A total of 28 young performers have been selected to be on stage as members of the children’s chorus in Cinderella: The Panto.
As part of Drayton Entertainment’s audience development program, local youth are cast alongside professionals in the theatre company’s production running until Dec. 24 at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse.
“It is our pleasure to showcase the vast young talent in our community,” said Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment.
“We are delighted to give these aspiring performers the chance to be on stage and learn from the professional company.”
Over 80 young performers attended an open call in September. To secure a spot, the hopefuls had to demonstrate excellence in singing and dancing in order to keep up with the rigours of a professional rehearsal schedule.
Selected youth performers were divided into two teams performing on a rotating schedule.
Local performers Ronan Hayes and Faith VanderWerf of Guelph were among the chosen actors.
The professional company includes Danielle Wade in the title role, Jamie McKnight as Prince Charming, Jackie Mustakas as Cinderella’s evil stepmother Baroness Notapenny with Aidan DeSalaiz and Justin Bott as Cinderella’s stepsisters, Tim Porter as Cinderella’s friend Buttons, Matt Palmer as Prince Charming’s servant Dandini, Jenni Burke as Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother along with Sam DiGiuseppe, Jason Franco, Kelsey Lacombe, Nicholas Nesbitt, Robin Warwick and Christine Watson.
The creative team includes director and choreographer David Connolly, music director Marion Abbott, set designer Jean-Claude Olivier, costume designer Rachel Berchtold and lighting designer Simon Day.
Based on the classic fairy tale, this production tells the story of Cinderella, a young woman forced to work for the horrible baroness and her aptly named daughters, Atrocia and Revolta.
When she is forbidden to attend the masquerade ball held by Prince Charming, Cinderella takes matters into her own hands. With the help of her Fairy Godmother and trusted friend Buttons, Cinderella is transformed into a breathtaking princess.
But when the clock chimes midnight, the fantasy is over, setting in motion a tale of passion, envy, injustice, redemption, and most importantly, love – the truest, purest form that ever was.
Regular performance tickets are $44 for adults; $26 for youth under 20 years of age; and groups of 20 or more are $36. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, online at www.stjacobscountryplayhouse.com or by calling the box office at (519) 747-7788 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
