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February 24, 2020
Story and photos by Joe Vinduska

������Ƶ Theatre will present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” March 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. and March 8 at 2 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium. Tickets are available at ��or in the Fine Arts Offices from 1-3 p.m. March 2 - 6. General admission tickets will be available on the day of the show for $20.��

������Ƶ student Tessa Miller, 20, from Santa Barbara, Calif. plays the iconic role of Cinderella and said she hopes to convey the time-honored classic character, but with a modern twist.

“I know it’s cliché, but it’s been really magical,” she said. “Every little girl wants to grow up and be Cinderella, but it’s not just about the dresses and the wig, which are fun, but to able to play such a recognizable character for impressionable children and bring an element of wanting to change the world to the character is important to me. ��I think that princesses are way more than just gowns and glitter and they’re very much about changing the world.”

Miller said the story of Cinderella has stood the test of time for many reasons.

“I think it’s truly an underdog story,” she said. “This character has been crushed her entire life, and the one time she wants to do something for herself at the ball, she seizes it, and I think that’s a really important message because a lot of people get opportunities like that in life and they throw them away. She finds the courage within to treat herself the way she deserves after being told her whole life she didn’t deserve anything.”

������Ƶ music major Robert Brining, 18, of Great Bend plays��Prince Topher, and said the message of the show is not only a fairytale about a prince and a princess but much more.

“This is more of a story about a young man who’s confused about his life and wants to find a purpose,” he said.�� “Cinderella is that key to his life and discovering what he wants to do with his life, which is to become a great and fair king, and her role was crucial in that sense. This is a great production and I’m very excited to be a part of it.”

������Ƶ Theatre Director Miller James said creating a fantastic experience from every aspect of the show was his priority.

“The production is stunning,” he said. “There are all the familiar characters of the fairytale with a few new twists put in. Expect to see fantastic costumes, beautiful singing, and some rip-roaring comedy.�� The show is full of magic and it looks like it came right out of the pages of a well-illustrated storybook. Our Cinderella is a strong young woman who only wants to help the Prince Topher find his way as he ascends the throne to become King. It’s a story of compassion, friendship, democracy and, of course, true love. It’s magic that is sure to touch your heart!”

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” is the new Broadway adaptation of the classic musical. This contemporary take on the classic tale features Rodgers & Hammerstein's most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It's Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” alongside a hilarious and romantic libretto by Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane as well as some new characters.

������Ƶ Director of Choral Activities Sara Oberle is the Musical Director and ������Ƶ Dance Instructor Danika Bielek is the Choreography Director. ������Ƶ Director of Instrumental Activities Dr. Luis Palacios is the Orchestra Conductor.

For ticket information go to or call (620) 792-9391. For information about the show, please contact James at��millerj@bartonccc.edu��or (620) 792-9205.