Grayson College presents “Cinderella Confidential” Feb. 18-21

Denison, Texas

The Prince has a shoe and he’s ready to marry. Find out why the

kingdom is abuzz when Grayson College Theatre for Young Audiences presents “Cinderella Confidential” at the Cruce Stark Auditorium, located in the Arts & Communication Center on Grayson College’s Main Campus in Denison. The 50-minute play features morning performances at 10 a.m. on Feb. 18-20 and one evening performance on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.

Lydia Foster, Craig Foster, Holden Webster and
Katie Gaskill in Cinderella Confidential

Inspired by the tales of the Brothers Grimm, “Cinderella Confidential” is a comedy written by Eric Coble, an award-winning playwright and screenwriter. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and raised on the Navajo and Ute reservations in New Mexico and Colorado.

In this modern re-telling of Cinderella, two investigative reporters compete for the scoop of the century to find the mysterious one-shoed woman. They interview everyone from a fairy godmother in desperate need of a day-planner to two (not three) blind mice in the witness protection program, asking the right questions and following clues to solve the mystery and break the story. It features cameos from Pinocchio, Jack and his cow, and other fairytale celebrities in this expose of the timeless love story and what it means to find – and tell – the truth.

“Each year, we try to present a show specifically for young audiences and ‘Cinderella Confidential’ is a perfect fit for children and adults alike,” said Robin Robinson, Grayson College theatre director. “It’s fast-moving with a lot of technical elements. We thought it would be a fun show, especially with our culture’s fascination with media and celebrity reporting.”

Grayson College freshmen Katie Gaskill of Savoy and Holden Webster of Denison lead the cast as Deb Jabber and Sonny Glamour, respectively. Denison sophomore Dakkota Foster tackles three roles as The Prince, Shoemaker and Mr. Mouse. Hunter McDaniel, Caddo Mills sophomore, performs two roles as Pinocchio and Elf.

“It’s a great opportunity for Dakkota and Hunter to create different characters, and both of them are really funny,” Robinson said. “All of the students are doing a great job of creating these outlandish characters.”

The Wicked Stepsisters are played by sophomores Ryan Ramirez of Rockwall and Alex Watkins of Anna. Other freshmen cast members include: Hunter Malone and Aaron May, both of Bells, as Mrs. Mouse and Fairy Godmother, respectively; Forrest Harris of Celina as Jack; and Lydia Foster of Amelia Courthouse, Virginia, as Cinderella.

 The comedy’s cast includes male actors playing the wicked stepsisters, which brings an added humorous edge to the play. Because Grayson has the distinction of more male actors in the department right now, Robinson cast a male as the fairy godmother as well.

 “The tradition of men playing women’s roles goes back to the Greeks and there are current theatre companies that play with the concept frequently. It is intended to create humor and gives our students exposure to this comedic format,” Robinson said. “The actors are quite funny in these over-the-top roles."

Five student designers are bringing their talents to “Cinderella Confidential.” They met with Robinson and GC theatre design professors Thea Albert and Tenna Matthews during the fall semester to plan and design the show before the Christmas break. The student designers had to find a way to combine both the contemporary media age with the storybook world.

 As sound designer, Sadler sophomore Chris Hendrik had to create or find sound that helps tell the story and is appropriate for this genre of theatre.  Denison sophomore Tommy Stowers, scenic designer, provided the look of the show by incorporating scenery that could be easily moved and reconfigured to depict five different locations. Denison freshman A.J. Johnston designed costumes that were both present day and fairytale in style. Freshman Robert Gildner and sophomore Dustin Meadows, both of McKinney, used light design to move back and forth between a look that says “we’re on television” to a look that indicates “we are in a story.”

In addition to being design adviser, Matthews is production manager. Hendrik also serves on the crew as operator and mics. Other sophomore crew members include: Krystina Burns of Howe, light board operator; McDaniel, assistant master electrician; and Gabe Parker of Ivanhoe, house manager and publicity. Freshmen crew members are: Jorge Amador of Princeton, assistant stage manager and assistant master electrician; Bryce Dansby of Denison, stage manager and master electrician; Harris, props; and May, wardrobe.

 Tickets are $2 for adults and $1 for students for “Cinderella Confidential,” or free with college ID. Parents are welcome to bring cameras and take pictures of their children with the actors after the performances. Reservations are not necessary. For more information about the play, contact the GC Theatre Department at 903-463-8609 or theatre@grayson.edu