By Rosie Smith
McNicholas theatre performs the double cast musical Cinderella from March 13-15 in the McNicholas High School Larry Bogenschutz Gym.
Theater teacher and director Leslie Baum, vocal music director Lauren Bridges Loyer and the Thespian Troupe worked together to bring the musical to McNick. Baum and Loyer explained that the double cast was to give as much opportunity for students to be a lead and to feature as many students as they could. “We have almost double the number of people who are ready for a lead role than we do leads,” Loyer said. Baum also explained this was a way of pulling the community together.
Baum had already thought of the idea of Cinderella at the end of the 2023-2024 school year, and she explained that this musical is a re-written version of the original Cinderella musical that was updated in 2008. “I think people are going to be surprised by it, and enchanted by it,” Baum said. The cast practiced for approximately 8 weeks; auditions were held in mid-January.
“We opted to double cast and actually it has served us pretty well because there have been so many people out on retreats or the flu or international trips,” Loyer said.
“We always make it to the finish line,” Baum added.
Senior Will Tipton, (Prince Topher), shared how he felt when he found out his role. “I was really excited when I found out too, also a little bit relieved because I haven’t had a musical lead before and this being my first one in senior year, it’s exciting but a little bit nervous,” Tipon said.
Senior Lila Moeves (Cinderella) said, “I’m Cinderella, and I was just really excited I honestly was really hoping I would get it, but I wasn’t expecting it because I’ve been ensemble in all the other shows that I’ve been in, so it was just really exciting. It’s a new opportunity, and I’m very grateful for that,” Moeves added.
Senior Emily Richmond (Stepmother) shared her experience in all four years of being in theatre. “I love being in there, it’s such a supportive group, being a part of that tight nit community,” Richmond said. Cinderella was her favorite princess growing up. “It’s really cool to be a part of the show and dig deeper into the characters,” Richmond added.
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The seniors explained that students should come to see the show because “we want them to see how much fun we’re having,” Tipton said. “I think it’s cool to see the other kinds of talents we have at this school. We have really incredible singers and dancers,” Richmond said.
Before the Saturday show, the cast and crew invite the audience for a Princess Tea Party on March 15, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Fanning Library with crafts, sing-a-longs, autographs, and a photo booth. Later that evening, a reception for 21+ Theatre Alumni Reception from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the Jeanne Spurlock Theatre.
Ticket prices range from $15-$25 with varying seating options. Tickets can be purchased at the McNicholas High School website under “Arts” and in “Theatre.” The show times are March 13 at 7 p.m.; March 14 at 7 p.m.; March 15 at 2 p.m.; and March 15 at 7 p.m.
Baum explained that the Thespian Troupe will be holding a cleaning supplies and hygiene product drive during all shows. Donations will benefit Mercy Ministries, a nonprofit organization that aims to aid those of disadvantages and who need help regaining a self-sufficient lifestyle, and supplies can be dropped off in the collection bin in the lobby at the front doors of the theatre.
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The McNicholas Milestone 