“Even the most impossible things come true,” says Cinderella to her prince in Menchville High School’s upcoming production. The cast and crew have defied the impossible and pieced together a masterpiece. The long hours and lengthy rehearsals have paid off for the production crew of this year’s fall musical. They are ready to present under the big spotlight – performances begin Thursday, November 13th at 7:00 pm in the auditorium.
Originally, Director Anthony Pica and his costume designer Mrs. Ki Wilbur tried to get the rights for “Cinderella” last year. Unfortunately, it was being revived on Broadway at the time, so they were denied. They were successful when they applied for permission to perform the play this year. Pica says, “I want the play to be unforgettable for the audience and the cast. When the people come to the theater, I want them to forget what’s going on outside and have a great time. In the end, we are here to entertain!”
Casting is one of the most important parts of any play. Finding the perfect Prince Charming and his Cinderella is obviously a big challenge. After directing over 35 plays and acting in over 100, Pica speaks enthusiastically, “When I cast a role, I want to see some truth between the character and the actor.”

Once the cast is in place a stage crew is assigned and rehearsals start. The main characters for the performance are Tess Williams and Andrew Collier, whose classmates insist “they are perfect for their parts.”

Rehearsals start with basic warm-ups – anything from tongue twisters to the Hokey Pokey, before cast and crew settle in to the “practice and repeat” work of getting lines, props and stage movement right. Some rehearsals last two or three hours while others go to around nine at night. Scenes are often rethought, props are distributed, and costumes are altered. Each day items are checked off the “to do list” and other items are added. Every somersault, angry strut, and excited mob must be “blocked” or coordinated on stage and on point. Stage hands are constantly dashing to and fro rolling props and checking scripts before the curtain rises. Performers stand off in the shadow of the curtain awaiting their cue and summing up their courage before stepping into the spotlight.

Mrs. Ki Wilbur has been a costume designer at Menchville ever since her daughter, Jessica Wilbur, was cast in “Our Town” two years ago. She volunteered to help with costumes and Pica discovered her gift for sewing and has been asking her back ever since. She proudly states that she has been developing her talent for sewing since she was 6, and has made costumes for “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Wizard of Oz.”  She planned the staging and costumes with Pica and spent approximately 6 weeks researching. “It’s exhausting.” says Mrs. Wilbur. “It takes away from my family. I work too.” She says that doing it is fun but is unsure whether she will return next year.

Abigail’s Attic, a local sound company, provides the perfect lighting, sound, and technological support. There are about 23 different microphones on stage so everyone can be heard clearly. “They’re just like Broadway!” exclaims Representative Ric Donzell. The microphones for main leads cost about $600 and smaller microphones cost about $150. There’s also a backstage system where the crew can monitor the volume and tone of each microphone. Last year’s production of Beauty and the Beast was much more ‘physical’ than Cinderella, so there were more setbacks with technology. This is Abigail’s Attic’s fourth year of providing sound for Menchville theater productions
Mr. Pica, his students and volunteers have once again survived the hectic and jam-packed work that every theater production requires. Pica says, “Cinderella is absolutely amazing. The acting is incredible. The singing and dancing are great. The costumes are gorgeous. The set is fun and the carriage is beautiful. There is so much talent on that stage. It really will be a night to remember!”
Come see Cinderella this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7PM. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.