As the spring semester nears its end, Asbury University’s Musical Theatre Ensemble is preparing to open the curtains on their first full-length musical production, a performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”
On April 4-6, the 22 students participating in the Musical Theatre Ensemble class will perform the musical double cast, in order to allow each person in the class to play a significant role and showcase their individual talents. Each cast will put on two performances.
Despite the small size of the class, the production will also involve a modest orchestra directed by Dr. Nathan Miller, projected backgrounds and full costumes.
The musical will be held in the evening at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5. Additionally, there will also be two matinee performances at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for attendees to view the performance during the day.
The music department’s performance of Cinderella will mark the climax of student’s participation in the Musical Theatre Ensemble class which this year is dedicated to the production and practice of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”
“We chose to do Cinderella for the humor, beautiful music and the many roles that it has to offer. This musical also gives great stage experience to a lot of our students,” said Dr. Marie-France Duclos, one of the directors of the musical.
The music department’s rendition of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is based on the 1997 film version of Cinderella which featured Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother.
While the class involves the challenging task of putting on a full-length production in one semester, the cast of “Cinderella” is not made up of only theatre or music majors. The auditions were open to students from any major.
“I am really excited to be part of this production because I love the unique way that musical theatre is able to tell stories,” said junior Ashton Montgomery, who will play the role of stepmother. “So much of my college life, I have had to fight to be creative because while I love my [Political Science] major, outlets like these really help me to be able to thrive. Opportunities like these that encourage people of all majors to participate are really special.”
Asbury University’s rendition of Cinderella comes after a semester of student dedication to learning the ins and outs of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.” While most classes end with exams and projects, students in the Musical Theatre Ensemble class will have the opportunity to perform a semester’s worth of practice over the course of four nights inside Jameson Recital Hall.
“I hope [audiences] can see that we can do really nice productions here in our small school,” said Dr. Duclos. “Because we really can, and I think it is going to be great.”
Tickets to see the student production are available online at https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/asbury-university-music-department/67b8d75e34be88079335f67e/tickets#/productions-view
Tickets are also available to purchase at the door. Tickets cost $8 for students, $10 for faculty and staff and $12 for general admission.
Photo courtesy of AY Magazine.
