Carlynton presents 'Cinderella'

Editor’s note: In regard to Gov. Wolf’s order, the Carlynton School District is closing all schools and canceling all classes and all activities. The district tentatively plans to reopen March 30.

Carlynton students will whisk audiences away on a carriage ride to a fairytale land where dreams really do come true as they take the stage for this year’s musical, “Cinderella,” from March 26-29.

Twenty-five students will perform in the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein tale that cast members say promises to put a smile on everyone’s face.

“It is a true fairytale,” said Natalie Hatcher, a member of the show’s production team. “It’s the true sort of rags-to-riches Cinderella story, where she’s in a somewhat dire situation with her stepfamily, but she remains this beautiful, positive young woman who then has all of her wishes come true.”

The production team selected “Cinderella” based on how well it fits the talents of Carlynton’s student population, said Nathan Hart, another member of the production team.

The Rodgers and Hammerstein show is a bit different than the Disney animated version. While it features the same characters and storyline, the traditional music likely will take audiences back generations.

“I think the kids are going to feel the wonderment and the magic of it, and I think the adults are going to feel nostalgic. Those are two great things that come together,” Hatcher said.

The show also features more details and background about the royal family than the Disney production, said senior Benjy Gilby, 17, who plays the prince.

“It’s a really dreamy show,” added senior Jaimee Cabili, 18, who plays the queen.

Cast members hope the show pulls the audience into the fairytale.

“The whole point is just to bring you out of reality. It’s just a fantastical escape,” said senior Camryn Kwiatkoski, 18, who plays Cinderella.

The cast has been working since the start of 2020 to pull the show together.

The girls have been rehearsing for weeks in large hoops that will fill out their ballgowns.

“I think that’s one of the reasons why people want to see ‘Cinderella’ is the ball,” Hart said. “They want to see the costuming and everything that goes with it.”

Audiences also will be captivated by Cinderella’s transformation into a princess on stage.

“There’s so many ways that it can happen and I think that’s just part of the draw: How are they going to make that happen right before your eyes?” Hart said. “We’ve got a trick or two up our sleeves.”

For cast members, performing as royals has been challenging, yet fun.

Camryn’s biggest focus is to make sure she fulfills children’s dreams of what a princess is like in real life.

The carriage was a recent addition to the set.

“It’s gorgeous,” Camryn said. “I think it really brings it all together.”

With Carlynton’s small student population and cast size, that means everyone is putting 100% forward to make the show come together, Jaimee said.

Each aspect is going to be a show stopper, cast members agreed.

“It’s everything as a whole: the set, the costumes, the cast, the vocals, the dancing, just the whole thing combined really makes it,” Camryn said.

Carlynton’s theater department performed shows ranging from “Mama Mia” last year to “The Boyfriend,” “The Sound of Music” and “Pippin” in recent years.

The school’s production team tries to pick shows that teach students different skills throughout their high school career.

“We have a well-rounded portfolio,” Hatcher said.

This year, it’s all about dreams and happiness.

“It’s so enjoyable. It’s a feel good story,” Hart said.

It’s a show for all ages.

“Come for the magic,” Benjy said.

Carlynton will perform Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella March 26-29 in the junior/senior high school auditorium, 435 Kings Highway.

Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. March 26-28 and at 2 p.m. on March 29.

Reserved seating tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for kids 10 years of age and younger.

General admission is $10.

There is a $1 discount for senior citizens and students for the March 26 performance.

Tickets can be purchased online at cinderellachs.brownpapertickets.com.

Presale tickets also can be reserved by phone through March 20 by calling 412-429-2500, press 8 and then extension 2745.

The box office also will open one hour prior to the show for ticket purchases.