By MaryBelle Tuten
This week area residents have the opportunity to see the Cinderella story on stage at the Dixie Center for the Arts July 20-22 at 7 p.m. and at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 23.
Ruston Community Theatre will present the Rogers and Hammerstein’s version of the Broadway Musical “Cinderella” for the 2023 Gale and Lucy Chumley Musical Series, sponsored by Audrey Chumley Sullivan in honor of her parents who were involved in the Ruston community for many years.
The show is directed by Dee Alexander and Choreographed by Chloe Alexander. The Broadway adaption of the classic musical features new characters.
“Cinderella” is a folk tale with thousands of variants throughout the world. The first known oral version of the story dates back to Greece between 7BC and 23AD. The first published literary version was in Italy in 1634 and the most widely known version was published in France in 1697. In the French version the glass slipper was added to the story. Over the years hundreds of films have been made based on the plot. Audiences may be most familiar with the 1950 Walt Disney animated version. This story is so popular that there is even a video game version of “Cinderella.”
Alexander said he is most excited about the production’s ensemble, whose strong voices harmonize well together. He said he loves that that young individuals today are rediscovering golden age music and liking it.
The cast has all levels of experience. There are a number of first-time actors in “Cinderella,” and Alexander says he tries to encourage these cast members by teaching basic theater skills. He said it has been fun having several Louisiana Tech students who have music backgrounds.
Stage manager for the production is Monika Locke. “Cinderella” is the 17th show she has stage managed for RCT. She said she loves seeing the show come together after weeks of rehearsals. She enjoys organizing all the set pieces, props and actors backstage. It is like fitting puzzle pieces together.
“Cinderella has some incredibly talented actors in the 44-member cast and I cannot wait for the audience to see the show,” she said.
Karen Pittman is the costumer for “Cinderella.” a
“I love the ball scene costumes, especially the costumes for the males,” Pittman said.
However, maybe Marie, the Fairy Godmother’s dresses, are her favorite, because Pittman said she loves cool, crazy, witchy, raggedy costumes that have a magical dress change.
This show has been a real challenge for a costumer, and Pittman said the trick with designing for the production is the four transitions or costume changes that take place on stage. She thinks the audience will enjoy the magic that takes place on stage with the costuming.
Mark Graham is the set designer and also has built the majority of the set pieces. Graham has a construction management degree from ULM and said this production has been his biggest challenge so far. There are so many large set pieces that have to fit both on and off stage and still have room for the actors. The space in both areas is limited so it is a major design accomplishment.
Alexander said he believes audiences all of ages will enjoy the production.
“The classic music of Rogers and Hammerstein’s that many grew up with is beautiful and the story is totally reimagined from the story we grew up reading and watching,” Alexander said. “This version is entertaining and the show has a great group of talented actors.“
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and may be purchased at rctruston.org, by calling 318-595-0872 or at the door the day of the performance.
