'Cinderella' kicks off Stage Right's new year

A large cast featuring three princesses and 75 students ages 6-18 from 12 different school districts will give a fairy tale start to the New Year for Stage Right School for the Performing Arts.

Stage Right Artistic Director Tony Marino will direct Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s musical version of “Cinderella,” assisted by Renata Marino, choreographer; Christopher McAllister, musical director, and Anna Stewart, stage manager. Mark Kissner of Pittsburgh Public Theater will provide set design and magical projections.

The student production will be presented over two weekends at two different venues: Jan. 24-26 at The Lamp Theatre, Irwin, and Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at Science Hall Theatre, Westmoreland County Community College, Youngwood campus.

Tony Marino says it’s an interesting experience telling the classic story of Cinderella with young actors.

A modern sensibility

“They intuitively give fairy tale characters a modern sensibility that makes Cinderella more interesting than you’ve ever seen her, and Prince Charming becomes a young man thirsting for his future,” he says.

“The love songs aren’t just old-time pieces of music that we’ve heard our entire lives. When performed by these young people, they become more passionate than you’re used to hearing them.”

The musical score features favorite songs such as “In My Own Little Corner,” “Ten Minutes Ago” and “Impossible.”

Sharing the title role of Cinderella will be Maura Rygg of Harrison City, a senior at Greensburg Central Catholic High School; Aliya Pimental of Mt. Pleasant, a senior at Westinghouse Arts Academy Charter School, and DeLaney Swank of Greensburg, a senior at Greensburg Salem High School.

Meeting the challenges

Swank says the biggest challenge in playing the lead is the responsibility to tell the story accurately.

“What makes an actor stand out to me is their ability to show the growth of the character from beginning to end of the show. Cinderella goes through a tremendous change in this show, so it takes a bit of work on our end to be able to fully understand and portray this classic character,” she says.

Pimental believes the biggest challenge with playing the leading role is taking risks with the character.

“The younger kids especially look to you as an example,” she says. “So being a respectful, present, hard-working and vulnerable actress is very important. That way others are encouraged to do the same. The good thing is that Stage Right has a very safe and loving environment. Someone always has your back no matter what.” Swank, who has performed in productions of “Chicago,” “Godspell,” The Little Mermaid” and “Newsies” with Stage Right, says Cinderella’s story is one of hope.

Dreams can come true

“Anyone who may be going through tough times can look at Cinderella and see that hopes and dreams can come true if you let them. In the show, Cinderella could have easily chosen hatred and bitterness, but she is able to rise above it and treat everyone will love and kindness,” she says.

Rygg has performed in Stage Right productions of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “West Side Story,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “Godspell.” Pimental’s stage credits include “Seussical” and “Snow White” for Stage Right, and “Crazy for You” at her school.

The Prince will be played by Jordan Keenan (homeschool), Ben Federico (Greater Latrobe) and Alex Podolinski (Greensburg Salem). Portraying the Fairy Godmother will be Natalie Estok (Westinghouse), Emma Kate Angelo (Greensburg Central Catholic) and Gia Marino (Hempfield).

The Stage Right director invites youngsters attending a performance to come dressed in their favorite Cinderella costumes. Cast members at the Lamp will be available after the show for photos in the lobby.

At Westmoreland County Community College, an optional Lunch with Cinderella and Friends is offered for an additional charge before the Feb. 1-2 matinee performances. Photo opportunities will be available and Cinderella and her friends will help guests decorate a special Cinderella craft. Lunch reservations are required by calling 724-832-7464.