The Upper Room Theatre Ministry community theater presents the family-friendly musical, “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” from July 18-23, at the All Saints Performing Arts Center in Manassas.
The multi-talented performers cast a spell over all audiences through song, dance, shimmering costumes, magical props and seamless transformations. The theater-in-the-round staging is an immersive experience for the audience in the already intimate theater setting.
Director Rob Tessier said he realized the play did not require an elaborate set, allowing for the unique performance style.
In 1957 Rodgers and Hammerstein produced their musical Cinderella for a television audience. The musical expands upon the fairy tale creating more intrigue and characterization.
The musical was revised over the years, most recently for Broadway in 2013 with new songs, characters and modernized themes. It was only released for small theater performances, meaning that most audiences will be seeing it for the first time.
The show’s updated combination of light drama with sophisticated comedy appeals to children and adults. Children will recognize the fairytale and be memorized by glittering dancing ladies. Adults will enjoy the recognizable character types, note the social commentary, and enjoy the political satire.
Parents will also appreciate that the play is non-violent and easily understood.
The URTM aims to bring theater to the community through uplifting performances that share a positive message of God’s love. Director and Youth Minister Rob Tessier said Cinderella fit the bill. One of the messages of the play is that kindness and forgiveness can transform an entire community.
Another theme is empowerment. It is not the magical costume changes that transform the characters but believing that one can make a difference- no matter their station in life.
The show contains a wealth of talent. URTM cast 25 local actors and dancers out of 100 who auditioned. Many of them are seasoned performers who have acted with URTM before, but there are also newcomers, such as Maggie Saffian, the actress who plays Cinderella.
The dancing is also impressive, it is a mix of lyrical, waltz and modern dance, with some leaps thrown in for good measure.
The characters are relatable as well. The heroes are sweet and gentle but also intelligent and willing to sacrifice for the welfare of others. ‘Madame’ the stepmother is anything but, and Renée De Ponte steals the show with her portrayal of the narcissistic social climber.
Other characters, such as the stepsister Charlotte, played by Rachel Edwards, bring comic relief, by eschewing the customs of the day with her brass manners.
The tickets to the show are affordable and all for good cause. The money raised helps to fund service opportunities locally and abroad and support the spiritual development and teens and young adults through All Saint’s ongoing programs.
Anyone interested in seeing the Upper Room Theatre's "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella" can purchase tickets here. https://upperroomtheatreministry.org/tickets/ Tickets are limited. VIP tickets are available.
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