As the Nolan Center community theater production of “Cinderella” prepares for shows the weekend of Dec. 9 and 10, director Haley Reeves has been delighted with the performance of cast and crew since rehearsals first began.
“We’re miles from where we started,” she said, adding that everyone participating in the production has exceeded her expectations.
Reeves expressed excitement to revisit this well-known musical this time as director, instead of as a performer.
“It’s been 10 to 15 years since I’d been involved with a production of ‘Cinderella,’” she said. “I knew it was a fun one.”
Reeves said there are several different versions of the musical originally created by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein based on the classic fairy tale that were available for production. She chose the “Enchanted Edition,” which according to the Concord Theatricals website, was inspired by the 1997 television version that starred Brandy and Whitney Houston.
The director added that a few changes were made for this production to enhance the comedy; for instance, the fairy godmother is not as regal or flawless as depicted in other productions. “She’s kind of quirky. She’s not perfect and she sometimes makes mistakes. And that’s fun to see, too.”
While costuming and props provided various challenges, the director said there was another aspect that had its own difficulties. “The biggest challenge is getting everyone to rehearsal as much as possible and coordinating their schedules,” she said.
However, Reeves said the cast members have risen to that challenge. “Even if people miss rehearsals, they’re working on their performances.”
Among the residents participating is Stephanie Carney, who plays a baker in the village. “I do it because my girls do it, so it’s fun for us to do something together,” she said.
Reeves also praised the performances of the production’s stars: Alisha Armstrong as Cinderella and Ander Edens as the prince. In addition to their high school classwork, both have other extracurricular activities in music and sports, yet that hasn’t dampened their enthusiasm or involvement on stage.
“They’ve been doing great,” Reeves said of her two leads. “They’ve been putting in the effort and they’ve been really fun to work with.”
“Cinderella” is Reeves’ second directorial stint, her first being the musical “Annie,” which the community theater performed this spring.
“I had never directed before, I had always been in shows,” she said. “And then we had a good time, so we tried it again,” she added with a laugh.
Reeves said the most gratifying part has been working with cast and crew. “You get to see people that you don’t always see every day,” she said. “The progression of where they bring their characters in various rehearsals is super fun to watch.”
The director also felt it was important to create an enjoyable atmosphere for all the participants. “That’s one thing I really strive to do as a director, too. I want this to be a place that people want to come,” she said. “It really takes a village, a community.”
Performances of “Cinderella” are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Tickets will only be sold at the Nolan Center. No online ticket sales are available for this production.
For more information, call 907-874-3770 or visit the center’s website at http://www.nolancenter.org/cinderella.html.
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