‘Cinderella’ story

The Salem High School music department will present Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella," 2013 Broadway version, on stage before a live audience this weekend. Scheduled performances include 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Cost is $13 for adults and $11 for students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting the Salem City Schools website, scrolling down to the bottom of the page to "Quaker Box Office" and choosing a date and time of performance as well as the row and seat to reserve. Seats are limited due to Covid restrictions. All audience members are required to wear a mask at the performance.

Attila Samu, director of vocal music, along with assistant director Loriina Moffett have been working with a cast of 28 talented students to present this timeless show, which was abruptly halted four weeks before production last school year because of Covid-19.

Cinderella is a musical in two acts with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Douglas Carter Beane. The story is derived from the fairy tale Cinderella, particularly the French version "Cendrillon Ou La Petite Pantoufle de Verre" by Charles Perrault.

The story concerns a young woman forced into a life of servitude by her cruel stepmother. She dreams of a better life, and with the help of her fairy Godmother, Cinderella is transformed into an elegant young lady and is able to attend the ball to meet her Prince. In this version, she opens the Prince's eyes to the injustice in his kingdom.

The 2013 adaptation was the first version of Cinderella with the Rodgers and Hammerstein score mounted on Broadway. The new book by Beane introduces several new characters and a sympathetic stepsister, and the score features several additional Rodgers and Hammerstien songs. The newer stage production was nominated for nine Tony awards, winning one for Best Costume Design.

The idealistic and hopeful Cinderella (Ella) is portrayed by Paige Whitehill. The misguided, but genuine and kindhearted Prince Topher is played by Josiah Haas. The kingdom's Lord Chancellor and Topher's trusted advisor is portrayed by Joey Tungate. Jean Michel, a feisty, passionate peasant determined to make a change for the starving class and who also has a crush on Gabrielle, one of the two stepdaughters, is played by Logan Hovorka.

Haleigh Mroczkowski plays the selfish and unapologetic stepmother, Madame. Gabrielle, one of the two stepdaughters that is empathetic and witty, especially to Cinderella, is played by Dana Griffith. Charlotte is the other stepsister, who is more snooty and self-centered and bratty, played by Katie McFarland.

Marie, a friend to Ella and the town's resident crazy lady and beggar woman, is actually her fairy godmother. She is played by Mallory Hudson. Lord Pinkleton, the right-hand man to the Lord Chancellor who announces royal balls, banquets and even weather to the villagers, is played by Noah Stecker.

Rounding out the cast are: Rachel Fowler, Nathan Franklin, Star Fritz, Isaac Godfrey, Emma Hammers, Lainey Haas, Lily Hill, Camryn Mark, Olivia May, Megan Miller, Jillian Pieren, Gabby Ripley, Elyse Schmitt, Megan Spielman, Isabella Stewart, Lana Tonkinson and Mia Vigliotti.