A magical fairy godmother, an extraordinary dress, a royal ball, a misplaced glass slipper, a tale of mysterious and enchanting love and a happily ever after are the fairytale dreams are made of - and Petaluma High School is bringing it all to life in a production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, “Cinderella.”
In contrast to previous productions of edgy extravagance and meticulous set designs and scene changes, producer Christine Stoll and director Jonathan Knox made the decision to try something new and appeal to a different crowd this spring: the youthful side of the spectrum.
“I always want to get a full house, so I keep in mind what’s gonna be a big hit here at the high school. This year I would really like to do something where I could involve the entire community,” explained Stoll. “I wanted to publicize it to the elementary schools. I really wanted to introduce something where the younger audience could come and enjoy the show as well.”
In doing so, the musical was timed perfectly: coincidentally, a new film version of “Cinderella” is in movie theaters right now.
Senior Nicoline Pedersen happily fills the shoes - or at least, one glass slipper. She’s excited to be in the same role that actresses Julie Andrews, Lesley Ann Warren and Brandy Norwood once filled.
“It’s really exciting to feel like I can be the one up there finally doing it,” said Pedersen. “It’s really a dream come true.”
For this play, there is a large amount of younger, underclassmen actors and actresses due to the graduation of a majority of the “seasoned” students. Veteran actor and lead since 2012, senior Andy Spring, has stepped up portraying Prince Charming, which is bittersweet for him.
“I think because it is my last (musical), it holds a sort of significance for me because it really will be the last one I’m doing at this high school,” said Spring. “It’s not so much pressure, it’s more as a driving force, like a motivation, to do well,” said Spring.
As far as the magical components of the storyline, heavily surrounding the fairy godmother, Knox plans on a few surprises: “We’re using some pyrotechnics for this particular show, so we’re hoping to sort of do a little dazzle; hopefully we won’t set off the alarms, we’ve done that before.”
Along with pyrotechnics, a few more additions have been made to the enhancement of the production. Stoll recruited a separate musical director, as well as approached Petaluma High School’s band program. The orchestra for “Cinderella” will be composed of a majority of band students.
The production also has new set construction with the help of one of the high school’s AutoCAD instructors who is creating the design and images used for the musical’s fantastical backdrop.
“I’m just blown away by the talent at this school,” said Stoll. “These kids are so talented, and it’s just fun to watch them bloom and blossom and be so amazing on stage.”
Performances of “Cinderella” will be held on April 30, May 1-2, and 7-9 in Petaluma High School’s multi-use room. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets will be sold at the door and are $15 for adults, $12 for students, and $10 for students with ASB cards, seniors over the age of 60 and children the age of 10 and under.
(Contact Kate Hoover at argus@arguscourier.com)
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