Members of the Blue Earth Town and Country Players have been busy rehearsing for their upcoming presentation of ‘Cinderella’ on Aug. 4-7. The full cast is pictured above. Nancy Steinke is directing the play, John Engesser is the Vocal Director and Kelsey Zbaracki will direct the pit orchestra.

The Blue Earth Town and Country Players are pleased to announce their upcoming production of Rodgers  & Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella,’ their first full-scale summer musical since July of 2019. This ‘Cinderella’ is the 2014 Broadway touring adaptation of the classic musical. This contemporary take on the classic tale features Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” alongside an up-to-date, hilarious and romantic libretto by Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane.

Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’ was twice remade for television, first in 1965 for Lesley Ann Warren and again in 1997, featuring Brandy and Whitney Houston. The original Broadway production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’ opened in 2013 and starred Laura Osnes, Santino Fontana, Victoria Clark and Harriet Harris. It was nominated for nine Tony Awards. As adapted for the stage, with great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, this romantic fairytale still warms the hearts of children and adults alike.

This timeless enchantment of the magical fairytale has a cast of veteran performers and many folks who are making their debut with the Town and Country Players. The title role of Ella features Marianna Rincon, a 2022 Blue Earth Area High School grad, who has been on stage with the Players since she was in primary school. Prince Topher is played by another BEAHS grad, Zach Shure, who is also appearing in the Fairmont CST production of ‘Shrek’ as Pinocchio.

The role of Madame is played by Jodi Louwsma, while Brian Roverud (T&CP’s resident curmudgeon) portrays Sebastian. Brittany Parker, Rebecca Lynn Dose and Emily Black are playing Marie, Gabrielle and Charlotte, respectively. Jake Berndt is featured in the role of Jean-Michel, with Kurt Steinke as Lord Pinkerton, while M. Engelking (Footman) and Gus Gallant (Coachman) also appear as Knights and Chorus members.

The Chorus also features the following: Baylie Viland, Ava Petersen, Emmalee Laehn, Sienna Webster, Sidney Eitzmann, Alyssa Sloneker (Yvonne), Barb Pearson, Kim Webster (Duchess), Tucker Kuhn (Sam/Lord), Caitlin Eitzmann and Cammie Parker (House/Horses), Nolan Eitzmann and Jadon Parker (Pageboys, Mice, Horses) and ElleWilkerson (Knight, Courtier).

Nancy Steinke is once again sharing her talents as Stage Director of the 25-member cast with able support and assistance from John Engesser, who is the Vocal Director as well as playing keyboard in the pit orchestra, which is under the direction of Kelsey Zbaracki. Marianna Rincon is the choreographer. DeAnna Shaikoski is the Costume Mistress, while John Kuhn is coordinating set construction. Dan Shaikoski is the Stage Manager.

Performance dates are Thursday and Friday, Aug. 4 and 5, at 7:30 p.m., with matinees at 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6 and 7. All shows are in the fully air-conditioned Performing Arts Center in the BEAHS on Highway 169.

Ticket prices are still only $10 and all seats are General Admission; tickets will be sold at the door 30 minutes before each show. Kids 12 and under will be admitted for only $5 for both of the matinees.

Patrons of the Town and Country Players will receive postcard reminders that their free show tickets will be waiting for them at the door prior to each performance.

“Our patrons have continued to provide generous financial donations in spite of the fact that we haven’t been able to mount a summer show for the past couple of years,” states Brian Roverud, president of the T&CP Board. “We are so grateful to them for their continued faith in us and their support of community theater.”