Disney and
fairy tales have become synonymous over the decades due to the animated
cinematic treatments given to classics such as “Cinderella”. Disney’s “Cinderella”
may be seen live onstage at The Media Theatre weekends in June, July, and
August beginning June 7.
Released by
Walt Disney Studios in 1950, the film is one of their most successful
adaptations. The story of “Cinderella” has always been one that many relate to,
so when Disney added its brand of humor and song to tell the tale of the young lady
who dreams of meeting a handsome Prince the legendary story took on new life.
Ever since, when “Cinderella” is mentioned it is Disney’s version that first
comes to mind.
The Media
Theatre has Disney’s “Cinderella” on stage Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at
Noon. It’s referred to as the “KIDS” version due to its shortened length and a
cast which features young actors in many roles. The stage adaptation includes
the beloved songs such as “Bibbidee Bobbidee Boo” and “A Dream Is A Wish Your
Heart Makes” and is approximately one hour in length.
 |
| Emily Kinka,
a West Chester resident and Media Theatre New School student, plays Cinderella.
She was previously seen on Media Theatre’s stage in “Rumpelstiltskin” and “The
Wizard of Oz” and just finished playing Cinderella in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s
version at her school, St. Maximillian Kolbe. She is
an 8th grade student there where she serves as student council Vice
President, plays soccer and is involved in track. The young actress is also a two-time finalist in Sea
Isle City’s Got Talent and has performed at the World Café Live, The Note and
Sigma Sound. On certain dates, the role of Cinderella is played by cast member Madilyn Gibbs |
Humor plays a large part in this version, with plenty of opportunities for young audiences to laugh and have fun while feeling sympathy for Cinderella’s predicament. There are, of course, those silly stepsisters and the cute mice as well as audience participation when Cinderella dances at The Ball!
Adding to
the humor of the show, the Wicked Stepmother is played by Roger Ricker, a
veteran of over 85 productions at The Media Theatre. He was seen most recently
as Otto, the world’s oldest living tree, in “Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before
Dark”. The stepsisters are played by Danielle Lachall and Amber Duncan.
The Prince
is double cast, with two Media Theatre students sharing the role: Owen Mannion
and Gianni Palmarini. Both have been involved at the theatre for seven years,
appearing in several youth series productions, teen camp musicals, and Broadway
Series shows. The two started out in acting classes and Camp Media Theatre and
have been friends since sharing their experiences at The Media Theatre. Mannion
was last seen in the critically acclaimed production of “Diary of Anne Frank”
with Palmarini recently playing the lead in “13, The Musical”.
Two adult
performers, seen regularly in the youth series, are Shiron Denise as The Fairy
Godmother and Tim Haney as The King. Students Josh Atkinson, Holly Deluca, Madelyn
Gibbs, and Lauren Poltrock play the Grand Duke, Duchess, and the Heralds.
Disney’s
live stage adaptation features Narrators who assist in moving the fast-paced
musical along. In Media’s production, they are Scott Bradbury, Katheryn Cooper,
Veronica Garrubbo, Rachel McCabe, and Rachael McVey.
The very
important mice, who are friends to Cinderella, are played by Alexsa McKeown, Sean
O’ Neill, Alex Pollard, and Carter Weiss. Hannah Brady and Lily Sfida share the
role of The Cat.
The
ensemble, who portray various Town Criers and mice in the show, are Aidan
Crane, Caileigh Crane, Samuel Cooper, Bridget Henry, and Grace Tooze.
The Media
Theatre is also offering, for groups of 12 or more, Slipper Parties following
the show. The Parties include a ticket to the show, pizza, punch, cupcakes, and
gift bags. They take place in the theatre’s second level Crystal Room, where
the party-goers get to meet the cast for photos and autographs.
For tickets
to Disney’s “Cinderella” at The Media Theatre call 610-891-0100 or visit
mediatheatre.org. All Broadway Series and Youth Series productions are produced
by Media Music Theatre Company.
