Rodgers and Hammerstein were one of America’s most prolific, and beloved, composing duos.
In the early 1960s, they were offered the chance to explore a new medium – television. The CBS network wanted Rodgers and Hammerstein to compose a made-for-television production of the classic fairy tale Cinderella.
With such beautiful and lilting music as, “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible,” and “Do I Love You,” the show, starring Leslie Ann Warren, became an annual event on the network.
With the enormous popularity of the television show, the famous composer turned the script and score into a venue to be performed on the live stage.
That original musical, the one that endeared America to the taken-for-granted girl who believed in the power of hope and dreams, will be presented by the Tyrone Community Players on Nov. 7 and 8 in their theater housed in the Tyrone YMCA.
“We chose to do this because, not only is it a classic,” said Steve Stoner, director of the performance, “but because it’s a classic, family show. No matter what age you are, you can definitely enjoy this show.”
According to Stoner, the performance will hold the attention of both the young and old.
“It includes all the traditional children’s characters and also some very nice special effects,” he said.
The cast of Cinderella is a mix of experienced and novice performers from a three-county area. It is led by the sweet voice and endearing character created by Megan Marcaurelle as Cinderella. Meagan’s first appearance on the TCP stage will be complimented by the experience, both as a performer and musical director, of Brett Keith as Prince Charming.
Rounding out Cinderella’s less than perfect family are Susan Brandt as the wicked stepmother, and Darcy Wilson and Katie Kensinger as the stepsisters, Portia and Joy respectively.
Ruling this fairy tale kingdom will be the beautiful voices of Pete Hedberg as the King, and Lisa Myers as the Queen. They will be ably served by Emily Fochler as the Chief, and Nathan Pownall as the Steward.
There are many veteran children involved in this production, piloted by Desiree Dennis as the cat, and Zachary Estright, Eddie Brandt, Emily Morris and Emily Dennis as the mice.
What would fairy tale kingdom be without an interesting assemblage of townspeople and members of the royal court. Included in this are Kathy Fink, Gina Volpe, Nicolee Ward, Eric Dememmo, Betsy Black, Patti Mills, Brandy Jackson, Mary Ann Kurtz, Amy Yeager-Bulman, Chris Moore, Tiffany Mayhew, Jessica Fox and Irv Fink.
Angie Dobbs, Stevie Woodring, Sofia Revolio, Kellyn Miller, Caitlin Rhodes, Casey Joniello, Derek Hersey, Lindsay Kimble, Salena Bradigan and Keely Patterson round out the members of the chorus and those attending the royal ball.
A children’s chorus, comprised of 22 young voices, will entertain the audience during intermission as well as participate in the opening and closing numbers of the show.
These talented and enthusiastic young performers are Leara Latchford, Karah Postreich, Alexis McKenna, Abby Dutrow, Lake Ingle, Stephanie Hammond, Kyle Raabe, Lauren Lewis, Lauren DaVila, Sarah Reese, Olivia Stever, R.J. Beck, Ryan Myers, Cassie Kasic, Alison McGovern, Macey Lucas, Abby Brooks and Samantha Sessamen.
Information on the TCP production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s masterpiece Cinderella are available by phoning 684-ART2. Curtain is 7:30 p.m. for both performances. The performance is expected to last two hours.
