Duluth Playhouse presents Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, an exciting new take on the beloved classic from the creators of The Sound of Music, running December 6-22 at the NorShor Theatre. Featuring a sweeping score that includes “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” the magical Broadway musical is guaranteed to be the holiday event of the season.
In Douglas Carter Beane's contemporary adaptation, Ella is a servant in her own home, yearning to break free from the drudgery of life under her stepmother's control. With the help of her Fairy Godmother, Ella’s dreams of attending the royal ball come true — but only if she returns home before midnight. Along the way, she encounters Prince Topher, a young ruler in search of purpose and love. Through their journey together, they discover not only romance but the power of kindness and courage to create a better future for everyone in the kingdom.
“The origins of this fairy tale date back hundreds of years and I think that longevity is due to its constant resonance within so many of us,” says Producing Artistic Director Phillip Fazio. “People of all ages want light to conquer darkness, long to find strength in kindness against adversity, and believe in the power of their imagination. This December, we invite Twin Ports audiences to spend the holiday season with an optimistic dreamer who against all odds is keeping hope alive in an unpredictable world.”
Jenny LeDoux, a soprano and rock belter who regularly performs on stages around the Midwest, will lead the cast in the titular role. Ole Dack, who previously played Cinderella’s Prince in Into the Woods at the NorShor Theatre, will take on the role of Prince Topher. Lacy Sauter (Duluth Playhouse’s The Sound of Music and Young Frankenstein) will enchant audiences as Marie, who magically transforms into the Fairy Godmother.
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella features Jess Hughes as Madame, Kaitlyn Callahan as Charlotte, Olivia Nelson as Gabrielle, Brendan Nelson Finn as Jean-Michel, Chris Nollet as Sebastian, and Samuel Haggen as Lord Pinkleton. The ensemble includes Tyler Railey, Kristen Hylenski, Sydney Adkins, Cindy Hansen, Mackenzie Ammon, Courtney Larson, Hope Davis, Henriette Jensen Blade, Audrey Beryl, Shinedala Berg, Aaron Dumalag, Antony Ferguson, Ian Wallin, Kyle McMillan, and Jesse Davis.
New characters, surprising twists, and jaw-dropping transformations will put a spell on a whole new generation of theatergoers who believe in magic and the power of possibility.
Tickets are now on sale. To book seats, visit the box office at the NorShor Theatre Monday through Friday 10am-5pm, call 218-733-7555, or visit: www.duluthplayhouse.org/shows/rodgers-hammersteins-cinderella
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
New Book by Douglas Carter Beane
Original Book by Oscar Hammerstein II
Duluth Playhouse at the NorShor Theatre
211 E. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802
Performances:
December 6 - 22, 2024
Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30pm
Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2pm
Audio Description: December 8 @ 2pm
ASL Interpretation: December 20 @ 7:30pm
Creative Team:
Director: Phillip Fazio (he/him)
Music Director: Kyle Picha (he/him)
Choreographer: Matthew Wagner (he/him)
Stage Manager: Katy Lacy (she/her)
Music Coordinator/Orchestra Manager: Kim Anderson (she/her)
Scenic Designer: Bekah Unsworth (she/her)
Lighting Designer: Jeff Brown (he/him)
Sound Designer: Nick Gosen (he/him)
Costume Designer: Peg Ferguson (she/her)
Prop Designer: Carrie Powers Greer (she/her)
Assistant Stage Manager: Kian Arnold (he/him)
Cast:
Ella: Jenny LeDoux (she/her)
Topher: Ole Dack (he/him)
Madame: Jess Hughes (she/they)
Marie: Lacy Sauter (she/her)
Charlotte: Kaitlyn Callahan (she/her)
Gabrielle: Olivia Nelson (she/they)
Jean-Michel: Brendan Nelson Finn (he/him)
Sebastian: Chris Nollet (he/him)
Lord Pinkleton: Samuel Haggen (he/him)
Featured Ensemble:
Tyler Railey (she/her) (Understudy for Gabrielle)
Kristen Hylenski (she/her) (Understudy for Madame)
Sydney Adkins (she/her) (Understudy for Marie)
Cindy Hansen (she/her) (Understudy for Ella)
Mackenzie Ammon (she/her)
Courtney Larson (she/her)
Hope Davis (she/her)
Henriette Jensen Blade (she/her)
Audrey Beryl (she/they) (Understudy for Charlotte)
Shinedala Berg (she/her)
Aaron Dumalag (he/him) (Understudy for Topher)
Antony Ferguson (he/him) (Understudy Jean-Michel)
Ian Wallin (he/they) (Understudy Sebastian)
Kyle McMillan (he/him)
Jesse Davis (he/him)
Duluth Playhouse offers exceptional entertainment, training, and performance opportunities in theatre arts that inspires, challenges, and engages the region we serve. Founded in 1914, the Playhouse is one of the nation’s oldest non-profit theatres. Producing year-round seasons packed with plays and musicals, Duluth Playhouse also provides the community with year-round programming within our School of Performing Arts for youth and adults alike. – Duluth Playhouse press release