Fol-De-Rol & Fiddle-Dee-Dee…Cinderella is a must-see! Catch this charming, family-friendly musical through July 17th.
It’s Possible! Hannah Flournoy as Cinderella exclaims to her Fairy Godmother played by Kayla Rushing.
The summer 2016 Lubbock Community Theatre production of G2K Cinderella is a joyful journey for area children and families! It’s the perfect opportunity to expose children, both performers and observers, to the theatre by inviting them into the magical and inspiring world of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. The G2K show is especially designed for youth performers as part of their Getting to Know (G2K) series of R&H musicals.
It features the beautiful, fun songs and characters from the full production, but is more condensed. Many parents and grandparents will enjoy humming along with the songs that we remember from the televised Hallmark Hall of Fame series. You’ll find that this version of Cinderella, in addition to being the classic dreams-come-true message, is based on the power of positivity and kindness… yes, according to our favorite Fairy Godmother, regardless of what roadblocks arise, “It’s Possible!”
As we watched the show, it was hard to remember that all the performers were local kids, some in the LCT’s Theatre for Youth classes, but many who have never been on stage before!
Cinderella’s mice waiting patiently to turn magically into horses. Played by Emma Johnston, Kaori Gonzales, Neveah Arnold, Savannah Roberson and Faith Zint.
Cinderella and her Prince are truly charming and sweet, and we may have snort-laughed more than once with the wicked Stepsisters and Stepmother!
Stepsisters’ Lament by Lorena Lopez and Allaina Capili
The Fairy Godmother is magical, and funny, and sassy. Thanks to the hijinks from the King and Queen and all the other characters, the kids in the audience laughed and enjoyed every move and every joke, and were especially spellbound when Cinderella magically transforms on stage.
Also watch for the adorable little mice and fairies, townspeople and ballroom guests.
Prepare to be impressed by the calibre of musical talent in this group… and the expressions and comedic timing are also amazing from all the cast, who range in age from pre-school to high school.
Parent Pointers
The Prince is Giving a Ball! Josh Frendenberg as the Herald proclaims to the Townspeople
In case you haven’t seen it before, the musical is quite different from the Disney movie, so parents may want to prepare children who could be expecting the songs and characters from the animated version. There is no “Bippity Boppity Boo” but the new-to-them songs including “Fol-De-Rol and Fiddle-Dee-Dee” will leave them spellbound and humming!
The show only lasts about an hour and a half (which includes an intermission) so it’s a very manageable amount of time to hold the attention of most kids. Another feature that is helpful for parents is the size of the theatre: It only holds about 50-60 seats so it is more sensory-friendly for most kids. However the small size of the theatre means if you are interested in going, you need to grab tickets quickly. Sell-outs are frequent!
Cinderella Tea with LCT Cast Members. Offered Sundays after matinee performances. (Tickets Sold Separately).
Another fun event offered is a special Cinderella Tea after each Sunday matinee. Princes and Princesses can dress as their favorite character and have tea with stars from the show. It’s a separate event from the show (tickets are sold separately for $10) with space only for 40 royal guests, so, again, better go online for tickets asap if your child is interested. The Tea event may be a nice option if you think your child might not be quite ready for a full theatre production experience.
Fun Ways to Prepare for the Show
If you have access to one of the televised productions featuring Julie Andrews (1957) or Lesley Ann Warren (1965) or Brandy (1997), then consider a family preview to see the show and become familiar with the catchy songs. Also consider reading the non-Disney story of Cinderella at the library or bookstore.
Just the Facts!
When: Thurs., Friday & Saturday July 7-9 at 7:30pm, Sunday July 10 at 2pm and again
Thurs., Friday & Saturday July 14-16 at 7:30pm, Sunday July 17 at 2pm.
Special Tea with Cinderella event after Sunday performances from 4:30-5:30pm. (Limited to 40 seats. Tickets Sold Separately).
Where: Lubbock Community Theatre at 4232 Boston Ave, Lubbock.
How: Tickets available through their website online, or by calling 806-749-2416 for info.
Prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under.
Sunday Tea with Cinderella tickets are $10 each.
Length: Lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes with a 15 minute intermission included.
Age: Recommended for ages 3 and up.
Credits: Music by Richard Rodgers – Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.
Directed by Heather May.
Music Direction by Tom Laney.
Crew:
Stage Manager – Alex Saulnier McKinin
Set Design – Heather May, Madeline St Claire
Set Crew – Madeline St Claire, Kayla Rushing, Emily Nixon
Light Design – RT Todd
Sound Design – Tom Laney
Board Operator – Robin Armstrong
Costumes – Patti Campbell, Mitzi Flournoy
Props – April Langehennig
Choreography – Alex Saulnier McKinin
Hair and Make-up – Alex Saulnier McKinin, Cast
Cast:
Cinderella – Hannah Flournoy
Godmother – Kayla Rushing
Stepmother – Sierra Roberson
Stepsister Portia – Lorena Lopez
Stepsister Joy – Allaina Capili
Prince – Reis Smith
Herald – Josh Fredenberg
Chef – Ben Mitchell
King – Cordell Little
Queen – Erin Ewings
Supporting Roles:
Neveah Arnold – Townsperson, Mouse/Horse
Shirah Arnold – Townsperson
Ayrthon Capili – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene
Cara Copeland – Royal Staff
Kaori Gonzales – Townsperson, Mouse/Horse
Kysiah Gonzalez – Townsperson
Sophie Haney - Townsperson, Magic Fairy
Alex Haynes – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene, Royal Staff
Jonna Hollis - Townsperson, Magic Fairy
Olivia Ireland – Townsperson, Magic Fairy
Emma Johnston – Townsperson, Mouse/Horse, Ballroom Scene
Elizabeth Logan – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene, Royal Staff
Ben Mitchell – Ballroom Scene
Walter Parsons – Townsperson
Aubree Pointer – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene, Royal Staff
Jaryn Reed – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene
Savannah Roberson – Townsperson, Mouse/Horse, Royal Staff
Brenna Ryan – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene
Melanie Westmoreland – Townsperson, Royal Staff
Jencie Wright – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene
Faith Zint – Townsperson, Mouse/Horse
Planning to go? Let us know how you like the show! Write your reviews below.
Photos provided by Lubbock Community Theatre. Images from LCT’s 2016 production of G2K Cinderella.
