Park Junior High's Rendition of "Cinderella" a Stylish Success

Students at Park Junior High School enticed community members to fall in love during the fall musical production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” on Nov. 3 and Nov. 4 in La Grange Park. Under the direction of Kelly Paetsch, general music/choir teacher at Park, students performed the classical fable featuring Cinderella’s sad tale of servitude and her magnificent transformation from rags to riches. This year, roughly 100 cast and crew members were part of the show and the elaborate sets were designed by students with the assistance of Park staff members Michael Janas and David Janas. Christopher Finch, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, even designed and created Cinderella's gorgeous transforming dress.

“Cinderella” follows the original fairy tale format, as adapted for the Broadway stage and infused with modern twists, with a cast of characters that include the evil stepmother, the evil stepsister, a fairy Godmother, an activist, a not-so-evil stepsister, and a socially conscious Prince Charming.

Photo Caption 1: Prince Topher (played by Andy Elrod) proposes to Ella (portrayed by Sarah Kozar) as the chorus and other characters look on in the final scene.

Photo Caption 2: Sarah Kozar performs in the lead role of Cinderella.

Photo Caption 3: Ella (Sarah Kozar), Gabrielle (Evelyn Kowalski), Charlotte (Zoey Knipstein) and Madame (Anne Dillon) admire their beautiful Venetian glass necklaces.

Photo Caption 4: Ella (Sarah Kozar) is led to the castle by four magical white horses (Hadley Weaver-Rivera, Hope Bednar, Maddy Pugliese, Jenna Jenke), a fox as a driver (Maddie Shorrock) and a raccoon for a coachman (Riley Dunlavy).

Photo Caption 5: Prince Topher (Andy Elrod), in search of a wife, dances with Charlotte (Zoey Knipstein) at the ball.

Photo Caption 6: Lord Pinkleton (Matt Bertuglia), Prince Topher (Andy Elrod) and Sebastian (Will Aikens) in the royal throne room as Prince Topher contemplates the future of his country.