By Leah Checketts
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is beautifully played by the Sky High Players of Sky View High School in Smithfield. For a group of young performers, the quality of the acting, set, and musical performance is amazing, bringing joy to the audience, young and old!
Taking a classic musical, originally performed and produced in 1957, to a new level can be a challenge, especially for young and, sometimes, untrained voices. When Cinderella was revived in 2013, changes were made to the scripting, adding new characters and nuances to a familiar and much-loved story. Each scene moves quickly, combining the old and new in a seamless fashion.
Ella (Ellie Erickson) quietly and sweetly sings her way into every heart. Even though she is battling through a nasty bug, Erickson never lets her energy or portrayal drop or fail. In fact, had it not been that her voice was quieter than expected, it would not be obvious at all that the actress was feeling under the weather.
It is easy to see how Ella enchants Prince Topher (John Morley) and to identify the exact moment it occurs. The innocence and shared looks of admiration make it clear just when their attraction starts. With a beautiful voice that blends while standing out with strength, Morley brings real humanity to his role as the fledgling prince, fighting to find and make his place in the world.
Showcasing these two fine performers are some brilliant actors and actresses. Lord Pinkleton (Carson Ashby) has brilliant facial expression and lovely elocution as he follows Sebastian’s (Elijah Larson) devious suggestions meant to sidetrack Jean-Michel’s (Liam Herbert) passionate pleas for assistance for those in need in the community by throwing a ball. With each announcement – a ball, a banquet or the local news – Ashby is brilliantly taking control of the stage while showing a charming and caring personality in his character.
Larson’s Sebastian convinces the audience that, while he is being devious and troublesome, he honestly believes what he’s doing is for the best, adding a twist to his ‘bad guy’ character.
Stunning from her appearance, Fairy Godmother Marie (Madelyn Hamilton) is as enchanting as a fairy godmother should be. Her singing convinces everyone that anything truly is possible with “Impossible / It’s Possible” as she convinces a bewildered Cinderella to attend the festivities at the palace. Throughout the show, Marie’s promptings and ramblings add nuances of understanding.
Madame (Brookie Anderson), Gabrielle (Katie Ludlow) and Charlotte (Isabel Costa) are key to some new and exciting twists in the plot. Charlotte’s “Stepsister’s Lament” is such a joy to listen to and Costa’s feel for physical comedy is entrancing and hilarious. Gabrielle’s caring, generosity, and sweetness show a stark contrast to Charlotte’s demeanor and enhance the family dynamic, a dynamic set by the controlling and abusive Madame.
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The remainder of the supporting cast go where they are needed and contribute stunning vocals and surprise magic throughout the production. Singers, actors and dancers show what they are made of as Austin Andrews, Selina Ashby, Brooklyn Atkinson, AnneMarie Barton, Alyssa Barwick, Nathanial Buck, Tina Chambers, Emily Coombs, Maggie Draper, Londan Duffin, Taryn Dy, Rachel Edgar, Kaydi Egbert, Betsy Hixson, Harmony Hoopes, Abby Housely, Kira Joy, Hannah Larsen, Rachel Lattin, Lindsey Loveday, Annalise McCammon, London Mortensen, Kerrin Mountcastly, Conrad Overly, Aubyn Perry, Emma Pinkston, EmmaLey Rich, Caitlin Shultz and Thomas Stewart bring many assorted characters to life through townspeople and gala attendees, rebels, friends, animals and one obvious giant.
Director and drama coach, Jon Rash has built a stunning, well disciplined, and brilliant cast, His direction has brought out the best in each cast member.
Stage Manager Jenna Porter, Student Director Londan Duffin, Student Music Director Katie Ludlow, Lighting Designer Nikayla Nielson, Lighting Mentor Chase Cook, Sound Designer Jayden Williams, Sound Mentor Justin Wellington, Set Designer and Mentor Danny Rash and Painting Mentor Nathan Allen have worked with the Technical Theatre Students – Hunter Ashby, Kaya Brown, Dax Child, Ryan Clarke, Emily Cullumber, Chris James, Max Jones II, Amanda Knecht, Elisabeth Major, Kaitlin Manning, Nakayla Merkley, Nikayla Nielson, Erin O’Leary, Jenna Porter, Thomas Stewart and Jayden Williams to create a sensory experience that cannot be ignored.
Costume Designers Kody & Kim Rash and Mary Savage showed a divine use of color and texture with each of the costumes and created magic with amazing costume changes and subtle overtones.
With only two more performances on Saturday at Sky View High School, Roger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is a joy that should not be missed!
Sky High Players present Roger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Sky View High School Auditorium 520 S 200 E Smithfield, Utah
Saturday, February 17, 2018 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Tickets $6 to $10
Sky High Players Facebook Page
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