Buena High School’s auditorium was filled with the sounds of classic fairytale music and chatter as I and other audience members entered the theater for the drama department’s production of “Cinderella.”
Based off of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s 1957 television musical, the play opened strongly with the song, “The Prince is Giving a Ball.”
The play takes place in a European medieval setting, and the plot revolves around a young girl named Cinderella who is forced to work for her evil stepmother and stepsisters as their unpaid servant. With the help of a magical fairy godmother, however, Cinderella manages to attend the Prince’s Ball where she and The Prince eventually fall in love.
With a large array of talented high school actors and actresses, including seven-time play actress Samantha Corbett (as Cinderella), Jordan Selleck (as the Prince), and Shayde Bridges (as the Fairy Godmother), the musical practically came alive with its excellent singing and acting.
Following the opening song, Corbett beautifully sang “In My Own Little Corner.” The song told of the tough times Cinderella was facing at home. Other favorite songs included the comedic “Your Majesites” in which the The Queen (Cassidy Landers) was arguing with the King (Jack Jellison) over hosting a Royal Ball, and the duet “Do I Love You Because You Are Beautiful?” in which the Prince was admitting his love to Cinderella.
The choreography for the play was also very well-done. Highlights include when the ensemble danced during the Prince’s Ball, including some ballet-like techniques.
Many of the props for the musical were very cleverly constructed and fitted the play well. The stage was decorated with a large coat-of-arms and even a large white horse-drawn carriage that further added to the whimsical tone of the musical.
For those who remember the classic fairytale, Buena’s musical adaptation of “Cinderella” is more than just nostalgic: it is a magical retelling of it through song and dance.
“Cinderella” will be continuing performances at Buena High School on May 18 at 6 p.m., and on May 19 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
