Cinderella @ Clearview Regional High School

Get ready for a glass-slipper-perfect performance of Cinderella, presented by Clearview Regional High School, with enchanting vocals, magical moments, and timeless fairytale charm that is sure to impress even the most wicked of stepmothers!

Written initially by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein as a television musical in 1957, Cinderella first premiered on Broadway in 2013, running for a total of 770 performances and winning a Tony Award for Best Choreography. The story follows the classic fairytale of a kind young maiden, Ella, who is mistreated by her wicked stepmother after the death of her father. Ella is constantly overshadowed by her stepsisters, but with the help of her fairy godmother Marie, she is able to attend the Royal Ball to capture the heart of Prince Topher and convince him to change the ways of the kingdom.

Clearview's performance was anchored by its incredibly talented ensemble members whose continuous energy and stage presence were undeniably enchanting. Every member of the 46-person cast was fully engaged at all times, bringing each character to life with expressive facial expressions and mannerisms. Their unwavering commitment to the storyline enhanced the magic of the Production, evident in every scene of the exciting show.

Prince Topher, played by Ben DiVerniero, brought remarkable charm to the production. His stage presence was commanding and confident, truly embodying royalty. Similarly, his voice was strong and rich, never faltering throughout his performance. Ella, played by Norah Stankoski, delivered a voice that was perfectly suited for her role with a beautifully clear tone, just like that of a princess. Her characterization was wholly convincing with consistent kindness and warmth. Together, Ben and Norah's voices blended magically, especially in "Ten Minutes Ago". Their chemistry was evident as their relationship grew throughout the show, adding another layer of enchantment to the production.

Marie, played by Giuliana Stout, was truly captivating with her mature, operatic voice. Her confidence in her role was outstanding, even when hunched over and hidden behind her costume in earlier scenes. Her voice resonated gorgeously, and it was clear with the audience's gasps and emotional reactions that they were truly impressed. Throughout Giuliana's performance, she not only understood Marie's character, but also genuinely fell in love with the role, making her performance unforgettable.

The set design of this production was exceptional, especially that of the ballroom, complete with a dreamy marble staircase and a giant clock in the center which brought each scene to life. The stage crew was very impressive as well, efficiently and swiftly moving even the largest of set pieces across the stage while going unnoticed. Creative lighting design also stood out, with the lights behind the clock adding a magical touch. The overhead lighting was seamlessly synchronized with the music, clearly the result of thorough rehearsal. Everything down to the color choices for each scene perfectly matched the mood and highlighted each character in a mesmerizing way.

As the clock strikes twelve on Clearview's production of Cinderella, the magic of the performance lingers on long after the final bows. With enthralling performances, heartfelt growth in relationships, and of course fairytale romance, the entirety of the cast worked in tandem to bring the story to life in an enchanting way.