Cinderella
On 13th March 2024, the lights dimmed, the curtains opened, and the Savoy Theatre stage came alive with the vibrant energy of the culmination of months of hard work and the magic truly began to unfold. What seemed at times impossible in the beginning stages of the production process came to be, and audiences laughed, cried and leapt to their feet in applause.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, is a traditional telling of the original story and the Enchanted Version was selected as it allowed for the best song choices for our very talented young singers.
Behind the scenes, chaos danced with creativity. Props and set were infamously difficult to create and for the painting and construction of these, we thank Mrs Joni Jones and the Art Enrichment learners as well as the helpful hands of Mr Anthony Müller and Mr Anton Scholtz, without whom Cinderella might not have had a carriage. Costumes were sourced from Stepping Out Costume Hire with many thanks to Rose Cowpar and, should Leigh-Anne Du Toit not have joined the team at the eleventh hour, Cinderella would not have been dressed. We are thankful to our ‘Fairy Godmothers’ who made the transformation a beautiful and memorable one, even if it was just in the nick of time.
Continuing the magic on stage were the team of choreographers from Nicki Ray Productions, Nicki-Ann Rayepen, Seraya Mentor and old-girl Abigail Ranwell and leading the orchestra as Musical Director was the talented Ms Zintle Mbengashe. The magical trio of Ms Lara Potgieter as both rehearsal pianist and backstage manager, old-girl Hayley Libbrecht as production assistant and stage manager and Ian Storm as props master and costume assistant truly saved the day – to you the cast owes the famous ‘Pamela Pumpkin’ and for that they are eternally grateful. At the helm of the production was Mrs Liske Hemingway who served as both Vocal Director and Director and led the cast on their magical journey through ‘theatreland’.
With a very young and relatively inexperienced cast, the success of the production was a remarkable achievement as opening night marked, for many of the cast, their first time on stage in front of an audience. Collegiate High School learners were joined by little ones from Collegiate Junior School and male cast members from Grey High School and Victoria Park High School. Grade 9 learners, Avethandwa Goboza and Katherine Wilson wowed audiences with talent and maturity beyond their years and alternated as Cinderella. Prince Christopher was alternated quite aptly by Christopher Martin and Jermaine Otigo, who stunned audiences with his powerful voice even when his microphone had become faulty during one performance. Ava Beary as the Stepmother and Camryn Robinson and Omhle Manona as the Stepsisters had audiences in hysterics as the dimwitted antagonists, while Aisha Mxokozeli, old-girl Hannah Nel and Libhongo Mdani entertained and enchanted as the Fairy Godmother alternatively. Gracing the stage with royal flair was Cwenga Williams as the Queen and her two alternating Kings, Mark Taylor and Asad Pillay, had audiences giggling. A standout performance that must be noted is that of theatre veteran, Jessica Smith as Lionel, the royal steward, whose lively, witty and energetic performances had audiences laughing, clapping and singing along.
Cinderella was not just a musical; it was a reminder that within every learner production team and staff member there lies a hidden power to make their dreams come true. The musical reminded many of those amateur actors, dancers and singers to reflect of Cinderella’s words “If impossible things are happening every day, then why not my impossible wish.” Nothing is impossible if you just dare to reach for your dreams.
Mrs Liske Hemingway
