Navya Katru

The official poster for “Cinderella.”

Westford Academy Theatre Arts (WATA) will be performing Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella on Friday, Nov. 21, and Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m, and on Saturday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m.

The show stars junior Maya Galli as Cinderella, sophomore Austin Kane as Prince Christopher, and seniors Viktoria Kariuki and Ella Trethaway alternating in the role of Fairy Godmother, who will perform in three shows each. Two shows already took place on Nov. 14 and 15.

The Enchanted Edition of Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is based on the 1997 television version starring Brandy Norwood and Whitney Houston. The show features Rodgers & Hammerstein’s original score from the classic fairytale.  Songs like “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago” are included in the musical.

According to director Maggie Sulka, this edition, while maintaining reference to the original story, emphasizes a modern message about inner strength and taking charge of one’s own path. The narrative grants both Prince Christopher and Cinderella significant agency, as it follows their internal struggles. The story illustrates how they grow to understand themselves while simultaneously discovering a connection in one another.

“The fairy godmother reminds Cinderella that she has to be the one to make her wish come true,” Sulka said. “At the beginning of the play, Cinderella is really stuck, but the appearance of the fairy godmother helps her take a risk. Yes, the fairy godmother helps with a pretty dress and how to get to the ball, but Cinderella has to take action.”

According to Kane, the story of Cinderella portrayed in the play is both beautiful and relevant today.

“I hope the audience is able to take away the message of how perseverance and the power of believing in oneself can take a person very far in life. Also, don’t let other people put you down, and say, ‘I can, so I will,'” Kane said.

Kane noted that the numerous hours of rehearsals have helped him make the role of Prince Christopher his own.

“I wanted to stick to the script but also make my own authentic portrayal of Christopher. Feeling comfortable during rehearsals has allowed me to take risks and improve my performance,” Kane said.

According to junior and puppeteer Ana Prophete, bringing Cinderella’s story to life has been particularly special for the cast and crew. Prophete operates one of the mouse puppets featured in the production. The show includes multiple animal puppets which act as companions to Cinderella and assist in key scenes.

“Cinderella is a classic story that everyone knows and loves, and being able to present it to people of all ages has been a truly magical experience for us,” Prophete said.

The family-friendly production has already drawn attention from younger students and local families, many of whom are eager to see the classic story reimagined on stage.

“I think what we really need right now as a society is some hope, and this musical certainly gives that. This is a story about love and magic and following your dreams […] so I hope everyone who comes appreciates the beauty and is able to leave the theater with a smile on their faces,“ Galli said.

Tickets to WATA’s production of Cinderella can be bought online or at the door for $25 for adults and $15 for students.