Local actress Tonia Hughes plays fairy godmother in ‘Cinderella’ [Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.]

Dec. 15--Tonia Hughes, who plays the fairy godmother in the Ordway's production of "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella," has a Cinderella story of her own.

When her husband and singing partner David died unexpectedly in 2001, Hughes was left with three children to raise, no life insurance and huge challenges.

She has built a successful career as a singer and actor in the Twin Cities.

"I've come a long way," Hughes says. "I came through with the help of God and family and friends."

Though she's known more for her spiritual music, Hughes thinks the whimsical "Cinderella" has something to say.

"It's not just a story for kids. It's a story of hope," she says. "Never give up on your dreams, though sometimes it looks like you'll never get through obstacles."

Sounds like fairy godmother-speak, but it's Hughes' reality.

After moving to the Twin Cities from Missouri, Hughes performed with Minneapolis Gospel Sound. That's where she met David. The group performed locally, toured nationally and opened for such superstars as Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles.

She started her solo career in 2006.

Hughes' latest CD, "I'm Ready Now," fits where she is in her life, she says, because she is spiritually and emotionally ready to move forward. She has remarried.

Hughes, who performed in the Guthrie Theater's "Caroline, or Change" in 2009, can usually be found this time of year in Penumbra Theatre Company's annual "Black Nativity" production, which is not being staged this

year. She admits "Cinderella" is a fanciful departure from the more spiritually based "Black Nativity," but they are both family shows. And, while "Black Nativity" is much more musical, Hughes says she's enjoying being a part of a big stage production.

"Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella," created for television and first broadcast in 1957, is best remembered for the 1965 version, which aired annually for several years. It features the big, lush romantic tunes and fluffy lyrics that made the songwriting pair famous in their other works, such as "The Sound of Music" and "South Pacific."

The message of hope isn't the only reason Hughes likes her role as fairy godmother. It also has the biggest, glitteriest costume Hughes has ever worn onstage.

Kathy Berdan can be reached at 651-228-2096.

What: "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella"

When: Through Jan. 1

Where: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts; 345 Washington St., St. Paul

Tickets: $113-$60

Information: 651-224-4222 or ordway.org.

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