TOWNGATE THEATRE STAGES CINDERELLA
PRODUCTION BRINGS A “FRESH APPROACH” TO A CLASSIC TALE

WHEELING, W.Va. (January 4, 2012)- - Oglebay Institute continues its tradition of bringing beloved fairy tales to life with an imaginative production of Cinderella, which will be staged January 20-22 and 26-28 at Towngate Theatre in Wheeling. After each performance, children receive a keepsake photograph of the cast and have an opportunity to meet the characters, get autographs and enjoy a “royal” tour of the set.

Written by Lynn Stevens and produced by special arrangement with Baker Plays, this re-imagined version of Cinderella brings a “fresh approach” to one of the world’s most famous fairytales, said Towngate Theatre director Tim Thompson.

“From the Brothers Grimm edition in 1812 to Disney’s 1950 animated feature film to dozens of theatrical adaptations, Cinderella has remained an audience favorite,” Thompson said. “Our production follows the tradition storyline but delves deeper into the lives and personalities of the characters than many of the pop-culture versions.”

Thompson noted that Towngate’s show does include all of the favorite characters such as the good-natured Cinderella, the mean stepmother and the handsome Prince as well as tiaras, swords, magic spells and royal splendor to capture the attention of little ones, but it also introduces audiences to the back-stories of the characters and situations depicted in the play.

“For example, in this adaptation we learn a lot more about the prince. He has a name. We learn about his relationship with his family, his likes and dislikes. We learn more about the fairy godmother and how she used to be a ‘youth counselor.’ We also discover why there is a glass slipper,” he explained.

Thompson said the inclusion of the human side of the story engages children in a very special way. “We are staying true to the fairy tale, but allowing the characters to be more real. In this version, Cinderella and the Prince don’t belong together simply because of love at first sight. They fall in love because they get to know each other and have things in common.”

According to Thompson, Towngate Children’s Theatre strives to entertain and bring families closer together through the arts. “We provide imaginative theatre experiences that can serve as springboards for discussions, even among the youngest members of the family.”

The Towngate Children’s Theatre staff often chooses modern adaptations of classic fairy tales, Thompson said, because they instruct and enlighten.

“These simple stories told in innovative ways can teach valuable life lessons. Everyone, including children, experience intrinsic benefits from live performance. Theater captivates and provides intellectual stimulation. It can teach you how to be a person. You get practice dealing with life situations that you might not have experienced yet.”

Thompson is co-directing the production with Dave Henderson, Wheeling Jesuit University’s coordinator of performing arts. Cast members include: Aimee Schultz, Lola Miller, Jessica Webster, Emily Good, Cathie Spencer, Zachary Michael, Sammy Nau, Thompson, Laurie Labishak, Eric Geisel, Kevin Stryker, Micah Labishak, Morgan Harris, Adam Hawkins and Jett Thomas. Others involved in the production are P.D. Gregg, technical director, Annie Shepard of Stages, costumes, Henderson, set design, and Isa Campbell, stage manager.

Cinderella will be staged at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, January 20 and 21 and 2 p.m. Sunday, January 22 and again at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, January 26-28. Children ages 10 and under will be admitted for a special admission price of $10. Adult admission is $12.50. Members of Oglebay Institute receive a discount. Ticket price includes a photograph of the cast and an opportunity to meet the characters, get autographs and tour the set following the performance.

Advanced reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the Stifel Fine Arts Center at 304.242.7700. For those buying seats at the door, Towngate’s box office opens one hour before all shows and can be reached at 304.233.4257. Towngate’s 2011-12 Children’s Theatre season is presented in partnership with West Liberty University.

Refreshments are available at Towngate Theatre and parking is curbside or in the nearby Center Wheeling Parking Garage. Located at 2118 Market St., Wheeling, Towngate is easy to find and located just across the street from St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in the historic Centre Market district of Wheeling.

This program is made possible through the generous support of the members of the Institute as well as with financial assistance from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the WV Commission on the Arts.