Warwick students prep for ‘Cinderella' the musical

Warwick - A prince, a pumpkin, a glass slipper: These are the essentials of one of the most enduring fairy tales. More than 120 bright young stars of Warwick Valley Middle School’s Drama Club have banded together to present this full-scale Broadway production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1950s Broadway hit later this month. Under the direction of music teacher Noreen Hanson, “Cinderella” comes to the stage in the auditorium at Warwick Valley High School with four performances: •Friday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. •Saturday, April 12 at 1 and 7:30 p.m. •Sunday, April 13 at 1 p.m. The Drama Club has added new feature this year by offering children a chance to attend a character tea party with the cast preceding one of the two matinee performances at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, or on Sunday, April 13. Reservations are required. The young performers in the cast have been busy processing their artistic abilities to dazzle the audience with music, song, dance and drama. “We are very pleased with the level of energy and ability of these middle school students,” said Hanson, who is a choral music teacher at the Middle School when she’s not directing the musical. “I’ve been involved in many other musical productions and this one ranks with the best.” While state-of-the-art lighting and special effects illuminate the stage, the school’s auditorium is being transformed into a theatrical showcase. Amidst plans for scene changes, the stage crew has been busy reading blueprints and building the set. The cast and crew have been in rehearsals for several months after school and on many Saturdays as well. “I could not do this all without the collaborative team effort of the students and their parents,” Hanson said. “I really appreciate the time they put into this sizable performance.” Custom-tailored costume ensembles are in production; box loads of theatrical props and supplies for professional make-up and hairstyling also are in evidence. A pit orchestra will be comprised of middle school teachers and high school students. If you go Tickets are $8 for adults and $7 for seniors and students. With the size of the cast and the popularity of the production, people are urged to buy tickets early. For information call 987-3124 or visit www.wvmsdrama.net.