Coming Up: Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at PRHS

As a beloved children's story familiar to all, a production of Cinderella has it's unique challenges. The biggest is that most people think Disney.

"There's no bibidy bobidy boo in this show," joked Beth Carter, director of the Pearl River High School production of Cinderella, which opens Friday night.

Carter has been directing for 30 years and has directed the PRHS productions of Working, The Boyfriend, Barnum, Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and Seussical, making Cinderella her sixth show at PRHS.

The Disney version has the advantage of being an animated film. Bringing the same magic to a live stage takes a lot of work, especially when the stage isn't designed specially for the show.

"The lights are the same lights that illuminate assemblies and honor society inductions," Carter said. "When you're competing with Disney and movie magic, everything needs to be dramatic and magical."

Thankfully Rogers and Hammerstein compose circles around Mickey Mouse. The music, which includes classics such as "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful" and "My Own Little Corner," resonates beautifully from the pit, which consists mostly of students.

Brian Evans, band teacher at PRHS, worked closely with the student musicians as the cast changed into their costumes. Victor Correa, orchestra teacher at PRHS, was close at hand to give pointers and Tom Hoetzl will accompainy on piano. The entire production, from backstage to limelight, is a community effort.

The students sold ads in the playbill to offset the cost of costumes and help support the theater department. The costumes, beautifully sewn and rented from Marlowe Costume House, pop perfectly from the irridescent and mystical backdrop, designed by Chantale Bourdages.

The 46-member cast is supported by the an all-student stage crew. The stage crew handle everything from lighting to sound to painting to running crew during the show. They ran around during the marathon rehearsal Saturday finishing last minute details and ensuring the cast had everything they needed for a successful run-through.

Carter hopes to transport the audience into the fairytale, which is no easy task.

"Everyone knows Cinderella. Everyone has their own views and ideas of the story," Carter said. "We still have to enchant them, enthrall them, and entertain the audience. We want to give them something that exceeds their own  expectations."

Pearl River High School will perform Cinderella at 7 p.m. on March 25 & 26. Tickets for adults are $10 pre-ordered or $12 at the door. Students and seniors are $8 pre-sale and $10 at the door. Call (845) 620-3800 for tickets and more information.