A performance of the children’s production of “Cinderella” will take place at Union in May.
There will be performances at 10 a.m. May 5 – 8 at G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel; one performance will be at 6:30 p.m. May 6.
The musical is an original adaptation of “Cinderella” that was created by Alphabet Soup Productions, a children’s theatre company based in Chicago.
Some people initially think it is the Walt Disney Co. production, but it is not.
“For example, the Prince has a larger role, and he has a sidekick named Thomas J. Foolery,” said John Klonowski, assistant professor of theatre and director of Cinderella. “Also, the wicked stepsisters are portrayed differently than in the movie.”
There are 10 roles in the musical. The lead roles are held by Alexis Piscatello, junior music major, who is playing the role of Cinderella; Tim Zornes, sophomore education major, who is playing Prince Charming; and Cassie Robbers, junior art major, who is playing the role of the wicked stepmother.
“It is a fun adaptation that has been performed hundreds of times in Chicago,” said Klonowski. “I was in the same production about 16 years ago, and we performed the show about 30 times to over 10,000 excited kids.”
Rehearsals are already underway.
Cast and crew poured about 60 to 70 hours of work into rehearsals for this musical. There is also set building, prop making and costume construction, all of which also take time.
Klonowski, who is director, set designer, scenic painter and producer, admits this is the first official musical he has directed.
“Musicals are not my strong suit, so this is a new challenge,” said Klonowski. “I am starting with a children’s theatre musical. Kids are a little more forgiving.”
Various elementary schools throughout West Tennessee already have purchased more than 1,200 tickets.
“It is an entertaining show with a good message, and adults will enjoy it just as much as the kids,” said Klonowski. “So be a kid at heart, and come see this play.”
IF YOU GO
Performances are at 10 a.m. May 5-8 in G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel; one performance will be held at 6:30 p.m. May 6. Tickets are $3 and can be purchased by calling 661-5597 or can be bought the day of the show.