A Magical Musical Takes the Stage

The musical Cinderella by Rodgers and Hammerstein has been chosen by Director Edwin Lyman as MacDuffie’s winter musical. Auditions are on December 10, 11, and 12 for singing, dancing, and acting respectively. The show will be performed on March 1, 2, and 3 in 2019.

Middle School Theater teacher and Residential Assistant Lucy Tew suggested Cinderella to Lyman. He chose Cinderella in part because it was one that he felt passed four tests. For each option he asked himself, first, is there enough musical talent at MacDuffie to run the show? Second, can the show be adapted to account for the “limitations of the Little Theater?” Third, will the cast and crew receive a “rewarding theatrical experience”? Finally, “will it entertain an audience?” Lyman also decided upon Cinderella because of the familiar plot line and well known playwrights, Rodgers and Hammerstein. But Cinderella truly stood out as special because of the creativity and freedom that goes into directing it.

“This is the kind of a show that we can be very imaginative in… this is a pretty show, it’s a bright show, it’s a colorful show, and you don’t have the constraints of trying to create something that’s realistic,” Lyman said.

In the show there are main roles, such as Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother, non-speaking roles, and roles in the chorus. As a result there are many available options and “a place for almost everybody who tries out,” Lyman said. He also added that there are also many ways to participate beyond acting, including working on the crew or helping with makeup and costumes.