Cinderella Stories - Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

The story of Cinderella goes back literally thousands of years, and it would be difficult to find someone who had not heard it in one way or another. We talked to our cast and asked them what their favorite versions were and why. Read on to get a behind-the-scenes look at the cast and crew of The Lofte Community Theatre’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

In talking with many of our cast, a large number of them are of a younger generation (29 years old or younger), and the majority in that age category prefer the Disney animated classic “Cinderella” from 1950. This version is a favorite of Lofte veteran and ensemble member Lucas Hrabik, as it was the version that he grew up with. “And I always enjoy a Disney classic!” Lucas said. Jack Kilton, also part of our ensemble, says, “It’s the one I grew up with! My younger sister and I would watch, and it was one of my favorite Disney classics.” Jack wasn’t alone in this experience; Colton Knott, who plays the Prince in our production, says, “When I was little, I would watch it on VHS with my mom and my twin sister; it was always a tradition of ours to watch movies on VHS despite there being DVDs.” Colton hopes to bring the same magic to Lofte audiences that he felt as a little kid, regardless of the audience member's age!

The love for the Disney classic continues with Ellyson Stolcpart, who plays Portia (one of Cinderella’s stepsisters). The classic Disney version was the first one that she saw: “Nothing can beat it; it’s a classic! I also just love Disney princesses.” KJ Ellison, an ensemble member, is also a fan of this version. “It single-handedly made me a romantic at heart,” KJ says. “Besides the romance, Cinderella showed me that kindness and compassion can lead to positive outcomes, despite hardships or unkind people. She always has hope. Because of her, I know I can have hope for brighter days too.” Kaitlyn Severson, who plays Cinderella in our production, also loves a Disney version, but not the animated one. Her favorite is the 2015 live-action remake. “I love Lily James’ portrayal of Cinderella,” Kaitlyn says. “I especially connect with the phrase, ‘Have courage, and be kind.’ Though I do wish they had kept the songs in the film.”

Lily Pope, who plays Joy (Cinderella’s other stepsister), prefers the Broadway version. “The 2013 Revival,” she says. In 2013, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella was revived on Broadway. This version refers to Cinderella as “Ella” in the script and the Prince as “Topher,” short for Christopher. It keeps many of the original songs and adds “There’s Music in You” from the 1997 television adaptation, as well as fully original songs like “He Was Tall.” One of the stepsisters even allies with Cinderella in this version. Lily says, “It’s the one I’ve listened to the most. I love some of the new characters that were added. And, while there were a LOT of changes compared to the original, it’s still worth a listen.”

Some of the cast members, 30 and over, are fans of the Drew Barrymore version of Cinderella, “Ever After: A Cinderella Story.” Anne Pope, who plays the stepmother, favors this one. “The fact that the heroine is humble, wise, and honest in addition to being beautiful is a big selling point for me.” Charity Baker, an ensemble member, also enjoys this version. “When I was a kid, I loved the Disney Cinderella story. In my 20s, I enjoyed Ever After, and later my own children introduced me to ‘A Cinderella Story,’ with Hillary Duff. But somehow this version was completely unknown to me. I cannot believe that after all my years studying music and educating students, I had never encountered this version. I hope the audience will fall in love with the music the same way I have!” Pianist Suzanne mentions that her favorite is the Julie Andrews version, originally broadcast in 1957. Wendy Allen, who plays the Queen, is partial to “Hey, Cinderella,” a muppet retelling of the story, as it was the one she grew up watching. Wendy recalls getting to see a similar play, not Cinderella, but the Wizard of Oz, when she was a child. “We got to meet the cast afterward,” Wendy said, “and when I saw Glinda, the good witch, all sparkling and smiling, I was hooked on theatre. I hope that this show can spark that love in a new generation!”

Andrew Jones, a member of the ensemble, hasn’t had a lot of interaction with the story of Cinderella: “I haven’t even seen the original Disney version!” he says. “But I honestly think our production of Cinderella is my favorite. I love seeing how our cast brings these characters to life and creates this amazing fantasy world.”

Scott Pope, who portrays the King in this production, recalls his favorite version of Cinderella was performed by The Lofte Community Theatre in 1991. “I was 21 years old and was fortunate to be cast in that production. I look back, and there are still cast members I consider friends. It was when I met my now-wife, Anne Pope (née Dobbs, who is portraying the stepmother in this production). I remember the gentleman who played the King, and I remember thinking how old he was then. I now realize that he was younger then than I am now, playing the King. The show was simple and sweet and told the timeless story of love overcoming all.” And that is what Scott really loves about this production. “The beauty of Cinderella is that the audience already knows the plot. There’s no need to hyperfocus on who is good, who is bad, or wonder if she’ll find the prince. It changes how the show is experienced.” Anne remembers this production as well. She says, “I’m happy that Scott and I found our ‘Happily Ever After,’ with each other, and I’m just ecstatic that in this production, 35 years later, we have lines! However, being cast as the wicked stepmother has given me pause,” she says. “I hope that I was selected for this part based upon my strong comedic talents and not my unsightly appearance! As we have been rehearsing, my daughter Lily asks why I don’t remember some of the songs. I told her ‘I wasn’t in that scene, and I was probably backstage flirting with your dad at the time!” Lily, who is also in the show and plays a stepsister, can’t wait for people to see this show. “It’s classic fairy-tale bliss!” she says.

In fact, the whole cast believes this will be a play to remember! Lucas encourages everyone to come and bring their family. “It’s full of fantasy, love, and adventure!” he says. While Andrew has been impressed with the cast, “This show has some amazing talent in all aspects!” And Jack has been truly enjoying his time: “It’s been a lot of fun to work on, and I hope those who see it enjoy it!” KJ is enjoying this show as their first experience in community theatre: “I’m having a lovely time!”

Colton, the Prince says, “It’s been a joy to work on such a classic musical. Bringing R&H to light is no easy feat, but I’m proud of the production!” Colton did mention that if he hadn’t been cast as the Prince, he would have wanted to dress up as one of the mice! Kaitlyn, our Cinderella, says that she is excited to have people come and see it! “I can’t wait until they can experience the magic live! This story is a classic and is so dear to the hearts of many people. I believe we’re doing a good job bringing something new and marvelous to this already magical show.” Don’t let this magic pass you by; get your tickets today! Visit lofte.org/tickets or call 402-234-2553. Performances are July 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31; August 1, 2. Shows start at 7:00 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 2:00 on Sundays. The concession stand will open 1 hour before the show, and the house will open 45 minutes before the show.