Stagestruck September 2024

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Cinderella From Fable to the Imperial Stage

An Ancient Tale

The story of Cinderella has been told over the centuries in many different ways, in many different languages and in all genres of entertainment. The earliest recorded telling is by the Greek geographer Strabo, in his story Rodophis, published between BC 7 and AD 23, two thousand years ago! In his story, the young slave girl, Rodophis, is bathing one day when an eagle steals one of her sandals. The bird flies away and happens to drop the sandal onto the lap of the king. The king was smitten by the shapeliness of the sandal (he was obviously into shoes) and ordered a kingdom wide search for the owner. Rodophis is found, the shoe fits, marriage ensues and they live happily ever after. In the intervening millennia, variations on this story can be found in most cultures around the world.

Cendrillon ou la petite pantoufle de verre

In 1697, the French author Charles Perrault wrote what would become the most influential telling of the Cinderella story In his story “Cinderella or the Little Glass Slipper”, we are introduced to the core of the story we know today. In it we meet the wicked step sisters and the Fairy Godmother. We see the pumpkin and mice transformed into a coach and horses, and of course glass slippers now become an integral part of the story. There is a Royal ball auditioning a possible bride. We have a midnight curfew and a lost slipper After the kingdom wide search, the slipper is reunited with its rightful owner, and again we have a happily ever after ending.

Modern Versions

Variations on the Cinderella story have been retold over the intervening centuries in countless children’s books, on the stage as drama, in numerous operas and in early cinema as both animated and live action films. In the current era, two cinematic versions have really defined Cinderella for both older and newer generations. Both of these versions are courtesy of the Disney company Older readers will fondly remember the 1950 animated musical feature which closely follows the Cendrillon plotline This was Disney’s most successful animated film since Snow White. Along with its commercial success, it garnered three Oscar nominations and won for best original song, “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo”

In the late 1990’s Disney began producing live action versions of their animated films catalog. In 2015, they released the live action, dramatic telling of Cinderella, directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Lily James in the title role. This version added a new protagonist, the evil Grand Duke who wants the prince to marry someone else for political reasons. Widely considered to be the best live action remake of a Disney animated film, the movie is sumptuously produced. It earned an Oscar nomination for costumes and went on to earn over half a billion dollars at the box office. It features what is, in this author’s humble opinion, the most glorious waltz scene ever filmed.

A

Golden Age Phenomenon

Prior to having the hundreds of television viewing options that we enjoy today, the viewing public of the 1950’s had only a handful. Back then there were only three television networks in America, ABC, NBC and CBS. A fledgling public television network was starting up but had very little national coverage. In Canada, we had the trusty CBC and depending on your antenna and your proximity to the US border, you could receive the American networks There was fierce competition between the networks for viewers and rather limited content to choose from at the time. In the mid-1950’s, live broadcasts of Broadway musicals proved to be very popular with viewing audiences. A 1955 live performance of Peter Pan starring Mary Martin drew huge ratings. NBC approached Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II to write an original musical for a live broadcast. The duo was intrigued and started to adapt the Cinderella story as a musical. They approached a friend at CBS for advice and were told that CBS was also interested in an original musical, and that they already had signed Julie Andrews to the project. Andrews at the time was relatively unknown to the public, but was fresh off her triumphant Broadway role as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. The composers jumped at the chance to work with Andrews and Cinderella became a CBS production.

Lesley Ann Warren 1965

On March 31, 1957 Cinderella was broadcast live and in colour to an audience of 107 million people which represented 60% of the entire US population! It featured the now classic Rogers and Hammerstein songs as “In my Own Little Corner”, “Ten Minutes Ago” and “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?”. Unfortunately, there was never a recording made of the original colour broadcast, a black and white dress rehearsal print is all that survives. Cinderella was the rocket ship that launched Julie Andrews stellar career.

The success of the original broadcast could not be capitalized upon as no recording existed. In 1965 CBS mounted a new production with Lesley Ann Warren in the lead. The original script was tweaked a bit, and included the song “Loneliness of the Evening” a song originally written for, but unused in South Pacific. Again, it was a hugely watched show, and was rebroadcast eight times through to 1974.

The final television presentation of the Rogers and Hammerstein Cinderella occurred in November of 1997. A diverse cast which included Brandy Norwood as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother presented a story with a slightly modified text. Three new songs, “Falling in Love with Love”, The Sweetest Sounds” and “There’s Music in You” were added from other Oscar and Hammerstein shows.

Brandy Norwood 1997
Julie Andrews 1957

Cinderella on Broadway

Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella has been performed by numerous opera and theatre companies around the world from 1958 to 2008 It’s first foray onto a Broadway stage though occurred in 2013 Librettist Douglas Carter Beane expanded the original play to include new characters, new villains and new alliances. New songs include “Me, Who am I”, “Now is the Time” and “The Pursuit”. Cinderella won the Tony Award for Best Costume Design, and several Drama Desk Awards.

Over this past summer, our intrepid construction, set décor, props and wardrobe teams have been busy getting ready for opening night. Our talented actors have been busy perfecting their roles under the guidance of Director Henri Canino, Music Director Chris McCloskey, Choreographer Jackie Burns and Stage Manager Kate Hardy

Theatre Sarnia is proud to present the Broadway production of Oscar and Hammerstein’s Cinderella from September 20th to 28th.

Get your tickets soon, they are going fast!

IT’S POSSIBLE! BRINGING CINDERELLA TO LIFE

CHRIS MCCLOSKEY, MUSIC DIRECTOR

“It's been 9 months since I took on the role of Music Director and this baby is ready to be born! Although I have been on stage and in the pit for past productions, seeing how a musical like Cinderella comes to life from this perspective is a new amazement. There are so many dedicated individuals who contribute their time, talent and energy in so many facets of this production Rehearsals with the cast have been a real pleasure, everyone is eager to learn and prepared to do the work to make sure they present themselves to the best of their abilities, which makes the group just shine. The orchestra is composed of so many singularly accomplished musicians - after only one band rehearsal I'm already humbled by the quality of music they create Henri and Jackie and the entire production team are incredibly supportive and creative, and there are so many people who are mentoring me through this experience - I'm learning every day! I can't wait to present this show to Sarnia.”

JENNIFER KUZ & CORINNA LUCAS, WARDROBE CO-LEADS

“We had an amazing time working on Cinderella with Theatre Sarnia! Working at theatre is a new experience for both of us and the saying “You don’t know what you don’t know” truly applies This experience has certainly been a huge learning curve for both of us The theatre family has been truly amazing: everyone is so supportive, shares their knowledge, shares your frustration, celebrates success and gives freely of their time and knowledge. One of the big highlights was getting to go to Stratford to ‘shop’ the wardrobe department to choose costumes for Cinderella. What an amazing experience to see so many beautiful costumes all at once. It was hard to stay focused on just our specific needs. Even though things have been a bit harried at times it has been a fun and wonderful opportunity. “

MARGARET DUPUIS, HAIR & MAKE UP LEAD

“It has been a joy (and a learning curve) designing and creating the wigs and make up looks for Cinderella. Through the teamwork and creativity of Vessela, Sheena, Tara, Margaret, Liz and Kendra we have managed to capture the magic and bring our vision for the period looks to life. The cast has been wonderful, allowing us to transform them! It was so exciting and rewarding to see all of the characters in their finery under the lights on Media Night. The show is going to be beautiful and we could not be prouder!”

MARY JO WEBBER, PROPS LEAD

“It is always fun doing the big musicals Linda, Brian and I have been busy So many props to get, and choosing the right one for Cinderella does keep you on your toes You have to think of the time period, what would an item look like in this make-believe fantasy? I'm also working on doing some costume work, including 'dressing' the Prince's horse. Everyone has been working very hard to make this show as magical as possible,"It's Possible!" Henri, Kate and Jackie have been wonderful Jennifer and Corinna are creating beautiful costumes for all. I can't say enough for Bill and his Set Construction team and Natalie’s Set Decor team."

board of directors Outgoing Chair - Steve Gelinas

Celebrating Another Extraordinary Year!

Wow!

In a reflection arising from the business of our recent AGM, there was continued genuine evidence of an incredibly successful year comprising a “cocktail” of genuine planning, implementation and significant time and effort of a robust Theatre Sarnia family!

The collaboration and hard work shared in the workings of all the awesome presentations on our stage highlight the key to our many accomplishments We have great cause to celebrate!

Again, there is strong evidence of a most generous and unselfish commitment by our awesome Membership We are blessed with a committed and talented group who willingly give and make a superb impact on the quality of our work Every individual contribution is a huge part of the final product!

Our Strategic Plan’s Vision “Theatre Sarnia - A role for everyone” implies an invitation for all to be active participants in all our undertakings

Over the last two years, I have had the honour of serving Theatre Sarnia as the Board Chairperson It has allowed me the opportunity to witness, firsthand, the complexity and exemplary nature of the parts and people which, when brought together, make for our unbelievable accomplishments Wow, again! Thanks

Given the nature of our collaborative journey, it can be a challenge and impossibility to delineate and list all the gratitude I have for the individuals and/or groups, which comprise Theatre Sarnia.

However, please allow me to extend kudos to our hard-working Board Members for their leadership and the Executive Director and Operations for their efforts in planning and implementing the Goals of Theatre Sarnia

I encourage everyone to be active Ambassadors to proudly trumpet and share our Theatre Sarnia

THANKS to ALL for your extraordinary contributions and the joy you bring to our beloved community

board of directors incoming Chair - amanda wright

Welcome Message from the New Chair of Theatre Sarnia's Board of Directors

As we move forward into the new season, I am excited to share with you the new board members nominated at Theatre Sarnia's AGM on September 5th.

Rob Larose

Rosaleen O’Mahoney

Trevor Taylor

I would also like to say goodbye to our exiting board members We wish you all the best and hope you will be back.

Steve Gelinas

Marlene Kerwin

Mark McKelvie

Looking ahead, we are excited about the upcoming season Theatre Sarnia’s members continued support and involvement play a crucial role in our success We are grateful for your dedication and enthusiasm, which inspire us to strive for excellence and innovation in all that we do

I encourage you to stay involved and continue to be an integral part of our journey. Together, we can build on our successes and make a lasting impact. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and for being a valued part of our community

Warm Regards,

SOUND DESIGN: THE UNSUNG HERO OF THEATRE

TheImportanceofSoundDesigninTheatre

Sounddesignplaysacrucialroleincreatingabelievable andimmersivetheatricalexperience Itcan: Setthemoodandatmosphere:Thechoiceofsoundscan evokespecificemotionsandcreateaparticularmood. Forexample,thesoundofatickingclockcancreate suspense,whilethesoundofbirdschirpingcanevoke feelingsofpeaceandtranquility

Enhancestorytelling:Soundcanbeusedtoreinforcethe narrativeandprovideadditionalinformationthatmight notbeconveyedthroughdialogueorvisuals For instance,asuddenburstofthundercouldsignalan impendingstormoracharacter'sinnerturmoil.

Sounddesignisoftentheunsungherooftheatre While theaudiencemightnotconsciouslynoticetheintricate soundscapesthatshapetheirexperience,theycertainly feeltheirimpact.Fromthesubtlecreakofafloorboardto thethunderousroarofacrowd,sounddesigncan enhancethestorytelling,evokeemotions,andtransport theaudiencetodifferentworlds.

Createasenseofplace:Soundcanhelptoestablish thesettingofaplay Thesoundoftraffic,sirens,and honkinghornscancreatetheillusionofabustlingcity, whilethesoundofcricketsandfrogscantransportthe audiencetoaserenecountryside.

Supporttheacting:Soundcanbeusedtoenhancethe performancesoftheactors Forexample,thesoundof footstepscanemphasizeacharacter'smovement, whilethesoundofadoorslammingcanpunctuatea dramaticmoment

HowtoDoSoundDesign

Sounddesignisacomplexprocess thatrequiresacombinationof technicalskillsandartisticvision. Herearesomekeystepsinvolvedin creatingasounddesignfora theatreproduction:

4 Editandmixthesounds:Editthe collectedsoundstocreatethe desiredeffectsandtransitions.Mix thesoundstogethertocreatea cohesiveandbalancedsound design.

SoundEffectsSources

Therearemanysourcesforsound effectsthatcanbeusedintheatre productions Hereareafewpopular options:

Soundeffectslibraries:These librariesofferavastcollection ofpre-recordedsoundeffects, coveringawiderangeof categoriessuchasnature, vehicles,humansounds,and specialeffects Somepopular librariesincludeSoundIdeas, ProSoundEffects,andAudio Network.

1 Createasounddesignconcept: Developaconceptforthesound designthatalignswiththeoverall visionoftheproduction Thismay involvecreatingamoodboardor writingasounddesignbriefthat outlinesthedesiredsoundsand effects Closeconversationwith theDirectorcanhelptogiveyou anideaoftheemotionand timingthattheyhaveenvisioned.

Readthescript:Thefirststepisto carefullyreadthescriptand identifythekeysoundsthatwill beneededtoenhancethe storytelling Considerthesetting, characters,andplottodetermine theappropriatesoundscape

2 Gathersoundsources:Collecta varietyofsoundsourcesthatcan beusedtocreatethedesired soundscape.Thesemayinclude:

3 Soundeffectslibraries: Commerciallibrariesoffera widerangeofpre-recorded soundeffectsthatcanbe usedintheatreproductions Fieldrecordings:Recordyour ownsoundstocreateamore authenticanduniquesound design Thiscouldinvolve recordingsoundsinspecific locationsorcreatingsounds usingpropsandinstruments Soundsynthesis:Usesoftware tocreateoriginalsoundsthat cannotbefoundinlibrariesor fieldrecordings

5.Cuethesounds:Determinethe specificcuesforeachsoundeffect andensurethattheyaretimed correctlytoenhancethe storytelling

6 Techrehearsalandadjustments: Workwiththedirectorandsound engineertofine-tunethesound designduringtechrehearsals Makeanynecessaryadjustments toensurethatthesoundsareclear, effective,andinsyncwiththerest oftheproduction,reatingtheright balancewiththeactors,singers andmusicians.

EducationalLinks

Ifyou'reinterestedinlearning moreaboutsounddesign,there aremanyeducationalresources availableonlineandinperson Hereareafewlinkstogetyou started:

SoundDesignCoursesOnline Sounddesignfortheatre

TheatricalSoundDesigners andComposersAssociation Sounddesignisavital componentoftheatrethatcan enhancethestorytelling,evoke emotions,andcreateatruly immersiveexperienceforthe audience Byfollowingthesteps outlinedinthisarticleand exploringthevarioussound sourcesandeducational resourcesavailable,youcan developyoursounddesignskills andcreatememorableand impactfulsoundtracksforyour productions.

Fieldrecordings:Recordingyour ownsoundscanaddaunique andauthentictouchtoyour sounddesign Youcanusea microphoneandrecording devicetocapturesoundsin specificlocationsorcreate soundsusingpropsand instruments

Onlineresources:Thereare manywebsitesandonline communitieswhereyoucan findfreeorlow-costsound effects.Somepopularresources includeFreesound,SoundBible, andAudioJungle

Soundsynthesissoftware: SoftwaresuchasAudacity,FL Studio,andAbletonLivecanbe usedtocreateoriginalsounds throughsynthesis.

ChitovasLawtonFoundation Scholarship&Grant

CelebratingOurScholarshipRecipients:KarissaKernandAylaCoates TheatreSarniaandtheImperialTheatreareproudtoannouncetherecipientsofthis year’sChitovasLawtonFoundationScholarshipandGrant.Theseawardshighlightthe incredibletalentanddedicationoftwooutstandingyoungwomen,KarissaKernand AylaCoates.

KarissaKern:ADecadeofDedication

KarissaKern,whohasbeenapartoftheImperialTheatrefamilysinceshewasseven,isthe recipientofthisyear’sChitovasLawtonFoundationScholarship.Karissafirstgracedour stageasGretlinTheSoundofMusic,andoverthepastdecade,shehasbecomeafamiliar andbelovedpresenceinourproductions.Hercommitmenttohoninghercraftisevidentin theextensivetrainingshehaspursuedinvoice,piano,dance,andtheory

Karissa'shardworkandpassionformusicaltheatrehaspaidoffinremarkableways She wasrecentlyacceptedintoSheridanCollege'sprestigiousmusicaltheatreprogram,oneof themostcompetitiveinthecountry.Additionally,Karissadistinguishedherselfbyplacing thirdinallofOntariointheSeniorMusicalTheatreclassattheOntarioMusicFestivals Association,ProvincialCompetition aremarkableachievementthatunderscoresher exceptionaltalent

"Karissahasgrowntremendouslyovertheyears,bothasaperformerandasanindividual," saidBrianAustin,ExecutiveDirectoroftheImperialTheatreandTheatreSarnia."Her passionformusicaltheatreandherdedicationtoimprovingherskillsistrulyinspiring.We areincrediblyproudofheraccomplishmentsandarehonoredtosupportherasshetakes thisnextstepinherjourney."

Karissa Kern

AylaCoates:AVisionaryinMediaProduction

InadditiontoKarissa’sscholarship,wearethrilledtoawardaGranttoAylaCotes.Ayla’s energy,herfocusoncreatingpositivemedia,andherpassionformentoringyoungerpeers madeherstandoutduringtheselectionprocess Withasolidfoundationinmedia productionfromhertimeatSt Patrick'sCatholicHighSchoolandhomeschooling,Aylais nowplanningtostudyMediaProductionatTorontoMetropolitanUniversity(TMU) Hervision forusingmediatoinspireothersandcontributecreativelytothecommunityimpressedthe selectioncommittee.

"Ayla'spassionfortheartsandherthoughtfulinterviewanswersshowedaclearvisionfor herfuture,"saidAustin "WebelievethatsupportingAylawillnotonlybenefitherbutalso enrichourcommunitythroughherfuturecreativecontributions" Lookingahead,there’sexcitementaboutthepossibilityofinvitingAylabacktoruna workshopwithlocalexpertsMarkBanduraandIanAlexander,furtherstrengtheningthe connectionbetweenTheatreSarniaandthenextgenerationofcreativeprofessionals.

SupportingOurFutureStars

TheChitovasLawtonFoundationScholarshipandGrantareawardedtoindividualswho demonstrateexceptionaltalent,dedication,andacommitmenttothearts BothKarissa andAylaexemplifythesequalities.TheatreSarniaandtheImperialTheatreareproudto supporttheireducationalandprofessionaljourneys.

Welookforwardtofollowingtheirsuccessesandcelebratingtheirachievementsas theycontinuetopursuetheirpassions

Ayla Coates

BEHIND THE SCENES

SET DECOR WORKSHOP

In August, we had the pleasure of being treated to a set decor workshop, led by our very own Alex Westelaken (Set Decor Lead - Theatre Sarnia’s Little Mermaid) This workshop, hosted at our Campbell street facility, covered many important aspects of set decor, including proper care for materials to ensure longevity and how to pick the right materials for your projects Workshop participants got to try their hand at several different painting techniques, including dry brushing, splattering, stippling, and stenciling. They were also introduced to methods for achieving different looks and textures with paint, such as woodgrain, stone/rock, and bricks. It was wonderful to see so many eager participants expanding their skills! Thank you to Alex for this incredible opportunity! Please stay tuned for more exciting workshop offerings coming up this fall. If you have an idea or suggestion for a workshop, please reach out to jburns@imperialtheatre.net

SET CONSTRUCTION CREW

Theatre Sarnia’s crew of volunteer builders are the unsung heroes of our theatre. When they aren’t out killing it on the golf course, the build crew puts in hours of hard work to make our theatre and our productions look their best Not only do they build incredible sets at the Campbell St workshop, they also do work within the theatre

To prepare for our busy upcoming season, the team recently replaced 10 of the stage floor panels, ensuring that our cast and crews have a clean, beautiful, and safe surface to work on They also helped install two lines of scenic track in preparation for our upcoming production of Cinderella. This will allow us to move set backdrops on and off stage quickly and smoothly. Finally, the team built the theatre a cart for hauling around the many types of cable that the staff uses on a daily basis.

The next time you see a member of our build team, make sure to thank them for all the hard work they do to make our theatre and our productions look beautiful and run smoothly!

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