PHOTO CREDIT: Joshua Donohue

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella opens Friday, August 15 at the historic Wayne Theatre in Waynesboro. To preview the production we spoke with cast member Katie Glydewell, who plays Marie, the beggar woman who [SPOILER ALERT] reveals herself as Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother.

This is Glydewell’s third Wayne Theatre production, and she values its sense of community. She said the company is “so welcoming and so kind” and each show gives her “something I can pour myself into.”

Marie begins the story disguised as a poor wanderer, then turns the plot on its head. “She’s the backbone of the story,” Glydewell noted. “She makes the impossible possible and helps Cinderella’s dreams come true.”

The Wayne Theatre staging follows the Broadway adaptation, so audiences will notice fresh details. Cinderella goes by Ella, and several characters appear under new names. Glydewell thinks these touches, along with the score, “bring new things to life and make it more enchanting.”

What can the audience expect on opening night? “Magic and enchantment,” she said without hesitation. She praised the creative team, crediting set designer Josh Donohue and the “musically smart” ensemble for the show’s look and sound. “I’m looking forward to seeing it all come together.”

Her invitation to theatergoers is simple: “Bring yourself into the story, sit back, and enjoy. It’s going to be magical.”

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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Photos 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