Alpine Community Theater finds pefect fit with ‘Cinderella’
Brenton Ferrell and Merrie Carson star as the handsome prince and Cinderella in the Alpine Community Theater’s production of Cinderella.
Brenton Ferrell and Merrie Carson star as the handsome prince and Cinderella in the Alpine Community Theater’s production of Cinderella.
Merrie Carson stars as Cinderella in the Alpine Community Theater’s production of Cinderella.
Brenton Ferrell, Merrie Carson and Laurel Brown star as the handsome prince and Cinderella in the Alpine Community Theater’s production of Cinderella.
Brenton Ferrell, Merrie Carson and Laurel Brown star as the handsome prince and Cinderella in the Alpine Community Theater’s production of Cinderella.
Alpine Community Theater’s yearly summer productions, which have been turning out since 2004, aim to be larger than life, fit for the family — and always magical. The community acting group thinks it has found a shoe that fits just right with this year’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” showing at Timberline Middle School in Alpine from Friday through July 18.
“It’s an all-time favorite,” said Laura Snyder, president and executive director of Alpine Community Theater (ACT). “It also is one that appeals to large audiences and to families, and it can allow for a large cast.”
And with a cast of around 170, lining up big productions with varied roles is a must.
“At ACT, we encourage families to do this together as a summer activity,” Snyder said.
“We have little kids, teens, young adults and adults, from ages 8 to 88,” Snyder said. “Our objective in all of this is to bring families and communities together through musical theater to showcase talents and provide learning experiences, and also to provide exceptional, uplifting entertainment to the community.”
The well-known folk story of “Cinderella” — which has seen multiple film versions and literary spinoffs — will work its magic on stage as ACT retells the story of the orphaned scullery maid who, with a little help from her fairy godmother, goes from sweeping up cinders to being swept up in enchantment and love overnight. The story is carried by the Rodgers and Hammerstein score, which will be played by the newly formed Timpanogos Symphony.
“It’s as classic as it gets,” said Merrie Carson, who plays Cinderella, on the musical score. “It’s upbeat. It gets stuck in your head and your heart in a good way. It’s really uplifting.”
Eighteen-year-old Carson, a Pleasant Grove resident who has been involved with two other ACT productions, said playing the role of Cinderella has been a dream. “My favorite aspect of it has been working with all the little kids,” she said. “They come up to you and think you’re the real Cinderella. It’s been magical really.”
Carson is supported by a handful of other characters, including her Fairy Godmother (played by Laurel Brown), the handsome prince (Brenton Ferrell), an evil stepmother (Megan Ettinger), and two annoying stepsisters, Joy and Grace (played by Cassidy Sumner and Cheyenne Lee), who help imbue the story with humor and absurdity.
“They’re absolutely hilarious,” Snyder said of Sumner and Lee in the role of the awkward stepsisters. “They work so well together. Their facial expressions are priceless and their antics are really funny. I can’t say enough about the talent of the cast this year. They’re very talented. It’s a delight to watch them and it’s been a delight to work with them.”
In addition to the show, ACT will host a Princess Party on July 15 at 5:30 p.m., and July 16 at 12:30 p.m. Girls are invited to dress up, hobnob with Cinderella, waltz with the prince and munch on a few royal refreshments. Tickets are sold separately, and little princesses must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
Cinderella
What: An Alpine Community Theaterproduction
Where: Timberline Middle School; 500 W. CanyonCrest Road, Alpine
When: Friday, Saturday, Monday, Wednesday, July15-16, 18 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on July 16 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $10 adults, $8 children and seniors.Tickets are available online at alpinecommunitytheater.org, atKohler’s Food Store in Highland, or at the door. Princess Partytickets are $16 per princess (including the show ticket) and $4 perchaperone.
Info: (801) 763-1225,www.alpinecommunitytheater.org. For information about the PrincessParty and to RSVP, call Alisha at (801) 492-1876 or Jet at (801)756-7232 by Monday.