Cinderella comes to Shadbolt

By Dan Hilborn
Published Nov. 5, 2005


One of the most endearing stories of all time is coming to the Shadbolt Centre when the Footlight Theatre Company presents Cinderella from Nov. 11 to 26.

This classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical stars Kaylee Harwood in her first role on the community theatre stage, and 16-year-old Joel Ballard plays the alluring Prince Charming.

"We're going to create some magic on stage for people to believe in," said Footlight producer Pam McAdie. "We have fairies and a fairy godmother and, of course, the costumes. It's not just a prom gown, but something that a fairy godmother might bring you. We also have real glass slippers, too."

Local actors in this performance include Burnaby's own Ryan Irwin and Vic Haronen in the chorus, plus New Westminster's Kathleen Kelly Driscoll in the role of the wicked stepmother. Lauren Kramm and Ainslie Hurd are the stepsisters.

Harwood, a Langley resident, was a natural fit for the lead role, said McAdie. "She is a delightful lady," McAdie said.

"She's beautiful from the inside out, and from the outside in. When she auditioned and we were talking about her name, my response was that she was already Cinderella," McAdie said. "It was as plain as day, and our director had the same response."

This production features intricate choreography and a full chorus singing such well-known numbers as A Lovely Night, Impossible, Falling In Love With Love and Ten Minutes Ago.

"Our directors have done a wonderful job," McAdie said of Lalaina Lindberg Strelau and Christopher King. "We want the audience to buy into the fantasy that anyone can have anything happen if they only believe it's possible."

Ballard, who most recently played in the Lindberg Academy production of Beauty and The Beast steps up admirably into his first lead role.

"He can now see that he can play the leading man," McAdie said. "I've been very impressed with him."

McAdie, who is in her 10th year with Footlights, said the company's goal is to provide good quality entertainment in a healthy venue for young people.

"You don't hear a lot of good positive things in the world these days and, for me, watching people grow up in community theatre helps them learn discipline," she said. "They learn to show up on time and to follow through on their commitments."

And, of course, the familiar story is good fun fare for the whole family, McAdie said.

Cinderella runs Nov. 11 to 26 at the Shadbolt Centre, with showtimes at 8 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays and 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. Tickets are $26 for adults, $21 for seniors and students, and $13 children. There is a $5 discount on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Reserve through the Shadbolt box office at 604-205-3000.