil Street.
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