Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella opens Friday, August 15, at the historic Wayne Theatre in Waynesboro, Virginia. To learn more about the production, Waynesboro-based marketing firm Standout Arts spoke with cast member Bobby Woodfin, who is part of the ensemble.

Woodfin is no stranger to the Wayne Theatre stage. He has appeared in every musical as well as one play since his first performance as Grimsby in The Little Mermaid in the summer of 2023.

He had high praise for the ensemble in this production of Cinderella. “The ensemble is a wonderful group of people. The ensemble is so important because we get to help build the world and sell all sides of the kingdom to the audience. The ensemble helps show the beautiful sides as well as the really crazy sides. And getting to be alongside so many very, very talented people is such a pleasure.”

Like many other cast members, Woodfin said one of the best parts of this experience has been meeting new people. “There are a lot of new people coming here which is wonderful to see. Obviously, it’s nice to see the returning people you’ve built relationships with, but it’s also really awesome to start working with new people. It’s always wonderful to see new people, new talent, and new friends. Honestly, doing a new show is the fastest way to make new friends. It’s so much fun.”

The welcoming community at the Wayne Theatre is what keeps him coming back. “When I first came home from the first reading of The Little Mermaid, I told my mom I felt like I was at home. Everyone here just feels like family. And that makes it so much easier to work here and it makes it so much more fun. In my opinion, that helps to create even better shows because it helps build those connections that are so important in the show.”

When asked what might surprise the audience in this production, Woodfin explained that while the story is familiar, it has a fresh twist. “We are still telling the age-old story of Cinderella. But because it’s a modern retelling of the story, it makes for a lot of comedic moments. And our entire cast really dives into that.”

He also praised the “Magic Makers” for creating effects that elevate the show. “They really do live up to their name. We’re not using a lot of projections or those kinds of effects. We’re doing a lot of practical effects and the ‘Magic Makers’ are the ones who are really making that happen. For instance, they form, piece by piece, the carriage that Cinderella takes to the ball. Another impressive thing is our giant. Every time we go through that scene, I’m impressed with how Collin Wheeler, who plays the giant, has made him come to life so realistically. It is incredible. Everyone is going to see something they can relate to.”

In closing, Woodfin shared his excitement about the production. “Overall, this is going to be a show that people don’t want to miss. We are doing things that, in my experience, have not been done at the Wayne before. We are always striving to do things better and better as we go, and I’m really, really excited for the audiences to see the magic we have created. And to see the fruits of the labor that we’ve all had a hand in creating.”

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Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella runs August 15-24 with four performances each weekend. Show times and tickets are available here.

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Character Photos for Promotional Purposes by Joshua Donohue | Director: Lesley Larsen | Music Director: Kat McClean

Asst Director: Jennifer L Jones | Choreographer: Corey Holmes | Set: Joshua Donohue

Lighting: Drew Thompson | Costumes: Corey Holmes | Makeup/Hair Design: Yvonne Woods

Props: Cleo Marcelline and Lesley Larsen