by Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The curtain recently rose for another sensational production from Walpole Children’s Theatre (WCT). This time around it was the timeless tale of “Cinderella”. The popular classic, adapted by Charlotte Chorpenning and directed by Jackie Gately, transported the audience to a royal kingdom of long ago. This is where they met an entertaining cast of characters brought to life by a cast of eighteen that range in age from 9-17 years old. At 75 minutes, plus one 15 minute intermission, the length of the show is perfect for almost any age.
“Cinderella” tells the beloved tale of a young maiden forced to cater to her cantankerous stepmother and stepsisters. All that changes the night of the Prince’s Ball, as she desperately searches for a way to attend, despite lack of a proper dress and transportation. Luckily, her magical godmother is there to give her a helping hand. But will the Prince’s goofy cousins foil her plans?
The story of Cinderella actually dates back to at least 1634, when a variation was published by Italian poet Giambattista Basile. French author Charles Perrault wrote the version that we are familiar with today, the one that contains glass slippers, pumpkins and fairy godmothers. More than 100 years later, the Brothers Grimm would publish their own interpretations.
When asked what he liked best about directing “Cinderella,” Gately answered without hesitation: “The kids, 100%. They’re the best. So much talent! They’ve all been working so hard.”
“I loved it, mommy,” one little girl, clad in a beautiful, sparkly dress, was overheard saying after one of last weekend’s productions. The little one was making a beeline over to cast member Savea Carty-Pajotte, who plays Cinderella. She was graciously both chatting and posing for pictures with her adoring young fans at the meet-and-greet that followed the show.
Have a ball at one of four remaining performances of “Cinderella”: Saturday July 26th at 10:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m or Sunday, July 27th at 2:00 p.m. or 7 p.m. All shows take place at Footlighter’s Theater on Scout Road in East Walpole. This production is sponsored in part by a grant from the Walpole Cultural Council. Tickets can be purchased online at wct.booktix.com or by calling the box office at 508-921-0542.
