Directed by Dr. Marie-France Duclos and Professor Fairynne Rogers, Asbury’s music department’s Musical Theatre Ensemble class is excited to bring their first-ever full-length musical, “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” to campus this semester.
The Musical Theatre Ensemble is nothing new to Asbury University. Offered as a class by the music department, the ensemble switches back and forth between musical theatre and opera, offering its students the chance to experiment with multiple styles. Yet, while previous iterations have given students the opportunity to sing musical show tunes, usually in the form of a cabaret, this year, the professors in charge have chosen to put on an entire musical.
“I’ve always wanted to have a real show,” said Dr. Duclos, the Asbury voice professor who is heading the production. “I thought it would be much more meaningful to students to have a role. [To] learn about how the story evolves, start to finish… I think it’s more meaningful specifically for the students in that aspect, for them to have this experience.”
Though early in the semester, this hope from the professors has already made an impact on many of the 22 students, some of whom have dedicated time outside of class to fully develop their characters.
“Discovering a lot about Evil Stepmother is very interesting,” said Josie Pruitt, one of the two students cast in the role. “I sat down in one of the rooms in McCreless and literally just drew this huge board of [questions]. What’s her ambition? How does she get it? What’s at stake if she doesn’t get it? Stuff like that.”
On top of giving students the chance to grow in their character work, this unique class also demonstrates the scope of the music department’s exciting potential.
“I think that Cinderella poses a lot more possibilities, and, in my opinion, is bringing more attention to the music department,” said Pruitt. “The music department has so many opportunities, and I don’t think people are aware of it, especially when it comes to musicals.”
Since the theatre department’s decision to stop putting on musicals, Pruitt and others interested in musical theatre have had no chance to grow as performers, let alone add to their resumé. To fill this gap, the Musical Theatre Ensemble has stepped up both to equip its students and also to prepare the space.
“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.”
Double-cast to allow everyone in the class to play a significant role, the show will take place in the Jameson Recital Hall, complete with projected backgrounds, full costumes and a small orchestra. Though they have expressed the desire to keep the production side of things relatively simple, the cast and crew alike are dedicated to creating an experience that audiences will remember.
“I hope that Cinderella inspires people to just create,” said Pruitt, reflecting on the mission of the show. “[Art] comes from God… And it doesn’t matter if it’s good because if you’re just creating, then you’re doing it for God. And that’s honestly the purpose.”
Rodgers and Hammerstien’s Cinderella will be put on between April 4-6 in the Jameson Recital Hall.
Article written by Sabina Boyer.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Krulwich.
