Media Theatre Presents Disney's CINDERELLA

Disney and fairy tales have become synonymous over the decades due to the animated cinematic treatments given to classics such as "Cinderella". Disney's "Cinderella" may be seen live onstage at The Media Theatre weekends in June, July, and August.

Released by Walt Disney Studios in 1950, the film is one of their most successful adaptations. The story of "Cinderella" has always been one that many relate to, so when Disney added its brand of humor and song to tell the tale of the young lady who dreams of meeting a handsome Prince the legendary story took on new life. Ever since, when "Cinderella" is mentioned it is Disney's version that first comes to mind.

The Media Theatre has Disney's "Cinderella" on stage Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at Noon. It's referred to as the "KIDS" version due to its shortened length and a cast which features young actors in many roles. The stage adaptation includes the beloved songs such as "Bibbidee Bobbidee Boo" and "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" and is approximately one hour in length.

Emily Kinka, a West Chester resident and Media Theatre New School student, plays Cinderella. She was previously seen on Media Theatre's stage in "Rumpelstiltskin" and "The Wizard of Oz" and just finished playing Cinderella in Rodgers and Hammerstein's version at her school, St. Maximillian Kolbe. She is an 8th grade student there where she serves as student council Vice President, plays soccer and is involved in track. The young actress is also a two-time finalist in Sea Isle City's Got Talent and has performed at the World Café Live, The Note and Sigma Sound.

Humor plays a large part in this version, with plenty of opportunities for young audiences to laugh and have fun while feeling sympathy for Cinderella's predicament. There are, of course, those silly stepsisters and the cute mice as well as audience participation when Cinderella dances at The Ball!

Adding to the humor of the show, the Wicked Stepmother is played by Roger Ricker, a veteran of over 85 productions at The Media Theatre. He was seen most recently as Otto, the world's oldest living tree, in "Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark". The stepsisters are played by Danielle Lachall and Amber Duncan.

The Prince is double cast, with two Media Theatre students sharing the role: Owen Mannion and Gianni Palmarini. Both have been involved at the theatre for seven years, appearing in several youth series productions, teen camp musicals, and Broadway Series shows. The two started out in acting classes and Camp Media Theatre and have been friends since sharing their experiences at The Media Theatre. Mannion was last seen in the critically acclaimed production of "Diary of Anne Frank" with Palmarini recently playing the lead in "13, The Musical".

Two adult performers, seen regularly in the youth series, are Shiron Denise as The Fairy Godmother and Tim Haney as The King. Students Josh Atkinson, Holly Deluca, Madelyn Gibbs, and Lauren Poltrock play the Grand Duke, Duchess, and the Heralds.

Disney's live stage adaptation features Narrators who assist in moving the fast-paced musical along. In Media's production, they are Scott Bradbury, Katheryn Cooper, Veronica Garrubbo, Rachel McCabe, and Rachael McVey.

The very important mice, who are friends to Cinderella, are played by Alexsa McKeown, Sean O' Neill, Alex Pollard, and Carter Weiss. Hannah Brady and Lily Sfida share the role of The Cat.

The ensemble, who portray various Town Criers and mice in the show, are Aidan Crane, Caileigh Crane, Samuel Cooper, Bridget Henry, and Grace Tooze.

The Media Theatre is also offering, for groups of 12 or more, Slipper Parties following the show. The Parties include a ticket to the show, pizza, punch, cupcakes, and gift bags. They take place in the theatre's second level Crystal Room, where the party-goers get to meet the cast for photos and autographs.

For tickets to Disney's "Cinderella" at The Media Theatre call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. All Broadway Series and Youth Series productions are produced by Media Music Theatre Company.

Pictured: West Chester's Emily Kinka, who plays Cinderella at The Media Theatre this summer

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