NCT Launches New Holiday Tradition With CINDERELLA

Nashville Children's Theatre (NCT) returns this holiday season with a new Nashville family tradition, the beloved fairy tale Cinderella, running December 15-22.

An affectionate throwback to the early tradition of American Theatre for Young Audiences, NCT's production of Cinderella is heavily influenced by the British "Panto" tradition of fairy tales. Much as Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is presented at holiday time on stages throughout America, there are dozens of "Panto" treatments of Cinderella presented as a family Christmas treat on stages throughout England annually.

This holiday season, NCT is delighted to remount Cinderella as a new (although very old) holiday tradition for Nashville families. Dramatized by the late artistic director Scot Copeland, NCT's sparkling confection brims with humor, magic, and spectacular theatrical effects. All the iconic elements one would hope to see are here; the hilarious step-sisters, wise fairy godmother, amazing transformations, delicate pumpkin coach, the ball gown, a handsome Prince, the striking clock, a desperate flight and, of course, a delicate glass slipper left behind in the snow - all lovingly designed, carefully crafted, and beautifully played by the extraordinary artists of NCT.

Previously presented in January 2016, the original cast returns led by Rosemary Fossee as the dreaming Ella. Matthew Rosenbaum will make sure the shoe fits as Prince Leopold and Rona Carter appears as Ella's magical Godmother. Jamie Farmer and Evangeline Richmond are the hilariously awful sisters, Tisbe and Clarenda, and Bobby Wyckoff makes his appearance as King Otto. Shawn Knight and Eric D. Pasto-Crosby are on hand as Archduke Ludwig and Baron Rupert, respectively.

The original production was conceived and directed by Scot Copeland. Company Stage Manager Dan Brewer oversees the remounting of this production. Set design is by Scott Boyd; lighting design by Scott Leathers; costume design by Patricia Taber; choreography by Pam Atha; and sound design is by Dan Brewer. Projection Design is by Colin Peterson. Fight Direction by Eric D. Pasto-Crosby.

Opening Night is Thursday, December 15, and the show runs through Thursday, December 22. Performances are at 6:30 p.m. December 15-17, with 2 p.m. matinees on December 17, 18, 20, 21 and 22. There is no show on Monday, December 19. Tickets are $15 per child and $20 per adult. NCT members may purchase tickets at the discounted rate of $15 per ticket.

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.NashvilleCT.org or call (6815) 252-4675, Tuesday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., or on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pictured: Bobby Wyckoff, Matthew Rosenbaum, Evangeline Richmond, Shawn Knight, Eric D. Pasto-Crosby, Jamie Farmer and Rosemary Fossee. Photo by Colin Peterson/NCT