Diversity and magical elements collide in Chapin Theatre Company’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s version of “Cinderella.” The play has eight performances beginning July 25 at Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College. There are eight performances with the last showing Aug. 4.
With a setting in the Victorian era, the theater company stayed true to the Rodgers and Hammerstein version, including the waltz scenes which were perfected with a waltz boot camp for the actors. The costumes are very typical of that period, however, there are some “pop undertones” in regards to some of the music and acting, according to Director Mary Jo Johnson.
Musical Director McCall Bethurm said the play “is magical” and an exciting one to help direct.
Magic in the theater comes to life along with a wide array of talent which Johnson said is “a gift to the community.”
Many people are familiar with the classic tale of Cinderella and her journey to becoming a princess after surviving the ridicule brought on by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. This version may have subtle differences from other Cinderella versions, but there is nothing to be taken aback from and nothing to be surprised about.
“The story remains the same,” Johnson said. “They’re in for an enchanted time. There’s a lot of humor and it’s very visually beautiful.”
Much of the humor can be found between the wicked stepsisters, Joy and Grace, played by Zanna Mills and Maggie Baker, respectively. The veteran actors bring their experience and knowledge to the play along with plenty of comedic relief as the two sisters compete for attention and ultimately the princess crown.
In contrast to the jealousy-tinged humor is the enchantment of Cinderella and Prince Christopher.
“The audience will fall in love with them as they fall in love with one another,” Johnson said about the chemistry between Cinderella and Christopher played by Makayla Hines and Samuel Cleveland.
Hines is in college now but she’s been acting since she was young. The soprano left the directors with mouths hanging at her audition especially because they recall her once shy ways.
There are a couple of creative elements involving Cinderella that will leave the audience in delight.
“We’ve added a creative element when the clock strikes 12. We create a sense of uncertainty when the prince and Cinderella are separated and searching. There is tension built in,” Johnson said, adding it was a risk on her behalf but something she wanted to include.
Another creative element involves Cinderella’s dress as she is transformed by her fairy godmother. There aren’t any special effects but the dress was custom-made by Shelby Sessler and in order to see the transformative dress, the audience has to see in person. The directors are tight-lipped about revealing the transformative dress.
“You’ll have to come to the show,” Johnson said.
There is a lot of chemistry among the lead roles; not only are the actors working together, but they’re also friends in real life.
When it comes to working together, the cast really brought it together during the parts where ladies try on the glass slipper.
“They really developed on their own,” Johnson said. There is definitely comedy during this part and even improv the cast developed on their own.
Tickets are available online on Chapin Theatre’s website or at the door. The directors also encourage little girls to dress as Cinderella and each night, one girl will be picked for a photo op in the carriage and with Cinderella. Photo ops will also be available with the cast afterwards, but this gives the little Cinderellas a dream only their heart can make.