Inspire School of Arts and Sciences’ production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella came to a close today, March 8, 2015, after 9 dazzling performances in the past two weeks that left thousands of playgoers in awe of this exceptional high school’s ability to put on a full scale production. Selling out for several of the nights, the musical was, without a doubt, a box office success. From the acting, dancing, and singing performers to the students working on set design and props, from the costume, hair, and make up crews to the full orchestra, from the lighting and sound experts to the stage hands, 90 Inspire students found a way to pull from their own talents and contribute to the show. By the curtain call at the end of the 3 act extravaganza I still had trouble believing that the show was produced entirely by high school students with the help of a few select adults, including production director Jarrah Myles and vocal music director Mary Lou Lim.
The talent on stage was abundant, from the student voices to the elaborately choreographed ballet numbers. Kaila Davidson and Marcus Rutledge, both Inspire seniors, starred as Cinderella and Prince Charming; executing their musical numbers beautifully, they fit their parts perfectly. Davidson and Rutledge may have had the lead roles but several other cast members stole the show with their humorous portrayal of more ridiculous characters. Two of these actresses were Tatum Hazelton and Ella Shapiro who played the hilarious stepsisters, Joy and Portia. Hazelton and Shapiro played up the parts of the squabbly sisters throughout the entirety of the play, making horrible faces and using screeching voices as they pushed each other around the stage. They never ceased in making the audience laugh.
In addition to the stepsisters, Aidan Sobon made a memorable appearance as the Herald, and hilarity ensued with every announcement he made. Other performances worth mentioning were Sophie Rogers-Davidson’s ballet as the Cat, Tia Watkins as the Fairy Godmother, and Bryce Corron as the King. From the leads to the ensemble, every character’s performance was well polished and impressive.
“I’ve never before been in a show that was so filled with dedicated and amazingly talented people. We all respect each other so very much, and that is a level of professionalism that isn’t found very often in these types of settings. I am thrilled to have been cast and to have been able to work with everyone,” said Rogers-Davidson, who played Cinderella’s Mother and the Coachman in addition to her work as the Cat.
However, the remarkable production didn’t stop at the musical and dance numbers or on stage performances. The orchestra, comprised of Inspire students, alumni, and teachers, added a depth to the musical that is rarely found in high school performances. Conducted by Inspire teacher Jim White, the music kept the show going throughout every transition and was equally as jaw-dropping as the singing during each song.
“Cinderella was a really amazing experience. You’d never imagine people would work together the way we did to put on such an outstanding performance. I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of this huge production,” said orchestra member Siena Kelly, who plays bass clarinet.
Adding to the polished performance, no viewer could overlook the elaborate costumes and make-up adorning each actor that appeared on stage. From the extreme eye shadow and lipstick on the girls of the kingdom and stepsisters to the more effervescent make up on the fairy godmother and Cinderella when on her way to the ball to the bushy mustaches and funky hair on the chef and other members of the court, each person looked their part.
Overall, every aspect of the play came together superbly to create a performance that won’t be quickly forgotten. Inspire was formed to give high school students a chance to participate in events like this and to grow their skill and appreciation for the arts. It seems that the school is accomplishing just this and each performance is stronger than the last. This was their last performance of the school year, aside from various showcases, but next year they will be presenting 3 full productions: Frankenstein, Little Women, and Annie Get Your Gun.
The cast and crew of Cinderella gathered on stage for a picture.
