WHS Theater Company on Stage with 'Cinderella'

The well-loved story of “Cinderella” will be on stage in a musical production with music by Richard Rodgers, and story and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.

Windham High School Theater Company will present the fully staged production with a live orchestra Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 17 at 2 p.m.

“We have a cast of 20 which includes the major and minor rolls, townspeople and dancers,” said Tess McKinley, and English and drama teacher at Windham High who is directing the play.

Taia Tieland will play the role of Cinderella. Her Prince Charming is played by Patrick Stap and her Godmother is played by Jessica MacKimm.

The cast has been rehearsing four days a week since auditions that took place after the Christmas school break. Next week they will have full dress rehearsals.

Volunteers have been busy sewing costumes under the direction of Suzanne MacKimm. Other costumes have been borrowed or rented McKinley said. Auditorium technician Marc Cote has been overseeing the set decorations.

Dean of Arts Jared Cassedy is directing a live orchestra made up of Windham High musicians, and students from other schools as well as some adults. Sheila Cuneo is the vocal director for the show.

“About 50 percent of the orchestra is Windham High students,” McKinley said. “A lot of students are also involved in set creation, lighting and sound.”

McKinley said the school is in the process of establishing a mentorship program for stage technology whereby the older students can teach those in the lower grades.

“We’ve created an extended learning opportunity where students can get credit for doing technical theater work after school,” she said. “If this goes well, we may be able to matriculate it into the curriculum.”

Seating is limited, so advance ticket purchase is recommended. Tickets are $15/adults, and $10/students and seniors, and can be ordered at www.ticketstage.com. There is reserved seating.