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From the Director:

The story of Cinderella is not a new one.  Written versions of the tale date back to the 1600s.  One of the most popular, written in French by Charles Perrault, is the basis for the story we know today...the glass slipper, the pumpkin carriage, and a fairy godmother.  Disney created their 1950 animated film based on this version.  

In 1957, Rodgers and Hammerstein (R&H) lent their music and lyrics to the first ever live television version starring Julie Andrews.  In 1965 CBS released another R&H TV version, this time with Leslie Ann Warren debuting as Cinderella.  Finally, a feature film with R&H's score was released in 1996 for a new generation, with Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as her fairy godmother.  

The story of Cinderella has appeared all over the world, from China, to Africa, to England, Germany, and France, as well as appearing in the Native American culture.  The plight of the persecuted heroine is universal.  The rags-to-riches story is at the heart of many people's hopes and wishes, including our own American Dream.  Cinderella is rewarded by practicing goodness, obedience, kindness, and patience.  In reality, these are not poor traits to attempt to embody in one's own life on an everyday basis!

I am extremely proud of this production. The story is full of magical moments, and we are very excited to bring them to life on stage!  A truly successful production, however, involves more than just what is presented on stage.  The quality of our cast, orchestra, stage crew, tech members, and parent support has been outstanding this year.  The students have had to put egos aside and realize that whether they had one line, or fifty, were on stage, or backstage, that everyone shares equally in the pride and success of our show.

I am especially proud of the youngest members of our cast.  The students from North & South Elementary and DCMS have been such a joy to work with and a wonderful addition to our show.   I hope their experience will encourage them to continue to participate in the arts in the future.  And thank you to their parents for lending them to us! 

I have to take a moment to thank my family as well.  Without their support, this show would not have been possible.  When I told them we might not be able to afford to do a musical this year, they offered their sponsorship on the spot.  I can't tell you what that has meant to me.  Their ongoing support and unconditional love are what get me through the long hours and the late rehearsals.  I'm looking forward to having that time to devote back to them very soon!   

I hope you and your family enjoy our performances and will continue to support the music program at Danville Community High School in future years.  I look forward to what next year brings!

Amanda Pierson