Raleigh Little Theatre's CINDERELLA Opens this Friday

As the crisp winter air arrives, inside Raleigh Little Theatre, things begin heating up. Cinderella has been entrancing audiences of all ages for thirty-one years with its spectacles of comedic repertoire and phenomenal character dynamics. Year by year, the show has brought forth new design elements and consistent entertainment which has influenced the growth of attendance to reach record numbers. The talented team of Rod and Nancy Rich direct Cinderella once again after showing meticulous artistry with the 30th Anniversary production last year.

This year, familiar faces from the RLT community will join the beloved production. Vocally gifted and the ever rapturous Tina Morris-Anderson, who has performed in RLT's Caroline, or Change as The Moon and smash-hit, Hairspray as Motormouth Maybelle will encompass the enchanting role of the Fairy Godmother. Lauren Knott will perform as Cinderella herself, stepping in to the lead role after participating in the ensemble of the last two productions.

Enchanting stagecraft and a divine vocal power has Tina Morris-Anderson filling the magical shoes of this year's Fairy Godmother with grace, talent and excitement. Known to theatre-goers for her prior performance involvement, Tina will take on a cherished part of this thirty-one year long tradition as the first African-American Fairy Godmother. When asked about her biggest challenge, Tina said it was to, "work on her upper body strength- there is a lot of wand waving!" By channeling her "inner magic" Tina is sure to entrance viewers for this spectacular performance.

Returning to the stage once again, Lauren Knott, fills the glass slippers of Cinderella in her third year with this production. As an acclaimed performer in productions with North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre (Xanadu and Steel Magnolias), Lauren is sure to attribute once again to this years production, her flair and charisma. Lauren auditioned several times for the role of Cinderella, and it was her drive and motivation that kept her coming back, fueling her passion for theatre as a whole. Her five-year experience in classical voice has her excited to participate in the production, calling it an "absolute dream." Lauren shares her thoughts on the adaptations for this years rendition believing that, "the changes we've made this year really benefit the story as a whole, especially in making Cinderella a role model for all the young people coming to see the show."

Witty and creative, this thirty-one year long tradition is anything but mundanely traditional. Comical and other enticing contributions through various outlets within the production keeps audiences wanting more year after year, influencing attendee's to see what visionary innovations are derived with each performance. Raleigh Little Theatre entraps the interest of the community with its unique approach to the Ugly Stepsisters. Sarcasm, wit and uproarious persona's make Henrietta (played by Timothy Cherry) and Gertrude (played by Dennis Poole) pivotal comedic elements not seen any other Cinderella production. Feeding into the non-traditional aspects, the Ugly Stepsisters also have their own Facebook, giving new and old fans the opportunity to interact with the sisters, and personally become immersed in the thematics and hilarity of the production itself.

For thirty-one years, Raleigh Little Theatre has been able to attribute to the community culture, a production which has formed lasting family traditions. This December 11th, Raleigh Little Theatre will involve itself with the community even more by partnering up for the second time, with WRAL's "Coats for the Children." For every ticket sold, a donation of $10 will be given to the Salvation Army. These donations are what help provide families in need with warm winter coats.

As the temperatures begin to drop this winter, remember that tickets for all events at Raleigh Little Theatre can be purchased by calling the box office at (919) 821-3111, Monday through Friday from Noon-5:00pm. Or, visit the theatre website at www.raleighlittlethatre.org for production information and ticket purchases.

Cinderella runs from December 5th until December 20th. Thursday and Friday performance showings are at 7:30pm while Saturday and Sunday performance showings are 1:00pm and 5:00pm. All tickets are $33 (including tax) and the show will be in the Cantey V. Sutton Theatre.

 

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