Director's Note
Cinderella, the timeless story of boy meets girl, is so much more in this revised version of the Rogers and Hammerstein classic. I remember the 1960’s TV version with Lesley Anne Warren, and being transformed by the magic of Cinderella’s instant life changes and the seemingly effortless fairy tale ending. Though that version was formative and beautiful, the revised version you will see tonight allows each character to make a more conscious decision as to what kind of life he/she wants. Will the revolutionary, Jean-Michel, get the ear of the prince in order to enact positive change in the kingdom? Will Ella decide that she is good enough for Prince Topher--as she is--and aid in making the kingdom a better one? Will Prince Topher find his destiny as a leader? Will Gabrielle choose to serve in/create a meaningful life? And the fairy godmother, Marie, has more than magic to give to Cinderella. She mentors and mothers as well.
Above all, is the theme of kindness. As a child, the original version left me shaking my head as to how Cinderella could be so kind in response to the cruelty of her stepmother and stepsisters. How does one respond when the natural -and justified- impulse is to retaliate? In this revised version, not only does Cinderella indeed respond with kindness, but she takes a much more active role in teaching kindness to her stepfamily, to the court, and to her community.
In tonight’s story, the magic remains, as does the beauty of Rogers and Hammerstein’s music and lyrics in song and dance. Thank you for joining us for the story of a girl who wants more, has hope, and chooses to be kind. Kindness: it’s all the rage, even in the French courts.
Dana Bishop Sanders
Special Thanks To:
The Parents of the Ensemble
Carolyn Sharette
Bryan Durst
Taralynn Horton
Lari Evancich
Daniel Baker
Carole Hollinger
APA OPS Team
David D'Agostini
Kirsten Richards
Jori Thomas
Connie Sims - Ticketing
Stacey Crane - Makeup Design
John Kilbourne - Dragon Design & Construction
Roberto Soto - Dragon Design & Construction
Rebecca Dailey - Painting
Dan Bazaan - Posters and Banners
Draper Arts Council
Sandy Arts Council
Laura Garner - Broadway Attire for Hire
Spencer Sanders
Pete, Ryan & Kennedy McGirr
