SCERA Shell Presents Rodgers & Hammerstein's CINDERELLA, Now thru 6/21

It's always a season for magic when the weather warms and the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre in Orem presents entertainment under the stars. This summer is no exception as the Shell's 30th Anniversary Season continues with the magical musical, Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella."

"Cinderella," which opens tonight, June 6 and continues Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays @ 8:00pm through June 21 brings plenty of magic to the stage as a young woman treated badly by her nasty stepmother and narcissistic step-sisters finds her way to true love and happiness.

It's a prince of a story, according to director Chase Ramsey, who especially loves the beloved fairy tale made even more famous by the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein. From the opening announcement that "The Prince is Having a Ball," the music, says Ramsey, "is what carries us through the work and we find ourselves woven by it. I am constantly hearing people tell me how beautiful the music is, and I could not agree more. Such songs as 'My Own Little Corner' and 'Impossible/Possible' are just as charming today as they were when they were written more than half a century ago."

General admission tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children (ages 3-11), seniors (age 65+) and students (w/ID). Reserved sections range from $14 to $16 for adults and $12 to $14 for children, seniors and students. Tickets are available online at www.scera.org, by calling (801) 225-ARTS or in person at the main office at SCERA Center (745 South State, Orem), weekdays from 10am-6pm and Saturdays from 12Noon-6pm or at the Shell box office 90 minutes prior to performance.

This version of "Cinderella," called the Enchanted Edition, is based on the 1997 television hit that starred Brandi, Whitney Houston and Jason Alexander. It later became an enchanting Tony Award-winning fairy tale with new songs and added meaning regarding the glass slipper, pumpkin and clock. "Audiences who saw it then will primarily see the same show, but I've created the characters to be a little more three-dimensional and honest than they are in some productions," adds Ramsey.

Ramsey's driving theme behind his direction is what he terms "seekers of love." Those who simply want the fairy tale will get the story, but those who want something deeper to consider, will find that also "as we are all seeking love in our lives, " Ramsey adds.

Starring in the lead roles are Jaymie Lambson as Cinderella; Parker Harmon as the Prince; Kathryn Laycock Little as the Stepmother, and McKelle Shaw and Alana Jeffrey as the step-sisters. Other players include Billy Hagee is Lionel the Royal Steward, Lauren Anderson Wade is The Fairy Godmother, Mark Haddock is the King, and Julie Jensen is the Queen.

Assisting Ramsey, who is also the choreographer, are Korianne Orton-Johnson, music director; Shawn Mortensen, set designer and ball choreography; Deborah Bowman, costume design; and Michael Gray, lighting designer. Gray recently won a national award for his light design on UVU's "Next to Normal."

Set designer Shawn Mortensen said he tried six or seven designs before emerging with a grand set that can be used both in interiors and exterior to suggest a castle, a manor house, or an outside scene. He describes the colors as "a delicious palate of pastels in dreamy purples, blues and creams."

"We are extending the set closer to the audience, and one of the centerpieces is a giant 20-foot clock," he says. "I can't tell you more about it, though, because that is the secret of the show, and you will see amazing things happen that will be very, very magical."

"This show will transport adults and kids to a place where dreams come true. It's a great family show, full of charm, warmth, hilarious moments and plenty of romance," says Adam J. Robertson, SCERA President & CEO.

Photo by Pete Widfeldt

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