Kudos for Cinderella crew
About the article
This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from February 1995.
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ForCinderella, the musical comedy which opened at Prospect Playhouse on Wednesday night, technical rehearsal 48 hours earlier emphasised the wealth of talent and hard work invested in this production.
No fewer than eight sets are used in this presentation of the old French fairy tale with the twist of British pantomime and a tang of local flavour. from page A1 The settings range from Public Beach and a Dyke Road to a street out of old Cayman, the Million Dollar Month weigh station and a magnificent ballroom complete with staircase and an impressive clock to chime the midnight hour.
The man responsible is Peter Phillips, stage manager and head of set construction. But Peter would be the first to say that credit also belongs to the artists and handymen who worked with him.
Judy Steele designed the set and, with Kim Phillips, was responsible for set art work. Wielding a variety of paint brushes were Anne Hetley, Jennie and Bill Helfrecht, Bobbie and Jim Crocket, Elizabeth MacDonald, Eileen Phipps, Jim Flynn, Pat Aitchison, Alan Hall, Tony Osborn and Beth Hurland.
Monday night's rehearsal also featured a well-balanced sound system, operated by Peter Pasold, used to play original music for the script and some thoughtfully selected romantic melodies for the interludes.
Director Colin Wilson wisely enlisted instrumentalists Kate Moore and Clive Rosteing to pre-tape accompaniments. Sigmund Romberg is to be thanked for a good portion of the mood music; so is the Cayman Drama Society member who either found or maintained such pristine recordings.
Another important technical aspect is lighting. Bryn Martin has the task of suggesting times and atmospheres while making sure the audience can see everyone who should be seen. Then, of course, there are the precision-demanding blackouts which are so effective when they work and so embarrassing when they don't. Jackie Balls assists with the spotlight. Backstage, Peter is assisted by Doug Tardiff, Mike Marshall, Fred Speirs, Peter Balls, Alan Hall and Pete Moore.
Numerous props, from Cinderella's firewood to the magic wand, have been collected and administered through the efforts of Caroline Beresford-Wylie, David Godfrey, Ivan Burges, Kate Moore, Iris Marlow and Mandy Basham.
Costumes have been begged, borrowed and created from scratch under the auspices of Penny Phillips, with sewing help from Sue Horrocks' mother - little did she know what she was letting herself in for when she came on a visit!
True to the spirit of camaraderie that exists within the Cayman Drama Society, several crew members are also in the cast.
The director's other persona, Peach Blossom, is one of Cinderella's stepsisters. Pat Aitchison is Prince Charming and Judy Steele plays the Fairy Godmother.
Jim Flynn plays half of the "Smash and Grab" team, complemented by Stephen Taylor.
Cast principals include Rebecca Rockwell as Cinderella; Clive Munyard as her father; Valerie Cottier as her stepmother; Kristoffer Kahn as the other ugly sister. Kristoffer and Kate Hart are credited with choreographing the musical items.
Karin Gustasson is Dandini, the Prince's sidekick. Tony Rowlands is Buttons, Cinderella's longtime admirer. Rounding out the cast are Nikki Moore as Little Miss Muffett Bush; Roland Stacey as Mr. Mussel, Kai Hessemer as the Town Crier.
All their efforts, as well as those of a chorus 16 members strong, will be well enhanced by the work of a solid supporting crew.
