A well-known fairy tale is about to come to life on the Bernice MacNaughton High School stage.
This year’s musical is Rodger and Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’.
“It’s kind of a classic. It’s the same duo who brought shows like The King and I, Sound of Music, South Pacific, those great kinds of timeless classics,” Artistic Director Rebecca Moore told our newsroom.
It’ll feature over 60 performers on stage, and many others behind the scenes as well.
They’ve been rehearsing since the school year began in September.
Grade 10 student Hallie Rossignol plays the lead role of Cinderella, “I love musicals, I’ve been doing them since I was five years old. I mean, every little girl dreams of being a Disney princess when they grow up. So being able to play the role is amazing, and such a great opportunity with Cinderella.”
This is the second musical for Bernice MacNaughton High School after a five-year hiatus, but when compared to last year’s performance of High School Musical, Moore says it’s a bit different.
“We have a live orchestra this year. We’re also including about 15 students from Wabanaki School. One of our school improvement plans that we work on is our community, kind of sense of belonging. So we want our students, our future Highlanders, to feel a part of us even before they join us and begin to develop a love for theatre and musicals before they even arrive here.”
She adds there are even animals featured in this year’s production including a horse and chickens.
“Although they don’t talk, they are physically present and add a lot of whimsy and charm to all the scenes. There is certainly a lot of magic and the fairy godmother and a beautiful transformation that will happen. And we’re so excited for our audience to get to experience that. It’s going to be pretty exciting,” Moore states.
Costumes include ball gowns and clothing from around the Victorian era.
Cinderella was scheduled to run from February 13 to 16, but a winter storm has put a bit of a damper on the performance for Thursday night. It has now been rescheduled to Saturday at 2 pm.
There will also be evening performances on February 14 and 15, starting at 7 pm, and another matinee on Sunday, February 16 at 2 pm.
Rossignol encourages anyone who has an interest in theatre or musicals to definitely give it a try.
“It’s such a fun experience, and you can make so many new friends. Everyone is loving and supportive, and it’s just such a wonderful experience. Just do it. So much fun,” Rossignol adds.
Some of the funds from the production will be donated to an ongoing fundraiser for a future renovation of the school’s theatre.
