Shine up those glass slippers and get ready to have a ball at Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, performed live at the Canady Creative Arts Center (CCAC) April 18-21.
The West Virginia University School of Theatre and Dance brings the Broadway version of this classic fairytale to life through its songs, dances, and spectacular storytelling.
“It’s Rodgers and Hammerstein. They set the bar,” said the show’s director, Lee Blair. “Their songs and stories are classic in the Broadway canon. They are grand. The fullness of their songs and orchestration can be not just heard but felt.”
Originally a television special starring Julie Andrews, the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s show has multiple adaptations. The current Broadway version is an updated story by Douglas Carter Beane. This latest iteration expands on the classic story while adding unheard or previously unused songs and providing more depth to its characters.
“The story itself now empowers Cinderella more as an individual, makes the prince – Topher – more than just a “pretty face” and adds new characters. It takes characters typically evil, or seen as plain villains, and gives them more depth and reality,” Blair said. “It’s a fairy tale, but one for the 21st century, if you will.”
Though the Broadway version adds new elements to the story, Cinderella remains one of the original tales as old as time.
“There’s a Cinderella story in every culture from every time on our planet. As far as Broadway and American Musical theatre is concerned, Cinderella is the female character archetype. Whether you are Little Orphan Annie or Thoroughly Modern Millie, Fanny from Funny Girl or Cady from Mean Girls, you are a Cinderella. We cheer for that young woman forging ahead, making her life better on her own terms.”
Blair said he was excited to introduce the production to his theatre students since they are working hard to forge their lives after college.
“It was chosen for the students in the School of Theatre & Dance so they could experience the story, its songs and sound. “In My Own Little Corner” is such a beautiful song of hope and fortitude. And to use a modern term, Cinderella is literally “manifesting” her future in the song.”
The story continues to inspire each generation. Blair says combining old and new elements makes this show an excellent option for the whole family.
“It’s an empowering story of a young woman overcoming hardship and finding her life of hope and happiness. It’ll be new to young children and nostalgic to the older. It’s a story to share with your family – whoever that might be.”
The college’s version requires many areas of expertise. The students involved get the opportunity to apply their skills and showcase their talents to the greater community. From the actors onstage to the crew behind the scenes, practically every production element comes from within the College of Creative Arts.
“The School of Theatre & Dance, our colleagues in the School of Music and the College at large are all involved in some way to make Cinderella happen. That includes graduate and undergraduate students, faculty in Theatre, Dance, and Music, Facilities for the CCAC, the CCAC box office, and more.”
Putting on a show this large is a challenge well met by the college. Blair said the production is important not only for its schools but also for the city and state around them.
“Theatre is about the world around us. It reflects the past and present, and perhaps the future. It’s storytelling. Different stories introduce us to different people and places. It engages our imaginations and brings discussion. It’s history. It’s fun. That's worthy of bringing to Morgantown again and again.”
It’s not often that residents get a chance to see the famous show in their backyard. Blair says the performance is a can’t-miss experience.
“It’s classic, and it’s new, but it’s still a story for all times. It is gorgeous. Lush R&H music and song is always a treat. Plus, supporting theatre at WVU is supporting each student that works on Cinderella – onstage or behind the scenes. They are the artists, actors, designers, technicians, and musicians of the future. Come see them and get a first look at their greatness.”
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella premieres at 7:30 p.m. on April 18 at the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre in the Canady Creative Arts Center. Subsequent shows are April 19 at 7:30 p.m., April 20 at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m., and April 21 at 2 p.m. Cinderella is part of the College of Creative Arts’ Curiosity Series. You can purchase tickets to it and other events at https://wvucca.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1566.