“Cinderella” is presented by permission of ORiGiN™ Theatrical on behalf of R&H Theatricals, A Concord Theatricals Company
Welcome to the wonderful world of Cinderella, a story told in so many different cultures across time, from Ancient Greece through Asia and into Europe. The familiar story of a young girl living in not-so-comfortable circumstances who is suddenly transported into a world of high status. Her ascension to the throne via marriage has been explored around campfires, in books and films and, of course, on the stage. This version of the story is a little different. Yes, our Ella looks magnificent as she comes to the ball, but it is her mind, her beliefs and the fact that she challenges our prince’s world view that he comes to love, and, more importantly, that she comes to appreciate - all with the help of our fairy godmother!
This story teaches the importance of kindness towards all, forgiveness of others’ wrongdoing, the power of self reflection for personal growth, and being courageous. There is the hope that comes with a happily ever after, but it is not simply a fairytale. The prince learns that he needs to take up his responsibilities and our revolutionary takes a step forward to fight for what he thinks is important. One of the stepsisters learns to think for herself and our Cinderella learns to not wait until things are perfect. The story you will see tonight, with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beautiful music,
has a new script by Douglas Carter Beane which premiered on Broadway in 2013. Cinderella makes a good point about being socially aware and knowing oneself in order to be the best version of ourselves.
Students from years 7 – 12 have worked hard to create the best version of our production as possible, working over the past five months learning songs, blocking the scenes, creating characters and integrating the sometimes quite complex movement and dance. I thank them so much for their hard work and dedication, their energy and enthusiasm, particularly our main actors who showed fantastic mentorship to our younger students. The future of PLC Productions is looking bright!
In particular, I would like to thank two current students, Zara Paynter and Annkia Lim, for their contributions to the production through their vibrant choreography, particularly the waltzing in the ballroom scene and the wonderful pursuit piece in Act 2. They have been most ably supported by our Old Collegians, Rachel Kipnis and Emma Huibers, who have worked tirelessly to create a number of beautiful movements with our dancers.
We have a strong team of backstage crew led by our amazing Drama Captain, Vicky Xiao, who has
DIRECTORS NOTE
During the 20 minute interval, refreshments will be served in the foyer. All proceeds will go to Neno Girls’ School in Malawi. No food or drink is to be consumed in the theatre itself. Filming, recording or photography is not permitted during the performances. Please turn off all electronic devices before the performance begins.
Thank you for your cooperation.
once again taken the all-important role of Stage Manager, now for the third year. Leading with grace, humility, conscientiousness and humour, Vicky’s skills and expertise cannot be underestimated. Each production in the Performing Arts Centre is in the capable hands of students – stage managers, assistant stage managers, lighting operators, sound effect managers, crew – all students ably trained by our wonderful Theatre Technician, Mr Benjamin Daly.
Mrs Clague and Ms Bowman have supported a huge number of students to design and create the costumes you see on stage. The students go through a comprehensive design process, starting with a meeting with myself as Director, then with their individual actors as well as preparing the design brief, drawing up designs and creating the costumes. The lead characters are wonderfully costumed by our creative team!
Mrs Thomson returns as our amazing Hair Designer and Coordinator of student crew, and we are pleased to add Ms Steenholdt to the crew as Make-Up Designer and Coordinator. Thanks to Ms Hall for once again supporting the students as Back Stage Manager, being there to provide a helpful hand when needed.
Mr Hudson has created magic, not only with the students in the cast in rehearsal, but also on the large orchestra you will hear in our performance. How wonderful to be able to collaborate again to create a magical work for you to hear!
I could not do this without the support of our Theatre Technician and all-round amazing individual, Benjamin Daly. We also welcome Ms Bowman to the team, not only joining the Drama Department with her education expertise but also working as Production Manager and Coordinator of Costumes. Their expertise and resourcefulness have been amazing, and they are dedicated to giving our students the best experience they can. They’ve helped to create an environment for students (and myself) to be imaginative and take risks in the creation of performances to make our audiences laugh or cry or think. I could not be prouder of the work they do and more thankful that they are there on our journey from page to stage.
enter
Cath
Head of Drama
Sit back and
the world of Cinderella
Garrett
FROM THE
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
The timeless music of Cinderella is from one the most well-known composer/lyricist teams, Rodgers and Hammerstein. Having collaborated on timeless classics such as Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific and The King and I, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II are an institution of the genre, many of their songs earning a place in the Great American Songbook. While their adaptation of Cinderella may not be as well-known as their other musicals, the show is full of musical gems.
Preparing the music for Cinderella has been both enjoyable and demanding for staff and students alike, but ultimately hugely rewarding. Although the students have diligently focused on achieving accuracy with the music, they have further extended themselves in the creative interpretation of each piece. Extensive work has been put into giving each phrase the appropriate expression and bringing the music to life. The entire cast has been a delight to work with, approaching the process with enthusiasm and fun.
I am sure you would agree our orchestra has played exceptionally well. Orchestral writing in
Broadway-style musicals calls for an orchestra of professionals, calling on extended techniques, mature tone and range, and a musicality to quickly change styles as the score evolves. The team of students playing range from Year 7 to Year 12 and have worked diligently to achieve what you will hear. There has been a monumental quantity of music for the orchestra to learn, and this instrumentation has not been simplified in any way for students.
The quality of singing is thanks largely to the behind-the-scenes work of the vocal staff at PLC. We are blessed to have such experienced and meticulous singing teachers in Daniel Brinsmead, Judith Dodsworth, Emma Gilmartin and Eva Glover.
Finally, it has been a pleasure as always working with Cath Garrett, who has shown drive and good humour throughout the rehearsal process, providing the quality production you see today, but also fun times for students and staff along the way.
Ben Hudson
Joint Acting Director of Music
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Zoe Thiang and Ishara Saranathan
Kaitlyn Poon
Teagan Llewelyn
Zara Verghese
Zoe Oei
Charlotte
Gabrielle
Lord Pinkerton
Ella (Shared)
Allegra King
Jasmine McKenzie
Sara Maheswaran
Mia Vandenboom
Jean-Michel
Chloe Cheah
Caitlyn Cheng
Edna Chen
Sanayah Dubash
Kahlia George
Nishelle Goodwin
Oneli Gunasena
Chloe Gung
Olivia Hayden
Jasmine He
Emma Jordan
Alyson Kong
Cara Kwong
Olivia Luo
CHORUS
Avin Mira Emily Ngo
Gabriella Rojo Rodriguez
Siu
Rosalyn Tsui
Ruhani Verma Makkuni
Jasmine Wang
Nethuki Widanage
Evelyn Wijnbergen
Michael Woon
Sophia Xu
Sara Yu Angel Zhang
Sherry Zhang
Sinasta Au
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
Floor Supervisor and Fly Operator
Lighting Operator
Follow Spot
Mic Tech Stage Crew
Wigs, Hair and Makeup
Choreography
DANCERS
STUDENT CREW
Vicky Xiao
Robyn Dunn
Alyssa Mark Rachael Pentland
Doudou Chen Livy Cheung and Monica Zhu
Matilda Alim and Hannah Cheng Agnes Chung, Emily Guo, Kayla Lee, Abigail Nah, Cindy Wang, Summer Wang and Larissa Wu
Emily Ng
Hayley Li
Rachel Kipnis, Emma Huibers, Zara Paynter and Annika Lim
Audrey
Evalina
Ishi
Nethaya
Avika
Annie
Zuneria
Yoyo
Juliet
Judy
FOYER CURATORS
COSTUMES
Flute, Piccolo, Alto Flute
Oboe, Cor Anglais
ORCHESTRA
Julie Danaher Serena Wong
Clairesse
Emma Morrison
Jasmine Cai and Gabrielle Mallard
George Hronakis and Oscar Mason
Louisa Chin Tina Xiao and Annie Wei
Laura Winter
Sarina Zhao
Sophie Dinh
Elena Shiao (Leader), Rita Chen, Hannah Gao, Isabelle Khoo, Miribelle Yin and Clare Zhu
Daniel Dinh and Chloe Shen
Mercy Chai, Ella He and Carolyn Wei
Ashleigh Low
Director
Musical Director
Production Manager
Technical Expertise
Costume Design
Set and Prop Design
Hair Design and Student Team Leader
Makeup Design and Student Team Leader
Posters and Program
STAFF PRODUCTION TEAM ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to thank and acknowledge our magnificent maintenance team for their wonderful set pieces and props, and their consistent willingness to create all manner of strange objects for our stage!
Thank you to the very helpful administrative staff across the school for their support in so many ways.
We are also very grateful to the PAC staff for their patience during production week and the weeks prior and post!
We appreciate our amazingly supportive teaching and general staff for their help in supervising cast and crew throughout production week.
We would like to thank Russell Hodges, our rehearsal pianist for Cinderella, who played piano for every rehearsal and truly helped shape the music for Cinderella.
Finally, a big thank you to the parents and guardians of the cast and crew for their support throughout the process.
Cath Garrett
Ben Hudson
Emily Bowman
Benjamin Daly
Cath Garrett, Bronwyn Clague, Emily Bowman and student designers
