The Ordway Announces CINDERELLA Cast & Creative Team

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts announces the full cast and creative team for its holiday production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella," which features numerous Twin Cities theater favorites. Rehearsals for "Cinderella" start November 17 and the production will run from December 13, 2011 to January 1, 2012 on the Ordway stage for a total of 23 performances.

"It is always a joy when the Ordway creates its own production, and ‘Cinderella' will be a delightful holiday treat for the Twin Cities," says Patricia A. Mitchell, Ordway's president and CEO.

Ordway's version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" will showcase local resident Jessica Fredrickson as Cinderella, along with a return engagement to the Ordway by Jeremiah James as the Prince. James was last seen playing the role of Beast in the Ordway's 2009 production of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." Joining this duo are distinguished actors Tonia Hughes (Fairy Godmother), Reid Harmsen (Lionel), Gary Briggle (King), Wendy Lehr (Queen), Greta Grosch (Stepmother), Colleen Somerville (Stepsister Grace) and Andrea Wollenberg (Stepsister Joy).

Making up the "Cinderella" ensemble: Jack Ahern, Traci Allen, Chad M. Anderson, Lisa Bartholomew-Given, Marnie Buckner, Kym Chambers, Craig Daniel, Emily Herringshaw, AJ Hughes, Jennifer James, Jake Klinkhammer, Joel Liestman, Ivory McKay, Bridget Noltimier, Andrew Rasmussen, Shane Rhoades and Linda Talcott Lee.

Ordway's "Cinderella" creative team is comprised of Nick DeGruccio (Director), Bob Richard (Choreographer), Alexander Farino (Stage Manager), Sharon Bach (Assistant Stage Manager), Katie Hawkinson (Assistant Stage Manager), Raymond Berg (Musical Director), Chad Van Kekrix (Set Designer), Marcus Dilliard (Lightning Designer), Lynda L. Salsbury (Costume Designer), Reid Rejsa (Sound Designer), Robert A. Dunn (Hair & Make-Up Designer), Laura Wilhelm (Puppet Designer), Rick Polenek (Props Manager), Randy Ingram (Production Designer) and Jason Allyn-Schwerin (Technical Director).

"I can't wait to get started on this beautifully romantic show," says DeGruccio. "The Twin Cities are full of fantastic actors and many are going to be in this show."

"‘Cinderella' is a perfect holiday musical and it's going to look beautiful at the Ordway," says James A. Rocco, Ordway's producing artistic director. "It'll sparkle and glow just like Rice Park!"

Ordway's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" embraces the classic grace of the timeless fairy tale beloved by audiences around the world. First presented on television starring Julie Andrews, Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium. It has been elegantly adapted for the stage, with great warmth and a touch of hilarity. Overflowing with sparkle and splendor, the magic of "Cinderella" will come alive at the Ordway just in time for the holiday season, complete with festive holiday music in the Ordway's Marzitelli Foyer by popular pianist Lori Dokken. The hearts of children and adults are guaranteed to soar when the glass slipper fits.

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