The strong musical tradition continues at Becker High School as students and staff are deep into the rehearsal phase of the musical “Cinderella,” which will debut as the first production on the stage in the new BHS Performing Arts Center in December.

 

It will be the first BHS musical for director Joe Rand, who helmed the well-received three-act production of the non-musical “Up the Down Staircase” last spring.  Rand has a background in musical theatre, having appeared in several musical productions at the Lyric Arts Theatre in Anoka, where he has also been a member of the actor’s council.

 

After some fits and starts, Twin Cities music teacher and performer Renee Fletcher is on-board as musical director for the production, with Rich Kimmerle again serving as designer and technical director.  The new stage has already inspired one “re-think” of the production design, Kimmerle said, as the massive pillars that dominated the auditorium stage in last year’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat” look considerably smaller on the massive PAC stage.

 

The BHS production is based on the original script created by Richard Rogers (music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (book and lyrics) which was broadcast live on March 31, 1957 by the CBS network, with Julie Andrews in the leading role.  The production was remade and broadcast in 1965, and most recently again in 1997.

 

The show is noted for the large number of memorable songs, which include “The Prince is Giving a Ball”, “Impossible”, “Ten Minutes Ago”, and “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful..”.

 

 “Cinderella” will open a four day run on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m., with evening performances on Dec. 5 and 6 also at 7:30 p.m. and a closing matinee on Sun., Dec. 7 at 3 p.m.  Tickets are $11 for adults, and $8 for students and senior citizens.  All advance tickets sales will be on-line this year, and tickets will also be available at the door for each show.

 

Principals: Cinderella, Megan Graftaas; Prince, Joey Kimmerle; Stepmother, Brittany Bodien; Stepsister, Sara Gretsch; Stepsister, Sam Pounds; King, Joe Perry; Queen, Laura Niday; Heralds, Zach Woolhouse, Andy Johnson and Charlie Robeck; Steward, Austin Hill; Chef, Justin Kimmerle; Fairy Godmother, Eveline Meidt; Little Boy, Corey Christensen; Father, Evan Shafer; Mother, Isabel Montiero; Daughter, Emily Krogstad; First Girl, Mikayla Hiltner; Second Girl, Sarenity Klein; Third Girl, Carly Pruszinske; Older Sister, Aimee Schulz; Younger Sister, Kate Berning; Kid Sister, Lori Gudim; Sloppy Girl, Alaina Nelson; Bad Girl, Carolyn Schneider; Studious Girl, Sophie Stephens; Grandma, Katelyn Holstad.

 

Chorus: Alynna Storms; Arianna Hemphill; Bridget Bucholz; David Szabla; Dennis Hemminger; Ethan Quill; Faith Zinken; Frannie Bowles; Gabby Proefrock; Hayley Vanzee; Ian Kimmerle; Jasmine Johnson; Jenna Swallboski; Kalley Goebel; Keli Lumley; Lauren Marklowitz; Madison Diemert; Maria Sakry; McKenzie Tollefson; Noelle Swanson; Ryan Sommerdorf; Sierra Heitala; Sierra Vilmo, Tate Weise; Alli Chartier-Drehmel and Brandon Olson.