‘Once Upon a One More Time' Review: Cinderella, Liberated (Again)

Guarini on the other, relies on his expansiveness to play a prince who generously shares his charms with many women. He has a talent for slapstick - watch how he climbs two steps at a moment onto a platform -- and spares nothing, whether he is singing solo or leading big numbers.

The fact that his character has so much music and the Princesses have no distinct personalities is surprising. A gay couple is even seen intruding during the "million princess march." Snow White is a standout, thanks to Jackson’s humor, vocal chops, and high-energy charisma. Whitley’s tart delivery sells Pea’s few lines. Heelan’s Cinderella, however, feels a bit bland. The sound localization makes matters worse because you cannot distinguish the voices of the women in the ensemble numbers. The sound design was done by Andrew Keister and the costumes and hair were done by Loren Estein.

Cin and Snow share a duet called 'Brightest Morning Star,' which is incongruous. Was 'I'm A Slave For U' too much? It's just a throwaway, with no follow up. I suppose nobody ever talks about what happens next after Scroll Club.

This timidity is just one of many ways the show fails, both as feminist text and a tribute Spears's songs -- and yes, even her life. Britney Spears fans may not have been expecting a musical that is so conventional.