By Anne Rusi
A fresh, modern take on the beloved fairy tale musical is how Red Mountain Theatre describes its summer production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”
“What I love about this version of ‘Cinderella’ is that Ella is the one who does the saving,” director Valerie Accetta said in a press release from the theater. “She opens Prince Topher’s eyes to the inequities in his kingdom and changes her whole village through her kindness and empathy. The idea that we each have the magic within us to make dreams come true and change our communities is a powerful message to take away.”
The musical will run from July 15 to Aug. 7.
Rogers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” is one of the all-time classics in musical theater. While still using the original score, with songs such as “In My Own Little Corner” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” the script has been given a witty, modern makeover by Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane.
Alec Hart Beiswenger of Hoover is making his professional debut in the show as a member of the ensemble. He and his fellow background actors play different roles, such as townspeople and those at the ball, which for him means six costume changes during the performance.
He described the show as witty and not what people might expect from a Golden Age musical.
“I think the pacing of the show and how it’s been reworked is incredible,” Beiswenger said, adding it is visually stunning. “I think it’s going to be awesome.”
Matthew Westberry of Homewood, who also is a member of the ensemble, said he’s “very excited to work with such amazing, talented people. I feel it’s a phenomenal show and can’t wait for people to see it.”
Accetta said she is excited to be making her Red Mountain Theatre Mainstage directorial debut as a summer break from her role as head of musical theater at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
“I am grateful to be working with a beautifully diverse cast that brings unique perspectives to this timeless story,” Accetta said.
Up-and-comers Mariel Ardila, playing Ella, and Gabriel Bernal, playing Prince Topher, are stepping onto the Red Mountain Theatre stage for the first time.
Many actors will be familiar faces to Birmingham theater fans, including Amy Johnson as the magical Marie, Dennis McLernon as the scheming adviser Sebastian and Myiesha J. Duff as spoiled stepsister Charlotte.
Colleen Bates Lance, who plays self-centered stepmother Madame, has been a favorite in the Birmingham theater scene since starring in Summerfest performances. The show also features six young actors from the Red Mountain Theatre education programs. The cast will be choreographed by another Red Mountain Theatre favorite, Jamorris Rivers.
“It’s going to be an enchanted performance,” said Red Mountain Theatre Managing Director Jennifer Jaquess. “I can’t spill the secrets of how the fairy tale has transferred to the stage, but it’s just as spellbinding as any movie magic. Our production team is pulling out all the stops to wow the audience.”
The opening night performance of “Cinderella” is July 15 at 8 p.m. Show times are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be a sensory-friendly performance for patrons with special needs on July 20 at 2 p.m. and an ASL-interpreted evening performance at 8 p.m. on July 23.
Tickets start at $25 and are on sale online at redmountaintheatre.org.