APTOS — The Aptos High Theater Department is presenting Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” opening Friday. The school is putting its own spin on the classic tale by re-imagining it in the 1980s.
In this production directed by teacher Stacy Aronovici and senior Quinn Youngs, the audience will experience the lives of the young housemaid, Cinderella (Ella), played by senior Kaylee Leal, and Prince Christopher (Topher), played by senior Ryan Yeaman. Ella lives with her stepmother, Madame (senior Desiree Hardin), and her two daughters Gabrielle (senior Sara Pedro) and Charlotte (junior Grace Romeu).
Prince Topher struggles with finding his own identity while the land is being ruled by the cunning and iron-fisted Sebastian (junior Nico Vinuela).
When the people, rallied together by the revolutionary Jean-Michel (senior Will Bortin), start getting upset with the way the kingdom is being run, Sebastian decides that it is the perfect time for a distraction.
That distraction is a ball, with the promise that one eligible young lady will be chosen to become Topher’s bride and one day queen.
Ella’s wish to attend the ball is granted by her fairy godmother (senior Grace Loehrke). Ella is brought to the ball by Fox (sophomore Mikaela Murray) and Raccoon (junior Madelene Farias). It is at the ball that Ella and Prince Topher meet and in one magical moment fall in love.
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“Cinderella” will be held in the Aptos High School Performing Arts Center, 100 Mariner Way, on April 13, 14, 20 and 21. All of the shows start at 7 p.m., with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. There will also be two matinee performances on April 15 and 21. The show on April 15 starts at 2 p.m., with the doors opening at 1:30 p.m. The show on April 21 starts at 1:30 p.m., with the doors opening at 1 p.m.
Tickets cost $11 for adults, $9 for students and $7 for seniors and children under the age of 12.
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Mikaela Murray is an Aptos High School student.
