Olney Theatre Center Announces CINDERELLA Cast

Olney Theatre Center, the award-winning, year-round arts and entertainment destination, announces the cast of their upcoming production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical Cinderella. With memorable songs such as "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible," and "Ten Minutes Ago" Cinderella runs on Olney Theatre Center's Mainstage from November 14 to December 30, 2012.

Originally written for television in 1957 and starring Julie Andrews, Cinderella has since been adapted for the stage and has been reimagined for the small screen not once, but twice, in 1965 and 1997. After the success of the 1997 version, starring Brandy and Whitney Houston, the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization released Cinderella (Enchanted Version) based on the teleplay. As adapted for the stage, with great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, the hearts of children and adults alike still soar when the slipper fits.
The cast is led by Helen Hayes Award nominee Jessica Lauren Ball as Cinderella. Ms. Ball captivated Olney Theatre Center audiences last year with her performances as Sandy in Grease and Maria in The Sound of Music. Most recently, she appeared as everyone's favorite Delta Nu, Elle Woods, in Legally Blonde at Toby's Dinner Theatre.
Broadway veteran Terry Burrell joins the cast as the woman who makes all things possible – Cinderella's Fairy Godmother. Ms. Burrell's Broadway credits include: Three Penny Opera, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Swinging On A Star, Into The Woods, Dreamgirls, Honky Tonk Nights, Eubie, and Show Boat (London 1998 Original Cast). She last appeared at Olney Theatre Center as Adrianna in another Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical – Boys From Syracuse.

Matthew John Kacergis makes his Olney Theatre Center debut as Prince Christopher. DC audiences will recognize him from his performances in Parade, The Civil War and 1776 at Ford's Theatre and Shakespeare Theatre Company's Two Gentlemen of Verona: In Concert. Completing the Royal Family are Carole Graham Lehan as the Queen and Dan Manning as the King. Ms. Lehan began her career as a company member of the National Players, Olney Theatre Center's national touring company, and has appeared at Olney Theatre Center in To Kill a Mockingbird, Lend Me a Tenor and Look! We Have Come Through! (co-playwright with Jim Petosa). Mr. Manning appeared in the 2009 Broadway Revival of Ragtime. Audiences will recognize him from Signature Theatre's production of Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. He has also appeared in the TV shows "The Wire," "West Wing" and "X-Files."
Donna Miglaccio, who portrayed the radical anarchist Emma Goldman in the 2009 Broadway Revival of Ragtime, steps into the shoes of Cinderella's Stepmother. Ms. Migliaccio's recent area performances include Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man at Arena Stage and Betsy Ross in the world premiere of LiberTy Smith at Ford's Theatre. Ms. Migliaccio is the recipient of two Helen Hayes Awards.
Cinderella's Stepsisters are Jaimie Kelton (Joy) and Tracy Lynn Olivera (Grace). Ms. Kelton held the role of Little Tommy in the National Tour of The Who's Tommy. Off-Off-Broadway credits include Martha in The Secret Garden, as well as Jabez in Greenwillow and Lilly/Rosemary in The Giver. DC audiences will recognize her from her turn as Charlie Brown's spunky little sister Sally in Olney Theatre Center's recent production You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Ms. Olivera received as Helen Hayes Award nomination for her performance in Olney Theatre Center's The Sound of Music and appeared in the 2009 Broadway Revival of Ragtime.

Rounding out the cast are Kevin McAllister, Austin VanDyke Colby, Parker Drown, Maria Egler, Willow Grey, Gracie Jones, Nick Lehan, Mary Payne and Chris Sizemore.

Bobby Smith, director of last season's hit musical Grease, returns to direct this production. Mr. Smith is joined by Christopher Youstra as musical director and Ilona Kessell as choreographer.

Cinderella is made possible in part by contributions from production sponsors Mr. Vernon L. Skinner, Jr., Sandy Spring Bank, Ms. Kathleen Quinn and Senator Jennie M. Forehand and Mr. William Forehand.

Cinderella
Music by Richard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Directed by Bobby Smith
Musical Direction by Christopher Youstra
Choreography by Ilona Kessell
November 14 – December 30, 2012
Press Night: Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 8pm
Performances are Wednesday-Saturday at 8pm; matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm; Sunday 7:30pm performances on November 18, 25, December 2 and 23; Wednesday matinees on November 21, December 5 and 26; Tuesday 7:30pm performance on November 27; Friday matinees December 21 and 28. No performances on Thursday November 22 or Wednesday November 12.
Tickets are $26-$54. Discounts available for groups, seniors, military, and students.