NOW PLAYING: 73rd Avenue Theatre Company Presents CINDERELLA thru 12/18

The 73rd Avenue Theatre Company presents Rodgers & Hammerstein's musical retelling of the classic fairy tale CINDERELLA playing now through December 18. Cinderella, a teenage girl, is forced to do all of the menial tasks in the home she shares with her coldhearted stepmother and homely stepsisters. The king and queen invite every young maiden in the kingdom to a royal ball so that the crown prince can find a girl to marry. Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters go to the ball, leaving Cinderella behind. With the help of her fairy godmother Cinderella’s attendance at the ball is secured along with the chance to meet the prince.
 
The cast, under the direction of Ellen Farnsworth and Music Direction by Keri Thomas includes  Samantha Walter (Cinderella), Kelley Harper (Prince Christopher), Donovan Arterburn (The King), Jennifer Nastu (The Queen), Maru Garcia (The Stepmother), Tarika Cefkin (Stepsister Joy), Brittney Cortesy (Stepsister Portia), Jane Haynie (Fairy Godmother), Jermaine Guy (The Herald/Steward) and ensemble members - Lizzie Bennett, Samantha Black, Casey Elliott, Antonio Rios, and Alex Walsh.
 
The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance. Adapted for the stage, with great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, hearts still soar when the slipper fits. Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, Rodgers & Hammerstein's CINDERELLA was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium.
 
Rodgers and Hammerstein created a string of popular Broadway musicals in the 1940s and 1950s during what is considered the golden age of theatre. With Rodgers composing the music and Hammerstein writing the lyrics, five of their shows, Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I and The Sound of Music, were outstanding successes. In all their shows (and their film versions) garnered thirty-four Tony Awards, fifteen Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, and the Pulitzer Prize.
 
The 73rd Ave. Theatre Company presents Rodgers & Hammerstein's CINDERELLA on stage now through December 18. with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. The 73rd. Avenue Theater Company is located at 7287 Lowell Blvd. in Westminster. More information at www.the73rdavenuetheatrecompany.com.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Ellen Farnsworth