Jacksonville Opera Theatre to Present "Cinderella”

06/13/2023

Over centuries, stories of a rags to riches legend have captivated audiences, ranging from ancient Asian and European versions to the Grimm Brothers and Disney. The Jacksonville Opera Theatre will present the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical adaptation of Charles Perrault’s 1697 story - complete with a pumpkin, fairy godmother and glass slippers - on June 15-17 and 23-25 at the Oxford Performing Arts Center. 

This JOT production also joins forces with the Gamecock Arts Summer Program (GASP) Musical Theatre Camp, adding 28 youth from the region, ages 8-18, to the ensemble.

“In this musical production and during the rehearsal process, I wanted to focus on the morals introduced with the French novel, which are as the Fairy Godmother says 'charity, generosity, kindness'," said Emily Duncan, show director and JSU's project development manager for the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts. "That graciousness is priceless, and with it, anything is possible, including magic.

In addition to Duncan, the show is produced, designed and musically directed by Dr. Nathan Wight, JSU director of operatic activities, and conducted by Dr. Jeremy Benson, associate professor of music. Chaney Billips serves as lead costume designer and Allison Woodward as choreographer.

The show is appropriate for all ages, with a run time of two hours, with a 15-minute intermission. Show times are June 15-16, 7 p.m.; June 17, 2 p.m.; June 23-24, 7 p.m., and June 25, 2 p.m. Tickets are $10-25 and available at jotcinderella.com.