The family favorite fairytale, Cinderella, is set to open at Mouse River Player’s Community Theatre just in time for the start of the holiday season. This musical adaptation of the timeless classic will grace the stage on November 21 to 24 and November 29 through December 1.

The musical builds on the traditional folk tale of Cendrillon by Charles Perrault. The protagonist is a young girl living in forsaken circumstances with an abusive stepmother and two step sisters who is suddenly blessed by remarkable fortune when her fairy godmother appears and grants Cinderella’s wish to go to the royal ball, magically providing a coach, servants, a dress, and perfectly fitted glass slippers. It is a story with thousands of variants that are told throughout the world and many cultures.

Originally written and produced in 1957 starring Julie Andrews in the title role with music by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the show has had several televised productions, appearing in 1965 with Lesley Anne Warren and then reimagined by the Walt Disney Corporation in 1997 featuring Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother. Many other animated, stage, live-action film and television versions have revised the story but the musical never made it to the Broadway stage until 2013 with an updated script by Douglas Carter Beane, several new songs and some new characters. It was nominated for nine Tony awards and won for best costume design.

Locally, the most recent production was in the fall of 2004 by the Magic City High School Thespians under the direction of Alphonse Konigsman. Mouse River Player’s current director, Lin Knickerbocker, was the costumer for that production.
“Cinderella is a universally known popular story,” stated Ms. Knickerbocker, “and yet it hasn’t been produced in this area since the high school did it in 2004. When we were considering plays for this season, I thought perhaps it was time Mouse River Players took a chance with it. This updated version is going to be a significant challenge for our company, but I am confident our actors and volunteers will bring an exciting and entertaining performance to our stage.”

The cast for this production are a mix of new, veteran, and returning volunteers working hard with Musical Director Ben Eder and Chorographer Brittany Montez to bring the show to life. Patrons will recognize Nicole Swain and Edward Montez in the lead roles of Ella and Prince Topher, ably brought together by Dalyce Leslie in the role of Marie, the Fairy Godmother. Real life sisters Courtney DuPona and Brittany Montez bring acerbic humor to the luckless stepsisters under the watchful eye of the scheming Madame, played by newcomer Lisa Michels. The Court Herald Lord Pinkleton (Jessi Potter) and Lord Protector Sebastian (Connor Donovan) plot to take over the kingdom while firebrand student Jean-Michel (Christian Gifford) tries to raise support of the town for political change.

Included in the choral ensemble doing multiple duties as knights, townsfolk, and palace guests are Bart Burns, Netty Djuric, Anastasia Edwards, Holly Eidsness, Dorian Garland, Tim Knickerbocker, Evey Kosel, and Jenae McQueen. The ensemble helps the story line move along with beautiful vocal harmonies and lively dancing.

“Many of our cast members are doing multiple tasks for this production” added Knickerbocker. “Our choreographer, Brittany, is also working sound and lights design and creating the specialty gowns for the lead role. Tim is creating the fantasy set pieces to compliment the panorama backdrop designed by E. J. Rose. Courtney is our graphics designer and Connor is coordinating the backstage movement. With Holly as our producer and Katy Allers putting together our props, it has definitely been a group effort.”

Additional promotions for the show are being announced on our Facebook page with weekly-opening night giveaways, Saturday evening dress like a princess (or prince) for a free popcorn promos, and a fantasy castle selfie station located in our new lobby. There will also be opportunities to snap a picture with a cast member after each performance.

Tickets are on sale now at www.mouseriverplayers.com. Prices are $15.00 for adults; $13.00 for students, Seniors 60+ & Military; and $10.00 for children age 4 to 12. You can also purchase Flex passes at $70.00 for 6 tickets which can be used for any MRP show during the season. Reserve your seats now before we sell out!