Photo by John Bivins
When you hear “Cinderella,” chances are that you picture an evil stepmother, two bumbling stepsisters, some talking mice, and, of course, a glass slipper.
That’s the image Disney painted for us with the animated film in 1950 and resonates with young and old alike today.
But did you know that the classic tale by Charles Perrault dates back to 1697 in France?
Gamut Theatre’s Young Acting Company (YAC) is bringing Perrault’s tale to life with their upcoming production of “Cinderella,” adapted by Sean Adams. Even though you can expect the “evil stepsisters” in the show, Adams sought to give the characters more depth and humanity than the classic portrayal. You may even walk away with a new favorite character.
“Sean took a lot of care creating a script of strong women and not just painting characters as ‘good’ or ‘evil,’” said Melissa Nicholson, director of the YAC at Gamut. “The characters are multi-layered and fun to play, and that makes it fun to watch!”
Nicholson also admitted that she hasn’t seen the Disney movie, but this stage version will be just as entertaining—if not more.
Nicholson has been directing the YAC annual performance since 2010 and has learned a lot about working with students during that time.
“There are always challenges working with a wide age range,” she said. “It takes a lot more time to explain and run things with the very young ones, but it’s all worth it to have so many different ages involved. The older students really look out for the younger ones and mentor them along the way. To me, that is one of the most rewarding aspects.”
Even with its ups and downs, the process always holds more joy than frustration.
“I love watching returning students grow as young performers from year to year and also the ‘new to me’ students growing during the process,” Nicholson said. “From the very beginning, we try to instill a sense of ensemble while pushing them individually to be seen, be heard and be understood on the stage. When it clicks for them and they really start to own the stage, that’s when I get really jazzed.”
She said that she also enjoys watching students help each other out and volunteer to assist with things above and beyond just performing on stage.
“YAC students handle all of their own scene changes,” she said. “So, everything you see on stage is student-driven.”
For this production, in particular, the YAC team decided to go with a theme many parents and grandparents will be excited about—the 1980s. The audience is sure to recognize much of the soundtrack to the show.
According to Nicholson, audiences can also expect to see a classic Punch & Judy routine, some fun dances, a little swordplay, and, as always, a happy ending.
“Cinderella” runs April 12 to 14 at Gamut Theatre, 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.gamuttheatre.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111
Improvapalooza
April 6 at 7:30 p.m.
“Cinderella”
April 12 to 14
Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday at 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
“Romeo and Juliet”
April 19 to 21
Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
The Gamut Gala
April 28 at 4 p.m.
At Open Stage
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736
The 14th Annual Capital 10-Miler
A run for the arts
Saturday, April 6 at 9 a.m.
City Island
OSHKids Performance Company
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
April 11 to 14
EFF (Erotic Fan Fiction) LIVE!
Friday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m.
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