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 Jake Krug, who plays the role of Lord Pinkleton, the “Crier of Topherland.”

Krug described his role as being “deep into Prince Topher’s entourage. That’s like my life, to be in the center of the entourage.”

Krug’s first performance at the Wayne Theatre was in 9 to 5, and he has since appeared in several other productions. “It’s just a great place to be. I love being here. We moved to Staunton in 2021, and we had been trying to find a place. We found out that some of our friends had done shows at the Wayne Theatre and they suggested we come on out and try it out. We came here, auditioned for 9 to 5 and we found our community.”

He expressed deep admiration for the Wayne Theatre’s impact on the region. “I love what the Wayne Theatre has done in several different ways. I believe the Wayne Theatre has been responsible for making downtown Waynesboro a sort of cultural district. It’s really changed the tone of everything downtown. I would say that Waynesboro has become the cultural capital of the Shenandoah Valley.”

Krug emphasized how welcoming and supportive the Wayne Theatre community is. He noted that the culture begins with the artistic team. “There is a culture here where no one craves to be the person who stands out. For instance, Merab Yeomans, who plays the lead role as Cinderella, is just the sweetest person who is always happy to uplift other people. That’s just how the culture of the Wayne is. It’s one of the few places that I’ve seen where you can have this intergenerational, intercultural interaction with people in a place where you just come to have fun. You don’t see that anywhere else. In the world it’s like we are in such a lonely age. But not in the Wayne!”

He also praised the cast, especially the ensemble. “Every time I do a show here, more and more people come in. And everyone is so talented. They are so welcoming and ready to learn. Ready to do this thing with one another. And the talent is just unbelievable. I studied music in college, and being able to be around this many talented people who sound so good and are willing to just throw it out there on the stage - it’s just a really exciting group to be a part of.”

Krug gave special recognition to Kat McLean, the Music Director. “She is just amazing to do this stuff with. She is so gracious with her time. Getting us all the rehearsal materials ahead of time. She is so efficient in how she uses rehearsals. I think a lot of us are motivated by the fact that we don’t want to disappoint Kat.”

Working with the children in this production has also been a highlight. “They’re good kids. They show up. They do the work. I am so impressed with their work. Whether it’s the ‘Magic Makers’ or the ‘Team Pumpkin’ kids, I’m so impressed with everything they do. Plus, it’s so much fun to see the joy that they bring to all of this. It really is the cherry on top for everything.”

As for the audience, Krug believes they will see a familiar story told in a refreshing new way. “I’m sure everyone in the audience has seen the animated version of Cinderella. This is different, but it takes that same story that nothing is impossible and updates it a little. It keeps that fairytale core to it, but it’s that wonderful story that says, if you put your mind to it, if you really want something, it’s not impossible. You just go out and do it. I hope the audience takes that away from this.” He added with a laugh, “They’ll split their sides laughing too.”

In closing, Krug reflected, “I think the Wayne Theatre is a great community theatre with professional standards. And I hope that the broader community, and everyone who comes to see the show, recognizes that.”

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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