Cinderella 2023

May 15th, 2023

Marie: If you have a dream, then very soon thereafter you're going to have to fight for it. Why otherwise, how would you know the dream is yours?

Ella: But my life-

Marie: Exactly. It is your life!

I was introduced to musical theatre when I was seven years old through a local community theatre organization by the name of Swartz Creek Center Stage. My first role was a duckling in the production of Honk Jr. where I wore a construction hat, a yellow dress, and orange converse. We performed in local elementary school gym with a stage that the cast, crew, and parents all helped assemble during show week. I fell in love with theatre during that summer back in 2007. I performed in numerous productions throughout the following years such as: Suessical The Musical Jr., Alice in Wonderland Jr., Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory Jr., Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, and The Wizard of Oz. Fast forward years later, the Swartz Creek Performing Arts Center was built for Swartz Creek High School, and I was given the opportunity to perform as Tinker Bell in Peter Pan Jr. when I was fourteen.

Some of my favorite memories took place being a part of those productions during my summers. My background in theatre translated into my dance training in the form of my acting and musicality. I gained so much experience and had amazing opportunities that has led me to where I am today. For that, I could not be more grateful. My education continued when I attended Wright State University with private voice lessons, acting classes, theatre and western culture, tap classes, and dance history just to name a few.

When I was about nine, my mother, my grandma, and my aunt took me to see Wicked at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. It was a memory that I will never forget because it was one of the first times that I saw professional theatre. I remember leaving the theatre thinking that I wanted to choreograph a musical some day, but never in a million years did I think the opportunity would arise this early in my career.

It must have been mid February when I received a call from my good friend and mentor, Heather Liskiewitz, who happened to be one of my teachers since I was about thirteen. She pitched the opportunity of choreographing Roger and Hammerstein's Cinderella on Muskegon Civic Theatre to me over the phone in about twenty minutes. She explained her relationship to the director who she had known for years and had so many wonderful things to say about her. However, my mind was completely set when she told me that she was one of the best in the business. I think she barely got the sentence out before I responded with

"Say less, I am in"

About two days later, I received yet another phone call from a number in Grand Rapids. I assumed that it had something to do with the production, so of course, I answered it. I was soon introduced to Penelope Notter who was the lovely human that Heather told me about. She gave me a very brief overview of the opportunity, but it wasn't until I went over to her house where we actually discussed the production. I met her and her lovely husband, Jim, who kindly stepped out on their front porch when I finally arrived at their home that evening. Little did I know, Michigan was going to get one of the worst snow storms in the middle of the day, and of course, it hit when I was about half way there. I got out of my car and started making my way up to their door when I heard him call

"Aren't you glad you got here before the worst of it"

I immediately knew that we were going to get along.

I think I was at their house for about three hours by the time that I left that night. Penny had given me a run down on the show and her vision for it. I could understand exactly what she wanted, and I felt confident that I would be able to deliver on my end. After all, she told me that I would only be responsible for the ball scene.

Well, she lied, and I am so very happy that she did.

On February 20th and 21st, I went out to Muskegon for the auditions, and to ultimately helped cast the production. It was a wonderful introduction to the atmosphere of Muskegon Civic Theatre and the amazing people that are involved. I met Kirk Wahamaki (Artistic and Technical Director), Ashton Bahr (Stage Manager), Tiffanie Miller (Assistant Director), and Erin Sharpe (Music Director) who all were so very welcoming and helpful during the stressful casting process. I remember when Emma started to sing for her audition and, everyone sitting behind that table immediately knew that we had found our Cinderella. I remember hearing Cece read for Marie. I remember watching Stacy and Joe and just being so taken back by their talent. I remember watching the dance call and being able to pick out exactly who I wanted to work with for the ensemble. I remember the entire process very vividly for some odd reason. Probably because I enjoyed it that much.

And so, we had a cast list.

The dance rehearsals took place every Wednesday from 7-10 PM. My main goal was to set the ball scene as quickly as possible. Now, I can't lie, I was slightly terrified going into that first rehearsal. I had never worked with a rehearsal pianist in my entire life. I don't even know how to read music even after my many years of failed piano lessons. After meeting Janie (our amazingly talented rehearsal accompanist) every fear in my mind completely vanished. She was indeed that good. Not only a beautiful human being, but she spoke fluent choreographer. I found one of my favorite phrases during rehearsals to be

"Take it from the top Miss Janie"

The cast was incredible. They were so kind hearted, willing, and patient during the entire process. It made my job that much easier because there was so much respect on both ends. I was no longer nervous, I was excited. However, the Waltz and Ten Minutes Ago soon turned into the Gavotte, which turned into the Step Sisters Lament, which turned into The Pursuit, which turned a dance break in The Prince is Giving a Ball, and lots and lots of "cover" for flawless scene changes. Before I even realized it, I had choreographed/directed at least 50% of this entire production, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

All I have ever wanted was artistic freedom when it came to my work. When you are a choreographer, knowing that you have the liberty to do what you do best is such a wonderful feeling. Not only was I encouraged, but I was challenged. I had the opportunity to stage certain scenes and somewhat direct along side of Penny. There was so much support, guidance, creativity, laughter, respect, collaboration, and trust during those rehearsals. I had never experienced anything else like it. It was so very special, and I knew that we were creating something special.

That environment was carried into tech week when we finally got into the Frauenthal Center. I had never had the opportunity to perform in such a stunning theatre let alone have my work debuted in such a beautiful space. I was in absolute awe. I was even more inspired as I started to meet the incredibly talented tech crew who ultimately, made this production run so flawlessly. There are so many elements that go into putting on a production of this caliber, and our amazing crew has a huge role in that. Ashton (our wonderful stage manager) also had a monumental role in making this week successful along with the rest of the knowledgeable team at Frauenthal. It takes a village, and our village was pretty amazing.

We were blessed with four successful performances complimented by our beautiful orchestra directed and conducted by the lovely Erin Sharpe. I think opening night is when the magnitude of what we had accomplished really hit me. It was also one of the first times I was able to sit in the audience and enjoy the performance. I was in the lobby after the performance and just hearing little conversations about Cinderella made me smile. I was so very humbled and proud to have shared my work with the community. We had an amazing audience at every single show, and it was so encouraging to have our production well attended by members in the Muskegon community.

On Sunday, we had our cast party after our closing afternoon performance. We were all exhausted, but I wouldn't have wanted to miss it for anything. It was a much needed time of celebration after the crazy week we had just endured. Kirk got up and started thanking our wonderful technical crew along with the rest of the amazing production team. When Kirk said my name, my emotions started to run wild. I hate crying in front of just about anyone, but especially in public. However, I wouldn't have been able to stop even if I wanted to. Never in a million years was I prepared for the heart felt words he said about me in front of a room full of my colleagues. I think the gesture caught me so off guard because I had never felt what it was like to truly be appreciated and honored not only for my work, but more importantly, as a human being. It moved me in a way that I can't seem to put into words. It is truly a memory that I will cherish forever and carry with me throughout the rest of my career.

In conclusion, I just submitted my letter of intent to be considered for next season.

Muskegon Civic Theatre is such a gem in the performing arts community. However, what makes the organization so very special are the individuals who make up the artistic staff. Each and every person that I encountered was simply a lovely human being. It is so very rare to find that kind of an environment especially in the arts. I am beyond grateful, thankful, and truly blessed. I am so very excited to see what doors continue to open!

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