Kirk Players to stage ‘Glass Slipper’
The Kirk Players presenting the classic story of Cinderella and her mean stepmother and stepsisters in “The Glass Slipper.” The show opens at 7 p.m. Friday, April 8, in the Mundelein High School theater.
It runs through the weekend, with matinee performances at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, and Sunday, April 10. An additional evening performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 9.
“It’s the ideal show to bring the audience in as a principal character. And we have the ideal ensemble to take the idea a little bit further,” said Jon Matousek, director for the production.
“We are working hard at having some fun and engaging theater for all our theater goers, especially the little ones. This will be perfect fare for families,” Matousek said.
Bright costumes, music, special effects and a script full of humor will keep the audience entertained, he added.
The performance even contains a special twist that will allow the audience to take a role in the story.
Just before the prince is about to try the slipper on the remaining ladies in the palace, the palace herald, played by Dom Basso, will invite young audience members up to the stage to try on the slipper.
“It will be fun to see the looks of wonder on the little princesses as the palace guards escort them up to see the prince,” Matousek said.
The talented cast of nearly 40 actors, 26 of whom are teens or younger, includes young guest performers Rebecca Van Sickel as the downtrodden, yet spirited, Cinderella; Jayme Marsh as the silly stepsister Cleopatra; and Peyton Cousins as the devoted Attila, the cat.
Veteran Kirk Player Sara Gunther plays the bombastic stepsister Brunhilda, and Mary Jo Pippenger plays the wicked stepmother.
Clayton Mieszala is cast as the dashing prince, while Paula Marsh plays the magical fairy godmother, assisted by the old Apprentice, Peter Grassl.
Peter’s wife, Gretchen Grassl, a new Kirk Player, plays the Queen. The Queen’s Lady-in-Waiting, Lady Ursula-Ursula, is played by Anna Lieberman. Guest performer, Olivia Koukal is Mistress Haughty.
The staff and crew assisting Matousek is led by Sheila Bourque, who is stage managing her 18th Kirk Player children’s show. Guest staffer Anthony Ungaro is assistant stage manager.
Also, veteran Kirk Player Jen Tomlin provides choreography, as well as assistant director responsibilities. Mike Lieberman is technical director, Bobbie La Belle is costume mistress, Fred Vipond is set designer, Sara Gunther on lighting design, Max Marsh as props master, Janet Walker on sound design and Gary Gunther on special effects. Gunther is also playing the Captain.
Tickets are available by visiting www.kirkplayers.com. For details, call Janet Walker at (847) 223-2714.