Cinderella @ Highland High School

What if magic didn't need wands but rather merely spells, a stage, a spotlight, and a cast willing to believe in it? Highland Regional High School's production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella answers that question with charm and imagination!

Glass slippers, royal balls, and fairy godmothers have been part of the Cinderella story for generations, but Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella adds something special: music! Written by legendary Broadway duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the musical first aired live on television in 1957 and quickly became a classic. Its mix of romance, humor, and heartfelt songs has kept this beloved fairytale alive for audiences of all ages.

Highland Regional High School's production brought the fairytale to life with a beautiful set and a cast that made every moment shine. Scenery transformed the stage into a royal kingdom, while lively ensemble numbers filled the show with color and energy. No character was overlooked; from knights in shining armor standing proudly in court to graceful masquerade dancers filling the ballroom with movement, each performer contributed to the magic of the story!

At the heart of every fairytale are the characters who make the magic believable. As Cinderella, Retaj Anne Al-Azzeh delivered a heartfelt performance filled with warmth and sincerity. Through strong acting choices and gentle vocals, she captured Cinderella's hopeful spirit and determination, making the audience root for her from the start. Cole Byrne made a memorable entrance as Prince Topher, riding and singing on the stage on one of his royal horses. Beyond the striking start of the show, he showed confident acting and natural charm, bringing depth to the prince as he searched for kindness within his kingdom. Together, Cinderella and Topher shared a sweet and genuine connection that made their romance feel sincere.

The supporting cast also helped bring the kingdom to life. Savannah Datil, as Marie, gave a fun and memorable performance, balancing the character's quirky personality with her kindhearted encouragement of Cinderella. Ethan Jones stood out as Sebastian, delivering strong vocals and confident acting. Branden Soto added energy as Jean-Michel, bringing passion and humor to his scenes. The ensemble kept the stage lively, especially dancers Sophia DeFulio and Damian Perna, who appeared as animals and impressed with their strong stage presence and dance ability. Rounding out Cinderella's household were the entertaining stepsisters: Paige Reese as Gabrielle and Carly Wildermuth as Charlotte, both bringing humor and personality to their roles.

Behind the scenes, the stage crew and designers helped complete the fairytale. The set shifted smoothly from the castle to the town and forest, with quick transitions that kept the story moving. Lighting and colorful costumes added warmth and atmosphere, helping create the magical world of the show.

Like any good fairytale, Highland Regional High School's production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella reminded audiences that kindness, courage, and a little stage magic can truly transform a kingdom!