Iola High School brings a children’s classic with a few modern twists to the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
The IHS drama department’s production of the fairy tale “Cinderella: A Play For Children” opens at 7 o’clock tonight and Friday.
As is to be expected, the play is certain to appeal to children of all ages, but especially for the younger ones.
And unless you’re new to these parts and unfamiliar with Iola’s rich heritage of dramatic excellence, it’s also to be expected that a talented cast of stage veterans and newcomers will bring the stage to life with wonder.
Nowhere is that more evident than with the casting of Catherine Venter as the titular Cinderella.
Filled with just the right touches of effervescent charm, sweet humility and curious wonder, Venter’s Cinderella will have the audience rooting for her rags-to-riches story from the onset.
Likewise, Judd Wiltse shines as the dashing prince, all too familiar with the shallow and transparent efforts of ladies young and old who hope to become his princess. Wiltse has been a highlight of numerous past stage productions, and fills his leading man character with ease.
Working against Cinderella are her uproariously fiendish stepmother and stepsisters, spearheaded by the delightful Micaiah Larney as the stepmother. She steals the show repeatedly with her cruel — and often hilarious — treatment of young Cinderella.
Following her lead are Sophie Whitney, Brynna Hollins and Karly McGuffin as the equally outlandish stepsisters.
It’s hard to root against the play’s “villains” when they have you laughing out loud with their banter.
Olivia Bannister, as the Chuck E. Cheese’s-loving Fairy Godmother, and Emma Weseloh, as Godmother in Training, effortlessly break down the proverbial fourth wall, and get to interact with audience members as they set up Cinderella’s memorable night at the prince’s ball. Both take full advantage of their all-too-brief time on stage.
And if a play is only as successful as its supporting characters, then this version of “Cinderella” could probably enjoy an extended run on Broadway.
Zachary Cokely, as the prince’s duke, and Samuel Terhune, the prime minister, are the sardonic, put-upon and occasionally flustered underlings of His Royal Highness. They get the honor of having to fend off the prince’s would-be suitors (especially the stepsisters) as he searches for true love.
One of the most memorable scenes comes when the prince shares a dance with a series of ladies — Alexis Henry, Abby Valentine, Madison Carlin, Katie Bauer and Alyssa Lewis. All illustrate, for one amusing reason or another, why the prince may want to find another dance partner.
Connor Farrell, Karima Hall and Yohon Sinclair have the most fun on stage, as they get to perform as court jesters, with a series of madcap antics and stunts.
Parker Smith, as the evening’s DJ, Skylar Brooks, the trumpet player, and Amelia Russ, Kassy Shelby, Katie Weide, Morgan Jett, Bret Plumlee and Levi Seilonen are the ladies and lords of the court, and get to partake in a memorable dance number as well.
Ruth Newton’s script adds a few twists to the plot to great effect. The entire production is less than hour.
Molding the ensemble cast is director and drama instructor Regina Chriestenson. While she’s led the IHS forensics team for the past several years, “Cinderella” marks Chriestenson’s inaugural directorial effort.
With her troupe of talented young thespians, her debut is certain to be a bippity boppity classic.
Students and children 5 and under are admitted free of charge. Tickets for adults are $5.
IHS serves up some bippity boppity magic
