OCT offers revamped classic fairy tale

La’Nya Solomon as Ella rehearses a scene with other cast members during a rehearsal of Cinderella at the Ocala Civic Theatre in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. The play runs from Sept. 5-22, 2024 at the Ocala Civic Theatre. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

There have been numerous iterations of the classic fairy tale “Cinderella,” which is said to date as far back as the sixth century. The most commonly recognized versions are based on the works of Charles Perrault and, much later, Walt Disney, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.

In addition to theatrical versions that have graced stages around the globe, Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote “Cinderella” as an original musical for television in 1957, starring Julie Andrews. Later made-for-TV remakes included one in 1965 with Lesley Ann Warren and another in 1997 starring Brandy.

According to officials with the Ocala Civic Theatre, which will open its 74^th season with “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” a “2013 revamped adaptation by Douglas Carter Beane premiered on Broadway, breathing new life into the classic. As lovely as a glass slipper in the moonlight, this new version of the favorite fairy tale keeps the best of the beloved musical while updating it with a fresh and funny spin. You’ll fall in love with this charming romantic fantasy long before the stroke of midnight.”

Leading the cast of the production is La’Nya O’May Solomon in the role of Ella, described by OCT as, “In the glamorous 1950s ‘kingdom’ of Hollywood, poor Ella is beautiful, charismatic, funny, and full of hope—but she’s also overworked and mistreated, stuck in her own little corner among the ashes.”

Kiara Feliciano stars as Madame, the cruel stepmother, while Courtney Curtis portrays the brash stepsister Charlotte, with Marilyn Lauryn Shafferman as the quiet and kind stepsister Gabrielle.

Solomon noted in an email exchange with the “Gazette” that she “officially started drama in my sophomore year of high school. I joined the backstage crew at my school’s production of ‘Sleepy Hollow.’ I realized I loved seeing all the parts of a production come together. So that spring I auditioned for my first musical and I fell in love with theatre.”

She said when she considered auditioning for “Cinderella,” “I was originally aiming for Gabrielle but then I got a callback for Gabrielle and Ella. So, I aimed for Ella!”

As for what she hopes audiences will take away from her performance, she said, “I hope they get a nostalgic feeling that old movies have in my portrayal, as well as a bit of every version of ‘Cinderella’ throughout the years.”

Doing double duty for this production is Steven Flaa, as both director and choreographer.

“I have loved this show since I first saw the TV version with Lesley Ann Warren when I was 5,” he shared via email.

“This version has a necessarily updated script—women today have more aspirations than to only marry a prince—but it still has the timeless story and that gorgeous Rodgers and Hammerstein score. So, being able to share that with all of the enthusiastic young people in this cast has been such a joy,” he stated.

When asked what challenges and rewards he experienced in executing both duties, he replied, “A challenge I have had is teaching some less-than-experienced cast members some graceful ballroom dancing. A lot of these kids have never even heard of a waltz or a polka, much less danced them. But everyone’s enthusiasm and willingness to try has been a joy to be around.”

Starring as Prince Topher is Hunter Freilich. Rounding out the cast are Brandon Crawford, Daniel Boodoo, Ashlyn Gibbs, John Larance, Jamille Lea Brewster, Janik Buranosky, Benjamin Burnette, Angelina Canter, Lily Capote, Cristian A. Cardoso, Chelsea Dellinger, Tom Ferreira, Valynn C. Flaherty, Adrienne Hebert, Janea King, Hunter Leary, Adrianah Lee, Michael David Lesousky, Joan Elizabeth McDonald, Joshua Michel, Kaitlyn Nast and Josiah Naed Santiago.

The production shines under music director Jason Bartosic, scenic and projections designer Evan Frank, costume designer Amanda Jones, lighting designer Corey Whittemore, sound designer Jazmine Whipple, props designer Laura Bradford and stage manager Greg Doss.

“Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella” will run through Sept. 22. There will be 15 performances: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.

To make sure you are not late for the ball, purchase tickets online or at the box office at 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To learn more, go to ocalacivictheatre.com or call (352) 236-2274.