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'Cinderella' hits stage

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: November 5, 2009

WESLEY CHAPEL - Arts in Motion will present a $35,000 production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" from Friday through Sunday at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel. Featuring 80 cast members, this full-scale musical production features a full orchestra, lighting and sound effects, and handmade sets and costumes, including a carriage with a top once used in a Walt Disney World parade.

The play also features a cast ages 5 and 17, and a 15-member production team of parents and student volunteers.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" marks the latest production of Arts in Motion, a Pasco-based nonprofit organization that gives children the chance to learn about the dramatic arts.

"AIM differs from other theater groups in that, No. 1, it's K through 12, and No. 2, its focus is on arts education," said Connie Frankel, a Pasco-Hernando Community College theater instructor and AIM's education director. "This area has never seen anything like this."

Every student has a chance

Aside from its theatrical productions, AIM offers workshops and theatrical summer camps. "Cinderella" is the group's fall musical this year.

"Cinderella," said Michelle Twitmyer, president of Arts in Motion, is an equal opportunity production.

"Every student who auditioned got a part," she said. "And we have a double cast for the main roles, two Cinderellas, two princes, etc. This way all the kids get a chance."

Volunteers coordinated sets, costumes, and visual and sound effects for "Cinderella."

The students involved got to learn about various aspects of the theatrical experience.

"On the stage you learn to adapt to any kind of situation. Whatever happens, you just go with it," said Lauren Perez, 16, who along with Amanda Smith will play Cinderella in separate performances of the production. "That's also true in life."

Smith, 16, agrees.

"You learn about all aspects of theater in AIM, what to do backstage and onstage," she said. "And you make new friends."

For some participants, "Cinderella" marks their dramatic debut.

"I got involved with AIM after I came to see some of their shows," said Bradley Cloversettle, 16, who plays one of the princes in this production. "This is my first production, and I love it. It's a lot of fun, an amazing feeling."

For Chaz May, 14, the part of Lionel, the prince's steward, is the latest in a long line of theatrical roles.

"I've done school plays and tried out for commercials," he said. "The steward is my first lead singing role, so I've learned about singing, theater etiquette and projection."

Learning responsibility

Students also learn production skills through their involvement. The stage manager for "Cinderella" is 14-year-old Cassandra Nathe.

"I learn a lot about responsibility from this," she said.

Janet Nathe, Cassandra's mother and a parent liaison with AIM, agreed that her daughter has learned a great deal through the experience.

"These kids learn to communicate with peers, and how to manage school and outside commitments," she said.

"AIM teaches them confidence and how to work with other kids," said Cindy Evangelista, "Cinderella" producer and an AIM volunteer. "I got a great letter from a mother who said her child got over a stuttering problem after participating in AIM productions."

As Twitmyer saw the backdrop go up across the arts center stage during dress rehearsal Tuesday, she thought of the joy of putting on a good show.

"This is the amazing part," she said with a smile, "when it all comes together."

Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel. Tickets are available at www.ArtsInMotionPasco .org or by calling (352) 834-1246. If purchased in advance, adults pay $12 and students (kindergarten through 12th grade) pay $7. At the door adults pay $15 and students $10. Tickets also will be available at the box office prior to each show.

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