It’s Cinderella perhaps like you’ve never seen it: The glorious Rodgers & Hammerstein songs will be there, but Oak Park and River Forest High School’s student production that opened March 1 has a modern twist featuring empowered characters and a touch of comedy.
This is in addition to a cast of 90, an orchestra of 38 and a stage crew of 50. The production runs through March 8.
Michelle Bayer, chair of the Performing Arts Department and the director of the show, said she was drawn to the 2013 Broadway adaptation for its great music.
Audience can expect to hear classic songs like “Impossible” and “In My Own Little Corner,” but she added: “The production has got a newer, more modern flair for it with some feminist views… There is a lot of comedy, and we want the audience to enjoy it. We also are stressing that a woman gets to choose what she does.”
For example, she said, Cinderella doesn’t drop the shoe – but carefully places it on the stairs. The prince doesn’t grab her for a kiss; it’s more of the choice of two adults.
In addition, the show features a large orchestra.
“Our current orchestra teacher, Patrick Pearson, had said: ‘I’d really like to feature our large robust string program in the musical this year,’” she said.
Bayer said that OPRFHS is one of the rare schools that produces a show of a big scale, but that this comes will challenges. Her vision comes from her recollections of her high school days being involved as a freshman in her first musical, at a time where chances for kids to participate were smaller.
“I always felt like we would try to include as many kids as we possibly could in our big winter musical,” she said. “So, while there’s challenges on putting 90 children on stage and fitting 38 instruments in the pit and finding places for all the crew kids, we just feel very strongly about trying to keep our program as inclusive as possible and giving kids as many opportunities as possible.”
Careful coordination ensures a smooth production, with daily rehearsals and production meetings keeping the team aligned. Student involvement extends beyond acting; tech team members contribute lighting, scenic and costume designs.
“One student in our costume design program is creating transformation dresses and period costumes, which is a huge challenge,” Bayer said.
Opening night on March 1 featured “Invitation to the Ball,” where attendees enjoyed a red carpet, photo booths and flower bouquets for sale, with the cast dressed in elegant ball attire. On March 2, senior citizens were treated to a special reception and complimentary tickets, followed by a coffee chat with the director.
As the show continues its run, audiences can still catch upcoming performances, including the Theatre Alumni Welcome Event on March 7 and the Senior Student Celebration on closing night, March 8.
The production, which runs two and a half hours, promises “fun, live music, comedy, and even some audience participation,” Bayer said.
Beyond the spectacle, Bayer hopes the production fosters collaboration and self-expression. whether it’s through music performance or technical prowess. “We want every kid to find a moment to shine in that collaborative process.” She said.
“The best way to support OPRFHS theater is to come and see our shows because all the ticket sales go right back to the theater program,” she said.”
Get tickets at https://qrco.de/bfn0no.