Cinderella

Auditions

January 16-18, 2023 @ 7pm

Preview

March 9, 2023

Performances

March 10-12, 17-19 & 24-26, 2023

Preview, Fridays & Saturdays @ 7:30pm • Sundays @ 2:30pm

Venue

Community Players Theatre

Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Douglas Carter Beane

Synopsis

The story revolves around a young woman forced into a life of servitude by her cruel stepmother. Ella dreams of a better life; and with the help of her Fairy Godmother, Marie, she is transformed into a strikingly beautiful lady and attends the ball to meet her prince. Not only does she get her happy ending, she also opens the Prince’s eyes to the injustice in the kingdom.

While there have been many mountings of this story both on screen and on stage, the 2013 adaptation of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella was the first version with the iconic Rodgers and Hammerstein score mounted on Broadway. Notable songs include “In My Own Little Corner,” “The Prince is Giving A Ball,” and “Impossible/It’s Possible.” The new book by Douglas Carter Beane introduces several new characters and features several additions from Rodgers & Hammerstein collection.

Special Thanks

Kristi Bonn
Jacque & Jim Bethmann
Julia Felton
Jason Michael Cook
Eddy Artman
Sally Baugh
Kara and Kaylee’s Kloset
Bob Mangliardi
Illinois Wesleyan University
Matt Drat
Wilma Borkholder

Crew

Director's Note

Cinderella is a classic fairy tale - there have been hundreds of versions throughout my lifetime and many others before it. It’s easy to dismiss it as “just another princess story.” However, stories like these encourage us to consider our own nature and invite us to consider how we can find new ways to treat others.

When I was a little girl, I devoured the televised version of R&H’s Cinderella starring Brandy and Whitney Houston. I remember sitting in front of the television on my knees in pure anticipation and joy from the first note played. Actually, Cinderella was one of my first introductions to theatre as it was the very first musical I was ever a part of back in 2007! This sparked my love of storytelling on the stage. R&H’s Cinderella holds a special place in my heart since it was the only production my mom got to see me in before her passing.

I hope each person in the audience identifies and sees someone just like them onstage. Every person deserves the opportunity to see themselves as the “prince,” “princess,” or “ruler” in their own story. I hope your inner child is filled with joy hearing the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein score once again. Cinderella suggests that the magic we seek in our own lives can be found by treating others with kindness.

It has been absolutely healing working with our talented cast and production team to bring this show to life. I hope you will relax and let the magic wash over you for the next few hours. Thank you for joining us!

— Jessa Hendricker

A huge thank you to our sponsors!