The Voorhees Theatre Company will present its fall All Ages Production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella“ from Friday Nov. 8, to Sunday, Nov. 10, at the township middle school’s Raymond J. Brosel Performing Arts Center.
“It’s a ‘feel-good’ classic that appeals to all audiences,” said Sandi Makofsky, the show’s director and choreographer. “I mean, who doesn’t love the story and the magic of Cinderella?”
Makofsky, who has dedicated more than 20 years to the theatre group, emphasized the importance of including performers of all ages in the show. Thus the name All Ages Production.
“The show itself offers performance opportunities for actors of all ages,” she explained, “which made it a perfect fit for our All Ages Production.”
The theater company prides itself on welcoming community involvement.
“At Voorhees Theatre Company, our community is at the heart of all that we do,” noted Madeline Redfern, a member of the company’s board of trustees. “Our mission is to offer performance and educational opportunities to community members both on stage and behind the scenes, and to bring local audiences professional-caliber performances.”
This commitment to local talent is evident in the cast, which includes local actors. Shaun Kin-Leavey, stage manager for “Cinderella” and president of the theater company, highlighted the benefits of featuring community performers.
“We’ve seen so many of our young actors go on to pursue professional careers in theater,” Kin-Leavey said. “It’s particularly rewarding to see them return to our stages as seasoned performers.”
Bringing “Cinderella” to life has not been without its challenges, including the complexities of scheduling, according to Mafosky.
“The biggest challenge has been navigating conflicts, especially with students balancing school activities and adults managing family obligations,” she pointed out. “Fortunately, many of those conflicts take a back seat as we move closer to production.
“I am incredibly fortunate to have an organized and fierce team that is committed to making sure everything runs smoothly.”
The production also has a modern twist, with children portraying the show’s animals instead of puppets.
“I hope the audience will embrace the new aspects while appreciating the classic tale they know and love,” Makofsky said.
As an All Ages Production, “Cinderella” aims to provide entertainment for everyone, with Mafosky stressing the show’s music, humor, choreography and colorful costumes. The rehearsal process has also fostered strong bonds among cast members.
“Watching the cast perform a complex number for the first time is incredibly rewarding,” she observed. “It’s a joy to see their surprise and pride.”
The Voorhees Theatre Company is focused not just on performances but also providing educational opportunities.
“Our primary aim is to bring professional-grade theater to our community,” emphasized Kin-Leavey. “We do this not only through performances, but also through enriching educational opportunities and our summer camp.”
As for the future of community theater post COVID, the company’s president has an optimistic outlook.
“Audiences crave the live experience,” Kin-Leavey emphasized, “and we’re grateful to our patrons for reaffirming that need for joy through live performance.”
Tickets for “Cinderella” are available on the Voorhees Theatre Company website.
