APPLETON, WIS. – The Lawrence University theatre arts department stages four performances of the rags-to-riches fairy tale “Cinderella.” Based on the Rodgers and Hammerstein television classic, the musical will be performed in Stansbury Theatre at 8 p.m. Nov. 20, 21 and 23, with a 3 p.m. matinee on Nov. 22.
Tickets, at $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and students, are available at the Lawrence University Box Office in the Music-Drama Center, 920-832-6749.
The story follows poor Cinderella, who works as a servant for her evil stepsisters and stepmother. With the help of her magical fairy godmother, she meets Prince Charming and overcomes great obstacles to eventually find true love.
“Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’ is such a delightful musical, filled with melody and lyrics familiar to us all,” said Timothy X. Troy, associate professor of theatre and drama who will direct the production. “While the story is uncomplicated, Cinderella’s willingness to believe in a better future can inspire young and old alike to imagine that our dearest dreams are possible.”
The production features the full orchestration from the original musical version, which was broadcast live to 107 million television viewers in 1957. It includes such memorable songs such as “Ten Minutes Ago,” “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?” and “In My Own Little Corner.” Assistant Professor of Music Phillip Swan is the show’s music director.
Double-cast, the production features junior Amanda Ketchpaw and senior Michael Axtell appearing as Cinderella and the Prince Thursday and Saturday, while juniors Maura Cook and Evan Bravos sing the respective roles Friday and Sunday. Senior Emily Shankman plays the fairy godmother Thursday and Saturday and junior Lara Wasserman takes the role Friday and Sunday.
Set design by Professor of Theatre and Drama Rich Frielund and costume design by 2001 Lawrence graduate Emily Rohm-Gilmore, is inspired by the Victorian Pre-Raphaelite tradition of bright colors, lavish fabrics, and playful staging.
