CBNA Theatre Presents: Cinderella
The CBNA Drama Club presented Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella over the weekend. The show opened on October 24th and concluded October 26th.
Several seniors appeared on stage as well as behind stage in this production. Seniors Ethan Meeker, Kate Blake, Patrick Helm, Brianna Jackson, Shannon Jackson, Caitlin Reynolds, Rylee Rodgers, and Lauren Rose appeared on stage alongside the lead actors Connor Nowak and Mirah Johnston. Not to be forgotten are the amazing seniors behind the magic of the set and tech, stage manager assistant Olivia Fontes, stage manager Madison Bowen, and projection designer Emily Dallaire. Mirah Johnston played Cinderella and Connor Nowak played Prince Topher and their outstanding duet of “Ten Minutes Ago (Reprise)” concluded the first act and left the audience wanting more.
Underclassmen in the cast were Mary Katherine Patteson, Clayton Price, Darin Sweet, Jordan Trahant, Mairead O’Shea, Calvin Swett, Caleb Yates, Christopher Helm, Savannah Laughlin, Sam Marcotte, Allie McGuigan, Christopher Reed, and Katerina Xanthopoulos. Their magnificent performances brought Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella to life before the audience’s eyes. The cast especially shone during their ballroom dance routines, choreographed by Ms. Hume.
This production allowed the full talent of the costume crew to shine with all of the breathtaking dress transformations.The lighting crew created spectacular imagery and added to the beauty of the set. Stage crew helped with fast paced transitions that moved Cinderella effortlessly from one scene to the next.
Accompanying the cast was a live orchestra consisting of Mr. Ludwig, Mr. Baker; guest performers Ms. Amanda Ludwig and Mr. Eben Hearn; and CBNA students Sylas Aucella and Hazel Dellario. Often in the past, recorded music has been used to accompany the annual musical. The decision to use a live ensemble was appreciated by both cast members and the audience alike. Having student musicians share their abilities in this capacity served as a wonderful reminder of all the amazing talent the Coe-Brown community houses. Mr. Baker and Mr. Ludwig continue to prove their dedication to our music program by bringing in outside talent and sharing their own.
Much to the delighted surprise of the audience, Mrs. Lent, beloved director and teacher, lent her own talents to the production. Appearing as Marie, Cinderella’s godmother, Mrs. Lent left the crowd smiling and applauding as she transformed from a mysterious old woman in the forest to a magical fairy donning a splendid ball-gown. The strategic costuming was made possible by Gay Bean. Mrs. Lent’s acting and singing abilities were on full display throughout the duration of the show, and reminded the audience why we are so fortunate to have her at the helm of our drama department. Mrs. Lent wished to be humble about her appearance in the show, even leaving her name out of the program, but her heartfelt performance and the obvious joy the students felt about sharing the stage with her proved to be two of the biggest highlights of the production.
The CBNA Today staff would like to congratulate all of the cast and crew of Cinderella on a truly magical show! Make sure to see their next production, Radium Girls, in March 2020.