Genesius Theatre presents RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S Cinderella, the 2013 Tony Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of The King & I and The Sound of Music, December 9 through 18.
Genesius Alumnus from the 1970’s and Wyomissing High School graduate, 5-Time Tony Award nominated playwright/librettist/screenwriter, Douglass Carter Beane, rewrote the book for this timeless classic, originally created by RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S for television which aired February 22, 1965.
With its fresh new take on the beloved tale of a young woman who is transformed from a chambermaid into a princess, this hilarious and romantic musical combines the story’s classic elements – glass slippers, pumpkin, and a beautiful ball along with some surprising twists.
More than just a pretty face with the right shoe size, this Cinderella is a contemporary figure living in a fairytale setting. She is a spirited young woman with savvy and soul who doesn’t let her rags, or her gowns trip her up in her quest for kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. She longs to escape the drudgery of her work at home and instead work to make the world a better place. She not only fights for her own dreams but forces the prince to open his eyes to the world around him and realize his dreams too.
Douglas Carter Beane started at Genesius back in 1974 and was part of the original Genesius Brats until 1979. Beane told us that he got his start as a writer at Genesius, “When I was 16, Michael O’Flaherty (co-founder of Genesius) pulled me out of the chorus and suggested I write some fairytale adventures for the stage to do at Genesius. They would be done as a Saturday morning children theater series with Larry Fecho at the helm. That was the beginning of my life as a theater writer. With the ‘RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S Cinderella’ I wrote for Broadway now finding its way to the Genesius stage, why it’s about the most perfect circle one could have in a life!”
Beane also went onto write two musical revues, 1976 & ‘77’, that were presented by Genesius, and the late great Crystal Restaurant, that were both performed outdoors as an elegant dinner theatre event in the garden area of Penn Square.
“Am I wrong that I want Genesius to live forever? That it will continue to show young people the joy of creating art and that it nurtures the soul of the community? Genesius was there for me when I was a lad and it made me dream of Broadway and brightened my spirit. I know it’s doing the same for others now and that’s why it will always be great” said Beane.
Cinderella is directed by long-time Genesius actor, and recent director of the Genesius outdoor production of, HAIR, James Haggerty. The show is produced by Genesius artistic director, L J Fecho, music directed by Chris Evans, conducted by Joshua S. Underwood, choreographed by C J Whitmire, scenic design by Spencer Moss Fecho, Shane Hails & James Haggerty, lighting design by Thomas Hudson of Scary Good Productions, sound design by Albert Garcia, costume design by Cathy Miller, hair and wig design by Diane Keck of Thanx Hair Artistry, production managed by Becka Malanios, stage managed by Sara Huard, and assistant stage managed by Ellen Rochlin.
Genesius has assembled a wonderful cast of over thirty local talents to bring this new version of this classic fairytale to life on the Genesius stage which includes, newcomer to Genesius, Cheynenne Malfaro as Ella, Evan Watkins as Prince Topher, Danielle Pflum as Lord Pinkleton, Rick Fisher as Sebastian, Lorna Graham as Marie, Jahlil Little as Jean-Michel, Michele King as Madame, Sarah Althen as Gabrielle, and Daphnee McMaster as Charlotte.
Genesius and the DoubleTree have partnered with each other on the Park/Dinner/Shuttle/Show/Shuttle-Program. At any performance, audiences can park for free in the DoubleTree garage, have dinner/lunch at the DoubleTree prior to the show, get shuttled to the show, see the show, and get shuttled back to the DoubleTree.
If the main Genesius parking lot at looks full, pull up and ask the parking attendant for a parking pass to the Walnut & Moss Street Lot for overflow parking.
Show times are December 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, Saturday, December 10 & 17 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 PM, Sunday – December 11 & 18 at 3:00 PM p.m. and all other dates at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at genesiusdifference.org.
