Auditions are over, rehearsals have started for ‘Cinderella’

Students are warming up their voices and practicing their lines in the mirror, all in preparation for the high school musical Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella – The Broadway Version.”

 Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” was a musical written for television, but was later adapted for the stage. It is based particularly upon the French version Cendrillon, ou la Petite Pantoufle de Verre, by Charles Perrault.

 The musical will be presented in the high school auditorium on March 11, 13, 15 and 16. All shows will be in the evening.

 Auditions happened the week of Dec. 10-14. Students auditioned during class time if they had a class with director Mike Turner, or they auditioned at lunch. Practices have already started with the main characters, and the rest of the cast will joining them for 7 a.m. rehearsals after school starts again in January. There are even some rehearsals scheduled during the Christmas break.

 Turner spoke of how much work has already been put into the musical, and what is to come. 

 “I’m really excited about the production. It’ll be one of the more entertaining musicals. The cast has already put in so much time and effort.”

 The set is already in the beginning stages of design and production. The production team is also already talking about costume choices, which will include magically changing ballgowns.

 The main character cast is as follows:

 Cinderella (Ella) will be brought to life by Ellie Walker. Making dreams come true as the Fairy Godmother is Emma Tolman. The stepmom will be Brooke Anderson, while the stepsisters will be real life sisters Bella and Rilynn Strasser. Branson Ward will be the dashing Prince Topher.

 In this version of “Cinderella” the audience is introduced to a few new characters:

 Anthony Shaber will be playing the advisor to the prince as Lord Chancellor Sebestian. Another character that differs from the Disney version is Lord Pinkleton, who Layton Tolman will embody. Jean-Michel, played by Eli To’omalatai, is a new love interest. But to find out for who, you will have to see the show.

 This is the first time this version of “Cinderella” will be done at the high school. “It’s appropriate and fun for the entire family,” Turner stated. “It will make for a nice family outing.”