Oconto Falls High School students are preparing to present the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Cinderella” from Nov. 4-7.
In their unique way, the legendary team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II tells the story of how beautiful young Cinderella finds her life of drudgery at the hands of her stepmother and two wicked stepsisters changed forever in one evening, thanks to a fairy godmother and a handsome prince.
The story is based upon the familiar fairy tale, particularly the French version “Cendrillon, ou la Petite Pantoufle de Verre” by Charles Perrault, and was originally presented on CBS Television on March 31, 1957. Musical performances include favorites “In My Own Little Corner,” “Stepsister’s Lament,” “Do I Love You (Because You’re Beautiful)” and “Impossible.”
This year’s musical production features McKenzie Jackson (Cinderella), Timothy Cornette (Prince), Alexandra Brown (Queen), Jessie Pumplun (King), Kleo Van Dornick (Stepmother), Kate Pytleski (Stepsister Joy), Paityn Keller (Stepsister Portia), Faith Shamburek (Godmother), Grace Shamburek (Herald), Gunar Lade (Chef), Matt Ogan (Steward), Ethan Rennie (Footman), Abigail Budz, Alexis Gilbert, Gwendolyn Maggio, Ireland Payette, Leah Vorpahl and Jessica Wolford (Townspeople/Chorus), and Landon Budz and Cole Gilbert (Time Keepers at the Ball).
Pit band members include Ashlynn Vanderheyden, Brianna Brzezinski and Grace Aprill (flute), Ana Feliz (clarinet), Pauline Cameron (oboe/bassoon), Ryan Johnson (trumpet), Orion Posusta (trombone), Gabe Cameron (euphonium), Kaelyn Rakowski (percussion), Max Baade (percussion), Jocelin Martinez (percussion) and Erin Jahnke (pit band assistant), with guest musicians Greg Schliep (trumpet), Kelly Haselhuhn (French horn), Danny Smith (euphonium), Laurie Karnopp (piano/strings) and Grant Colburn (piano).
The technical crew and set construction team includes John Wolford, Allison Grzelak, Lillian Holley, Isaac Raddatz and Justin Spaulding, with stage manager Emily Riebe, assistant stage manager Allissa Stanek and faculty member Gayle Gander assisting.
This year’s musical production team includes Amy Thiel and Susan Seidl, musical directors; Lauren Seidl, pit band director; Laura Kostreva, choreographer; and David Heisel, set construction.
Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 4-6 and 1 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Falls Area Performing Arts Center inside Oconto Falls High School, 210 N. Farm Road, Oconto Falls.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students (grades 4K-12) and children and may be purchased in the OFHS main office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. school days or at the door one hour prior to the performance. All seats are general admission. The PAC doors will open 30 minutes prior to each performance.
Special performance events include a 50/50 raffle and bucket raffles, with proceeds going toward musical expenses and a portion of the proceeds donated to the American Legion Eick-Sankey Post 302.
On Nov. 5, children attending the performance are asked to dress as their favorite Cinderella character. A special “meet and greet” with the cast and chorus will be held after the performance in the Commons Area.
On Nov. 6, community members who were part of the 2008 musical production will be recognized, and a reception will be held after the performance.
For information, call Oconto Falls High School at 920-848-4467.
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