Red Mountain Theatre is delighted to produce one of the all-time classics in musical theatre this July and August – Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. While still using the original score, with songs like “In My Own Little Corner” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” the script has been given a witty, modern makeover by Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane.
Director Valerie Accetta is excited to be making her Red Mountain Theatre Mainstage directorial debut as a summer break from her role as Head of Musical Theatre at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “What I love about this version of Cinderella is that Ella is the one who does the saving,” said Accetta. “She opens Prince Topher’s eyes to the inequities in his kingdom, and changes her whole village through her kindness and empathy. The idea that we each have the magic within us to make dreams come true AND change our communities is a powerful message to take away.” She continued, “I am grateful to be working with a beautifully diverse cast that brings unique perspectives to this timeless story.”
Talented up-and-comers Mariel Ardila, playing Ella, and Gabriel Bernal, playing Prince Topher, are stepping onto the Red Mountain Theatre stage for the first time. Many actors will be familiar faces to Birmingham theater fans, including Amy Johnson as the magical Marie, Dennis McLernon as the scheming advisor Sebastian, and Myiesha J. Duff as spoiled stepsister Charlotte. Colleen Bates Lance, who plays self-centered stepmother Madame, has been a favorite in the Birmingham theater scene since starring in Summerfest performances. The show also welcomes six young actors from the RMT Education Programs. The cast will be choreographed by another RMT favorite, Jamorris Rivers.
“It’s going to be an enchanted performance,” said RMT Managing Director Jennifer Jaquess. “I can’t spill the secrets of how the fairy tale has transferred to the stage, but it’s just as spellbinding as any movie magic. Our production team is pulling out all the stops to wow the audience.”
The opening night performance of Cinderella is Friday, July 15 at 8:00 p.m., and the production runs through August 7. Show times are Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00 p.m., with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be a sensory-friendly performance for patrons with special needs on Wednesday, July 20 at 2 p.m., and an ASL-interpreted evening performance at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 23.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at redmountaintheatre.org. Tickets start at $25. The show is recommended for all ages. For more information on the show, or on our current Covid-19 Protocols, click HERE.
ABOUT RED MOUNTAIN THEATRE
Red Mountain Theatre is an organization that inspires audiences through powerful theatre experiences led by professionals who deliver engaging performances produced and presented with artistic integrity. In addition to theatre productions, RMT offers educational programs that build positive life skills for young people and provide growth opportunities for theatre professionals. The Birmingham-based nonprofit organization has been inspiring audiences, changing lives and creating conversations through theatre experiences since 1979.
