Sparkling
storybook world unfolds in a fun classic for all ages
Step in to a bright, beautiful world this holiday season, as
Sierra Rep presents a beloved family classic, filled with great music, zany
characters and a heart-melting story of true love. Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, a musical comedy favorite
for generations, plays at the Fallon House Theatre in Columbia from October 26
through December 22.
SRT Artistic Director Scott Viets and his all-star team of
performers and designers are having a great time creating the “Once Upon a
Time” magic.
“This show has such appeal for all ages,” Viets said. “Kids will
love the enchantment, but any grown-ups expecting a ‘kiddie show’ are in for a
real treat. There’s a lot of humor for them, too.”
Most everyone knows the story and the ending, of course – the
fun is in the fantasy and the vivid characters: the beautiful heroine, the
horrid stepsisters and their mean-spirited mother, the magical fairy godmother
who is on our heroine’s side, a frazzled butler, a reluctant prince and a
magical, moonlit ball where anything is possible before the clock strikes
midnight.
“Who doesn’t want this kind of magical, funny escape?” Viets
asked. “You get these over-the-top characters who are completely ridiculous,
and they’re juxtaposed by Cinderella and the prince, who are quite real. We’re
rooting for them, and this Rodgers and Hammerstein version blends them so
well.”
Rodgers and Hammerstein originally created the show as a hugely
popular television special, then adapted it later for the stage. The upbeat
musical score has a pop feel and is filled with familiar favorites, including
“Ten Minutes Ago,” In My Own Little Corner” and “Do I Love You Because You’re
Beautiful.”
Sierra Rep had a smash hit with this show a decade ago, and
Viets’ and his new cast are looking forward to bringing it to a whole new generation
of families.
SRT Company Actor Samantha Bruce is Cinderella and Jake Delaney
is Prince Charming. The two were paired
up in SRT’s season opening Gypsy,
with Bruce in the title role and Delaney as the dancer Tulsa. Viets said
they’re wonderful together and said Bruce shines in this latest role.
“The breadth of her work this year has been so impressive – from
Gypsy Rose Lee to Julie Jordan in Carousel
and now this role – three completely different characterizations, all blessed
with her gorgeous voice. Her Cinderella
is going to be very unique – intelligent and complex.”
Both main characters, Viets said, aren’t what you might expect.
“This Cinderella is not looking to be rescued. She isn’t sure
what she wants, but she’s sure there’s more than what life has dealt her…and
the prince knows he comes from privilege, but he’s looking for inner
happiness. Those are positive messages
for young people.”
As contrast, expect outrageous fun from the rest of the
characters. Heather Orth, who played Mama Rose in SRT’s Gypsy and Cousin Netty in Carousel,
takes a comic turn as the mean stepmother, and Jennylind Parris and Daniella
Painton are her clueless daughters. Parris has been in several shows with
SierraRep, including this fall’s I Love a
Piano, and Painton is a newcomer to Sierra Rep.
Also back for a fun supporting role as the prince’s loveable
valet, Lionel, is Kenny Wade Marshall (SRT’s Guys and Dolls and The Big
Bang), Illeana Kirven reprising her role as the fairy godmother and SRT
favorites Ron and Caitlin Randall as the King and Queen.
Completing the ensemble are AshleyTownsend, Ariel Neydavoud,
Kayla Hart, Emily Gordon, Mike Fiore and Lucas Coleman.
Joining Viets as musical director is SRT’s Mark Seiver, along
with an experienced production team. SRT Technical Director Jeff Cooper is
adapting the “pop-up” storybook set originally designed by San Diego designer
Jay Heiserman. The extravagant costumes are designed by guest artist Ryan
Moller. Props are being designed and created by SRT’s Mercy Sharpe, lighting
design is by SRT’s Christopher Van Tuyl and the stage manager is SRT’s Doug
Brennan.
Cinderella opens Friday, October 26 and plays through Sunday,
December 22 at the Fallon House Theatre. Most Thursday and Friday performances
begin at 7 p.m., Saturday evening shows begin at 8 and Wednesday, Saturday and
Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. A special “talk back” performance is Thursday,
November 8. Tickets are $26-$32 depending on the day of the performance. The
show is rated G, suitable for ages 6 and up. Younger children may attend this
show, but they must be mature enough to be a quiet audience member.
For more information or reservations, call Sierra Rep’s box
office at (209) 532-3120 or visit Sierra Rep at www.sierrarep.org.
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