From the Director:
"Optimism . . . I have to do this more often."
The story of Cinderella, the young, kind-hearted girl from an oppressed background whose dream of becoming a princess and changing the world is realized, is not a new one at all. In fact, it dates back to the times of the ancient Egyptians; and there are versions of the story told across all continents.
When we began our journey in staging this production, I asked the cast who knew how old the story was. One smart nine year old looked to the copyright date on the inside cover of the script and proudly stated "2014". She was right in more ways than one. She taught me a lesson; and, now that we have finished staging the show, I would say "2017".
The version of the Cinderella story that you will see on stage is the revival production of the 1957 original Rodgers and Hammerstein show. The script is current and of our times. It is replete with political overtones. It makes a social statement, and recognizes the importance of family and community. It fosters hope for a better day.
There is a saying that goes: "Cinderella - proof that a new pair of shoes can change a girl's life forever." While clever, it is not the shoes that makes the difference. Neither the shoes, the beautiful gown, nor the invitation is what gets Cinderella in to meet her prince. What gets her there is the kindness that she shows to others. What wins the prince's heart is not her physical beauty, but the beauty that he sees in her. With her, he feels that he really can change the world. The message is - individually, and collectively, we all can.
Our production of the show was a bit of a Cinderella story in and of itself. It seemed unlikely that we would get the rights to present a show that is currently on tour across the United States. The requirements of set construction and costumes seemed unobtainable. The idea of teaching today's teenagers to do a Viennese waltz seemed just silly; and the notion that we could get students (many of whom have never before participated in a musical theatre project) to sing the four part harmonies of Richard Rodgers' lush score seemed implausible.
As the fairy godmother, Marie, tells Ella just before she tries on the glass slipper for the prince, "Now you have something to believe in: yourself". We did just that, and you will see the results of the hard work of a community on stage.
Nothing is truly impossible. It's possible. With faith, a pure heart, and a little help along the way, we can all live our own Cinderella story.
Kenneth Beck
