Cinderella Wrap Up

The 2017 children's show, Cinderella, finished its seven-show run December 3 with an audience of 202 people, making the grand total for tickets sold soaring over 5,000. Under the direction of St. Ambrose alumnus, Kimberly Kurtenbach, the 14-person cast shared a modern take on the classic story, with a surprise ending that left many - young and old - with their jaws dropped.

Jay Edelnant of Cedar Falls, Iowa, the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) respondent, viewed the afternoon showing November 30. He not only selected the show's Irene Ryan nominees but also offered his feedback on the show. One suggestion he made was to push the modernization of the piece even further. Instead of Cinderella's friends being gray, furry, and with personalities of their own, they could instead be robotic computer mice to explore how technology could play a part in the show.

After an efficient strike, it was announced that senior Kayla Lansing, who played the practical mouse Allie, and sophomore T.J. Green who dawned a wig and red high heels to take on the persona of the Evil Stepmother, were selected to compete in the Irene Ryan Acting Competition at the 2018 Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

For sophomore Jeremy Smock, Cinderella was the first chance to be a stage manager for a mainstage show. Not only did he succeed wonderfully at this, but he also received a letter of merit from KCACTF for his work.

"The most rewarding part of this whole experience has been the reverence that I've gained for the elements involved in a production," Smock said. "When you're a stage manager, you get to see the individuals parts of the process come together and meld to make a show."

With Cinderella in the books, another chapter is added to the time-honored tradition of the children's show. The cast, crew, and audience alike walked away from the experience with plenty of memories, varying lessons, and a truly unique story to tell.