Already established on Broadway and film with their hugely successful musicals “Oklahoma” (1943, film in 1955), “Carousel” (1945, film in 1956), “South Pacific” (1949), and “The King and I” (1951), Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II went on to write a musical specifically for television. The result was “Cinderella” in 1957 starring Julie Andrews. It was revived again for television in 1965, with Leslie Ann Warren in the title role, and it made it to television a third time in 1997 starring Whitney Houston and Brandy. Eventually, there was a stage adaptation, and though it never made it to Broadway in its original form, it was frequently produced regionally and internationally.
In 2013, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” finally made it to Broadway. However, this production featured a rewritten libretto by Douglas Carter Beane and it added additional songs that Rodgers and Hammerstein had used in the show’s earliest stages. Beane’s version also changed some aspects of the story, while adding characters to make the story more robust. The production was nominated for several Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle Awards, winning several along the way.
The Garfield Center is producing the 2013 adapted version of “Cinderella”. Directed by Adrienne Wrona, the production is made possible with the generous support of sponsors Chesapeake Bank and Trust and Kent School.
The GCA is thrilled to announce the “Cinderella” cast and production staff. In the role of Ella (Cinderella) and Topher (the Prince) are Maya McGrory and JW Ruth. Each has individually appeared on the Garfield Stage in past productions that include “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, “Lucky Stiff”, and “The Play That Goes Wrong”. Additionally, JW was the Director for the GCA production of “Happy Birthday, Wanda June” and will direct the GCA’s 2026 opener “Misery”, and Maya was the fight and fall choreographer for “Noises Off” earlier this year.
In the role of Sebastian is Ian Stotts, and Joshua Hansen will play Lord Pinkerton. Stephanie Chambers will play the role of Marie, Bob Walton will play Jean-Michel, and Sharon Herz will play Madame. KT Pagano will perform in the role of Gabrielle, SR Mohen will play Charlotte, Carley Mourlas performs the roles of the Fox and the Footman, and Olivia Coppage will perform the roles of the Raccoon and the Driver.
The ensemble is filled with incredible talent, including Everett Brownley, Heather Campbell, Duan Connelly, Kathleen Cummings, Reese Ensor, Kelly Galan, Quin Hu, Oliver Lahoda, Russell Laing,
Jocelyn Matera, Samuel Mora, Cory Palmer, Cassi Pinder, Eliza Pinder, Riley Rosati, Grace Sutherland, Suzanne Thuecks, and Kaylee Urrutia.
Director Adrienne Wrona, who appeared onstage this year as The Messenger in “A Rock Sails By”, as Penelope in “Happy Birthday, Wanda June” last year, and as Annie in “The Play That Goes Wrong” in 2023, has surrounded herself with a stellar production staff. The Music Director for “Cinderella” is JW Ruth, the Choreographer is Suzanne Thuecks (with additional choreography by Kathleen Cummings), the Stage Manager is Jordan Dixon, the Rehearsal Accompanist is Michael Casey, the Costume Designer is Heather Robuck, and the Lighting Designer is Nic Carter.
Additionally, Dominic Delcoco is the Assistant Stage Manager, Kathleen Cummings is the Dance Captain, Ace Loewenstein is the Sound Operator, Butch Clark is the Technical Director and Scenic Builder, and Mark Pagano is the Dance Lift Coach. The Scenic Design is by Cory Palmer and Adrienne Wrona, and Wrona is also the Designer of the set and the production’s hair and makeup. Copy Palmer is the Master of Puppets, and Properties are by Christopher Neiman, Cory Palmer, and Adrienne Wrona. Marlo Coppage is the Properties Manager, and Costume Assistants are Heather Campbell, Connie Fallon, and Steffi Ricketts.The producers are Nic Carter, Steven Arnold and the GCA, and the Marketing, Posters and Playbill are by Francoise Sullivan.
“Cinderella” opens Friday, December 5th and runs weekends through December 21st. Because itis a family friendly musical, Friday and Saturday evening performances start at 7:00 PM instead ofthe usual 8:00 PM start. Sunday matinees retain the 2:00 PM start time. To buy tickets anytimeonline, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/1853102382109 or contact the Box Office at 410-810-2060 onWednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 AM to 3 PM.
