Cappies Review: 'Cinderella' at St. Stephens & St. Agnes School

By Rebecca Sullivan of McLean High School

This past weekend, the impossible became possible at St. Stephens & St. Agnes High School through their enchanting production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella." Their auditorium, once dark and bare, was complete with shimmering stars and a glimmering moon, in which wishes and dreams were destined to become reality. Meanwhile, the audience was transported into a magical world with prancing steeds, a golden carriage, dazzling gowns, and slippery glass slippers.

Adapted for the stage in 1957, the show tells the classic tale of Cinderella, a beautiful and softhearted girl, who, after her father's tragic death, is trapped within an unloving stepfamily. Whilst confined by her evil stepmother and stepsisters, she dreams of attending a ball and meeting a prince. Luckily, with the help of a fairy godmother, pumpkin, and a few mice, her wishes come true.

Through spectacular acting and charming vocals, the cast brought the fantastical world of Cinderella to life. Emmie Vajda, as Cinderella, added authenticity to the magic by engrossing herself into the fairy tale. Also of note was Sam Tampubolon's emotional performance as Prince Christopher. Throughout the show, he used powerful vocals to portray his character's keen desire for love. Charlotte Nichols, the actor depicting the Fairy Godmother, was commanding on stage. Not only did her vocals dance across the auditorium, but her physicality intensified her character's optimism.

St. Stephens and St. Agnes High School used the tech aspects to their full advantage. The lighting, designed by Kurt Gehlhoff, was incredible. The dark blue tint used for the scene allowed the twilight ambiance to linger. Additionally, by enlisting warm red lighting to portray love, and deep blue lighting to portray lust, they harnessed the mood of the characters. The choreography, composed by student Emma Lacy, was especially enrapturing. Through the performance, the ensemble performed the twirls, lifts, and waltz choreography seamlessly. However, Lacy's skills were especially shown during "10 Minutes Ago." Vajda and Tampubolon made the challenging moves look effortless, and thus, left feelings of pure love in the audience.

Their enchanting performance of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella" certainly created a "Lovely Night." From prancing steeds, shimmering stars, a golden carriage, dazzling gowns, a glimmering moon, and slippery glass slippers, the audience was engrossed in Cinderella's world of magic.