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Incredible vocals, beautiful costumes, dazzling sets, and captivating acting transported Sumter to Broadway as the theater department presented the two-act Broadway version of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella March 19–21 at Patriot Hall, featuring a cast of 44 students in one of the school’s most ambitious productions to date. The production was directed by Mrs. Lori Brown, produced by Mr. Sean Hoskins, and choreographed by Mrs. Jen Reimer. The show highlighted the strong tradition of the performing arts and the dedication of students, faculty, and volunteers who worked together to make the production a success.
From auditions in September to the final curtain, the cast devoted countless hours to music rehearsals, choreography, costume fittings, and set construction. Every song, dance, and line was learned after school, and many cast members balanced rehearsals while also participating in athletics, working part-time jobs, or performing in other productions. Mrs. Brown and Mr. Hoskins led a team of volunteers who helped bring the production together, making it even more remarkable that the entire cast had only one full dress rehearsal together before opening night.
Leading the cast were Ella Sill as the title character Ella, nicknamed Cinderella, and Harris Naylor as Topher, the prince. Other principal roles included Madison Grace Hansen as Madame, the stepmother, Livie Pedersen as Gabrielle, and Sanders Warrick as Charlotte, the stepsisters. Banks Smith portrayed Sebastian, the Lord Protectorate, Wyatt Meyers the idealistic revolutionary, and Benjamin McIver appeared as Lord Pinkleton, the royal herald. The production assistants were Kira Krueger and Ethan Wilson who attended nearly every rehearsal.
Preparation for the show included long hours of graceful and high-energy choreography at Miss Libby’s dance studio, fittings for elaborate costumes including 23 ball gowns, and rehearsals on the multipurpose room stage, the Nash Center Stage, and at Patriot Hall. The large-scale scenery for the production was designed and built by students in the Set Design & Construction class taught by Ms. Tara Breslin-Schumacher and Mr. Steve Hudson. Additional consultation was provided at various points during the production by Mrs. Rainey Barrineau and Mr. George Carruth. The result was a production filled with beautiful music, energetic dancing, and memorable performances that reflected the strong tradition of the performing arts.
As the stage went dark after the final performance and the last set piece was loaded away, the cast closed a journey that began months earlier with the simple belief that, as the show’s music reminds us, “It’s Possible.” Through teamwork, perseverance, and a spirit of kindness and encouragement, these students proved that belief true, leaving behind a production that will be remembered as one of the highlights of the year.