Rosary and Marmion join to perform 'Cinderella'
Audiences will be transported to the land where dreams come true when Rosary High School and Marmion Academy join in a production of "Cinderella, the Enchanted Edition" at Rosary High School's McEnroe Auditorium, 901 Edgelawn, Aurora.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students, senior citizens and children.
The cast includes more than 45 students from Rosary High School and Marmion Academy in Aurora, and 20 children from area Catholic schools. The show will also feature members of Marmion Academy's Flannigan Rifles. Music is provided by a small group from the Rosary Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, musicians from the Marmion-Rosary Band, and several local musicians.
Stage direction is by Ali Kordelewski, and music and vocal direction is by Megan Drahos. Technical directors are Rob Stredde and Chris Huntoon, and the choreographer is Rachael McNish-Pierce.
The Daily Herald caught up with Drahos and Kordelewski and asked them some questions about the production.
Q. Why did you choose "Cinderella, The Enchanted Edition" as your fall play? How is it different from the regular "Cinderella?"
Megan Drahos. I was excited to choose "Cinderella" for several reasons. First, it's a popular fairy tale that would attract a wide audience. Also, there are a good number principal girl roles as well as big chorus and dance numbers to feature the many talents of our students. Lastly, I selected this show because of the beautiful Rodgers and Hammerstein score. Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" was originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, and again in 1965 starring Lesley Ann Warren. A third version in 1997 starring Brandy transported a new generation to the miraculous kingdom of dreams-come-true. This Enchanted Edition is based on the 1997 teleplay.
Q. What have been some of the challenges in putting together this production?
Drahos. Some of the challenges that we have experienced are the sheer amount of different elements that go into this show. We have many members in the production that sing, dance and act. In addition, we have children from local Catholic schools who are a part of the show. Finally, we have members of Marmion Academy's Flannigan Rifles featured as well. In addition, we have pit musicians, stage managers and stage crew who have made all of the effects possible.
Ali Kordelewski. Another challenge has been the time frame for putting on such a large-scale production. Auditions happened shortly after school started and then we only had about eight weeks to put the vocals, blocking, choreography, and the set/tech elements together.
Q. What has been most rewarding or gratifying?
Kordelewski. To see all of the work that the students have done and the way they have transformed since the beginning is such an incredible experience. It's been a privilege to work with such talented students and musicians.
Q. What criteria did you use for casting this show?
Kordelewski. It was extremely difficult to cast this show. We have a large amount of talent, and we had many students audition for the show. In the audition, we looked into their talents of singing and acting, stage presence, and how they create a character. The character development was a large part of the selection process. In the callbacks, we were really able to see who had looked into their characters and what they were doing to show us how they could become the character.
Q. What do you think audiences will like best about this show?
Drahos. We think the audience will enjoy the humorous script as well as the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein songs such as "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible," and "Ten Minutes Ago." Also, this show is special because it features a 24-student Children's Chorus as well as members of Marmion Academy's Flannigan Rifles.
Q. What other events are planned along with the show?
Drahos. Join us for a character breakfast with the cast of Cinderella at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at Rosary High School; the cost is $5. Adults are welcome to enjoy a wine reception before the Saturday evening show and during intermission that features hot hors d'oeuvres and desserts; the cost is $30. Pre-registration is required; visit http://rosaryhs.com/musical/ or call (630) 896-0831.
If you go
What: Rosary High School's production of "Cinderella, the Enchanted Edition"
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9
Where: Rosary's McEnroe Auditorium, 901 Edgelawn Drive, Aurora
Tickets: $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors
Details: rosaryhs.com/musical; (630) 896-0831