Amber Thibert (Ella) and Jason Andrew (Prince Topher) star in Windsor Light Music Theatre’s production of Cinderella, running May 6-15 at the Chrysler Theatre.
Originally planned for November 2020 but delayed because of COVID-19 lockdowns, Windsor Light Music Theatre finally gets its chance to share Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic Cinderella with Windsor audiences for weekend performances starting tonight (May 6) and running until May 15 at Chrysler Theatre.
Directed by Mario Caschera and featuring Amber Thibert in the lead role of Cinderella, Windsor Light will take spectators to a delightful world of fantasy, magic and passionate desire. The show is a contemporary take on the classic tale.
“The core of the story is the same, but it has all the famous Roger and Hammerstein songs that we all know and love like “In My Own Little Corner” and “Ten Minutes Ago”, says Caschera. “It’s a timeless show with a big heart. It’s a story that crosses generations. Everyone remembers a version of Cinderella and is swept away by its magic.”
Caschera, who has been with Windsor Light since 2003 and last directed Elf in 2018, hopes audiences will treat the show as a little stress relief.
“My hope for the audience is that they get transported and forget about all their worries,” he notes. “The message I hope they take is that kindness always prevails and that as long as you believe anything is possible.”
That positivity runs through Thibert, who has acted in many Windsor/Essex productions for the past 20 years. This will be her third run as a princess, having brought Ariel of The Little Mermaid to life in 2015 and Belle from Beauty and the Beast in 2011. She hopes her Cinderella beams positive vibes to viewers.
“No matter how much she’s worn down or belittled, Cinderella shows kindness towards all,” she explains. “She’s generous and cares deeply about helping those around her which is something we can all aim to do. Personally, the most important theme of this story is not to let the cruelty of this world ruin your heart. Cinderella’s circumstances are less than ideal and yet she remains positive and exudes kindness. This story has been told so many different ways and is so universally understood because it has so much heart. It’s been a favourite of mine since childhood.”
This is the first Windsor Light production since November 2019 and both Caschera and Thibert are excited to return to live theatre.
“It’s so great to be back onstage with some familiar faces I’ve performed with before,” Thibert notes. “We’re also very fortunate to be welcoming so many new (to Windsor Light Music Theatre) performers for this show! It’s a very talented group with 25 cast members on stage as well as an amazing pit chorus. The show would not be possible without the remarkable efforts of our production team and crew.”
“We are excited to bring this show to the stage,” Caschera adds. “Originally planned for November of 2020, we are thrilled to finally bring it to life for Windsor Essex. I first saw the show in 2013 on Broadway and always wanted to do it here at Windsor Light. When we got the rights, I was thrilled and excited I was given the opportunity to bring it to the stage.”
The show is expected to have a magical set and live orchestra.
“We have a great crew that is working some theatre magic,” Caschera explains. “It takes a village to bring all the elements and brainstorm ways to transport the audience into the world of Cinderella. We are so fortunate at Windsor Light to have a live orchestra. We are one of the only companies that still uses a large-scale orchestra for their shows. There is nothing like waiting to hear the first note of the overture when you are sitting in a theatre. We have a great music director that helps us transition from rehearsing with a piano to a full orchestra.”
Cinderella, directed by Caschera, features choreography by Kate Reive and music by Nicholas Morvay.
To purchase tickets or for more ticket information please contact the Chrysler Theatre Box Office at 519-252-6579 or online at www.chryslertheatre.com. Tickets start at $30 for youth and seniors $35 for adults and $50 for box seats.
