Cinderella onstage with live music

WAUPACA –The Waupaca Community Theatre will present Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s classic fairytale musical, “Cinderella.”
“Among the many adaptations of this classic story, this version of Cinderella stood out to me for its meaningful message and rich character depth. It also provided many creative opportunities for theatrical illusions and scenic designs,” said Director Justin Schilling.
This is Shilling’s second time directing for WCT after having been onstage for several shows.
Cast member Hannah Verstegen, who portrays Ella (short for Cinderella), said, “Bringing Cinderella to life has shown me that her story is so much more than a fairytale. It’s about resilience, kindness, and believing in yourself even when others bring you down. These are all lessons that are just as important today as they were when the show was first written.”
The cast numbers 41 and the production involves over 100 people. The 18-piece pit orchestra will be conducted by Waupaca graduate John Kelley, who played percussion in several NYC Broadway shows. He returned to Waupaca with his family in 2001 and has been the chairman of WCT since 2005.

“Each year, we try to present something to the greater Waupaca community that is not only enjoyable for the participants but also for the audience members. The shows vary from the old chestnuts like “Hello, Dolly!” to more mature shows such as “Sweeney Todd” so we don’t necessarily cater to a specific age group or musical style. This will be my 17th summer production for which I’ve contracted and conducted the pit orchestra and I’m proud to say that WCT is one of the few remaining community theatre groups in central Wisconsin that still continues to provide live music rather than pre-recorded instrumental accompaniment,” said Kelley.
Waupaca resident Caitlin Walbrun plays Marie, the fairy godmother. “The Fairy Godmother’s magic may help Cinderella reach the ball, but it’s Cinderella’s kindness and grace that ultimately change the story. Community theatre has reminded me that the same is true in real life — it’s not grand gestures that make the biggest difference, but the way we encourage, support, and care for one another every day,” said Walbrun.
Performances will take place at the air-conditioned Waupaca High School Performing Arts Center on July 25, 30, 31 and August 1 at 7 p.m. and July 26 and August 2 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $17 for adults and $12 for children and can either be purchased at the door of the performance with cash or check, or online at www.fineartsfestival.org. The Waupaca Community Theatre is a division of the Waupaca Fine Arts Festival.