Many people may not know this, but this version of Cinderella originally presented on television as a vehicle for the incomparable Julie Andrews in 1957. It was watched by over 100 million viewers, who fell in love with her charming portrayal of the "little Cinder girl" with the help of the beautiful music and wonderful lyrics of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. It was revived twice for television in 1965 and 1997 before it eventually came to Broadway in 2013. When deciding on which version we should perform - Broadway or television, I had to take several things into consideration. I looked at all of the normal advantages and limitations for mounting a production such as this - but in the end it was the little girl who sat with her mother on the couch as she watched the pumpkin transform into a magical carriage through the magic of television who decided for me. My mother taped on VHS the 1965 version which completely dates me, and I am very certain that she still has the tape even though the VHS player has long since bit the dust. I can still hear her singing ‘It’s Possible” to me in her sweet voice and encouraging me playing with a broomstick as I pretended that I too was in “My Own Little Corner.” You can blame my sentimentality on being nine months pregnant and extremely close to giving birth to my second little girl. It was one of my first memories of what can be possible through the magic of storytelling and playing pretend. Those childhood games became a passion for theatre that has never faded away. Thank you, Ma.
When it comes to being a proud parent, you would be hard pressed to find a more thrilled theatre mama than this one. These performers have formed a family that supports one another, challenges each other to achieve excellence, and always has fun. I am proud of what they have created onstage as artists, but I am most inspired by their exceptional conduct offstage. Every challenge they have faced they have overcome. Many of these performers have found themselves in new and unfamiliar roles, but they have taken each step as a climb toward something bigger and better. What a wonderful group of young people you will see tonight.
Enjoy the show,
Dani Doster
Special Thanks
To our entire production team and crew, I am so amazed that I get to work with such a talented and supportive group. Thank you for always going above and beyond the call of duty for your art.
Ms. Celeste, thank you for creating such beautiful dances for this show. Our performers are held to such a high standard of excellence with your choreography, and you always make sure they deliver. Thank you for being such a fantastic choreographer and colleague.
Ms. Danielle, what you are able to help these performers achieve vocally truly astounds me. You are a fantastic collaborator on so many classes, and I truly enjoy coming to work with you.
Medelly Post, our incredible stage manager, Thank you Thank you! Thank you! The day that you came onboard I felt that I could breathe again. You are a consummate professional, and I know that the show is in the most capable hands in case this baby decides to make her grand entrance before her cue.
To the parents and guardians, thank you for your constant support by volunteering your time, carpooling/driving, and helping your performer reach their artistic goals. Thank you for entrusting us with your kids. They are a joy.
To my husband, Ryan Doster, you are my pillar, my mentor, and my best friend. Thank you for your support. You are better than a Prince Charming.
To my little girls, Evelyn and Willow. Evelyn thanks for sharing your mommy with the big kids each week. Willow thank you for sharing the ride with me and bouncing in-utero along to the music. Willow, please also stay put until tech week is over... Listen to your mother.
