Olivia Carofano, Blogs Editor
@OCarofano32144
New Canaan High School’s “Cinderella,” premieres tonight, May 31. The cast will be performing and producing Rodgers and Hammerstein’s version of Cinderella.
On opening night, the cast participates in rituals which build morale and calm nerves. Junior Bennett Gropper, who will play Prince Charming, attests to the importance of these traditions. “Before the show, the cast gets in a giant circle, which has been a tradition for longer than I’ve been alive. They really help everyone get into character,” he said. “In addition, we give comments to every person who gives a comment to someone. We call it a focus.”
Auditions and casting is a crucial part of the production as they significantly influence the perception of the show. The audition process spans three days and happens after school during the week. Students each have their own unique way to prepare to ensure that they get the role that they desire. “We have one day of dancing, one day of singing and then you get called back. Actors audition for two to three roles that the directors envision actors as,” Bennett said.
The overall look and set design of this new production plays an important part in how the show runs. Set design enables the ability to “change scenes” throughout the production which establishes a more interesting and fluid performance. ”Myself and three other people, Andrew Mili, Henry Tate, are in charge of the entire set design so it’s mostly student run with the help of adults. Every Saturday we come in and chip away at the set that we have all collectively made,” Bennett said.
Another thing that is significant to the production is costumes. Costume designer Radea Raleva works hard to ensure that all costumes follow the look and feel of the production and properly fit the actors. The costumes that are not made by Radea or other seamstresses are rented. “Radea is our seamstress and she makes some of the costumes for the leads. We rent most of the costumes and then tailor them. For the more extravagant costumes, they build them from scratch,” Bennett said. “We as actors are excited to perform the fairytale of Cinderella and we hope people enjoy.”
Be sure to buy tickets here! http://www.newcanaanhighschooltheatre.com/
