Farcical fairy tale promises laughter for Alberta audiences

Whose foot will the glass slipper fit this weekend? The drama club will be putting on a quick-witted comedy titled 67 Cinderellas April 28-30 in the Alberta Kimball Auditorium. This story offers a twist on the original Cinderella story many grew up with, filled with many zany characters and magical surprises that will surely knock every princess’s glass slippers right off their respective feet. Yes, all 67 of them.

All throughout the months of March and April, the cast and crew have worked to bring this humorous production to life, but, like any production, 67 Cinderellas started with auditions. Because of the show’s comedic aspects, however, director Scotti Thurwatcher had to take a different approach.

“This show was a little different because we decided to do a farcical twist on a story that everyone already knows. It didn’t really involve audition processing or monologues unlike in the past where I was really looking for specific character qualities and unique character choices,” he said. “The auditions for this show were literally: ‘How big are you willing to go? How crazy and over the top will you drive that character?’’

This new audition process didn’t stop junior Addi Peck, who plays one of the wicked stepsisters. 

“I’ve been in plays since my freshman year and have been acting since I was very young, so I love the drama productions here,” she said.

Some members of the cast don’t plan on letting go of their dreams when the clock strikes midnight, so for those set on pursuing acting in the future, the show offers a novel opportunity. For freshman Aura Wallace, this happens to be the case.

“I love the community. I also want to be an actress, so this is helping me gain those skills,” she said.

After auditions, rehearsals for 67 Cinderellas began. Like Wallace, freshman Zosia Bowlus-Jasinski appreciates the collaborative nature of the cast.

“The camaraderie we’ve created in our group really feels like a community, and even though the hours are pretty grueling, the people make it all worth it,” she said.

For junior Marcus Miller, who plays Prince Dalliance, the main protagonist, this show is a chance for self growth and learning. 

“It’s an opportunity to play such a big character and have as much fun as I can with the limits of his characterization,” he said.

Putting on a complex production isn’t always a walk in the park, however. For senior stage manager Abby Wianecki, the stage setting proves the most difficult part.

“The hardest part that we’ve come across within this show is just the set design because it is such a large set, and it doesn't move,” she said. “Having this big and intricate set is a difficult thing to work with.” 

Additionally, the size of the cast itself, nearly 40 people, has proven to be an obstacle all its own. 

“There have been an immense number of challenges directing this show so far because it's such a big cast,” Thurwatcher said. “Commitment level has been waning and it's been hard to get everyone to come to rehearsal, which has made it difficult to get any kind of continuity on stage because we are always missing actors. But, there are good things happening everyday.” 

Sympathizing with Thurwatcher, from a stage manager’s perspective, Wianecki faces trouble handling all the bustling characters during rehearsals. 

“This play has been a little bit harder because it is such a large cast; of course, the one act was a very small cast, but in this show there are more than 30 people,” she said. “Just having to manage all of them while also worrying about my own thing is quite difficult.” 

This year has been quite busy for all of West’s actors. Many went to state for the One Act in the fall, and then they hosted the forensics state tournament. 67 Cinderellas is providing necessary comedic relief to many. Peck thinks this change in genre is a bonus for the cast and the audiences. 

“Honestly, this is the first production that I remember being a comedy,” she said. “My freshman year we did a Greek tragedy, and the one act was all about death so this is the first production we’ve done in a while that's really funny and really enjoyable for the audience.” 

Despite its obvious comical quirks and challenging aspects, Thurwatcher chose this show for its ability to create a relaxing and carefree environment for his students.

“This is my sixth year at West. My first year we did a comedy but it was a one act with a bigger cast and it was crazy,” he said. “Then we kind of got a little more serious to allow for dramatic growth and to work on the craft. With the one act play, it's so competitive and mentally exhausting that it can be taxing, so this spring I wanted the cast and the drama club to have fun and have a great time. I want them to be kids.”

Bowlus-Jasinski thinks it’s a great chance to get in a good laugh, especially for audience members intrigued by what this massive cast has to offer. 

“It's really funny; even some of the cast members can’t stop laughing during rehearsal,” she said. “Plus, it's free with a student ID and only 90 minutes, which is 6% of your day, so what's the harm in coming?”

The duality of the comedy is also not to be disregarded. For those looking for more than just a funny story, Miller advocates for the story’s romantic and mushy undertones. 

“It’s very funny and entertaining, but it also has a layer of heart underneath which I think is very nice,” he said.

Wianecki finds involvement most enjoyable, noting there is something for everyone.

 “It’s always fun. Even if you don’t act or anything, you're still always a part of the show,” she said. “Whether that's stage managing, like I do, or props, running lights, or even sound. It’s all just fun to learn.”

For Thurwatcher, however, acting is a hobby that can be enjoyed by everyone. 

“I think, because I was a theater kid and did all kinds of sports growing up, there's a sense of freedom on the stage,” he said. “You're allowed to step outside of your comfort zone and be someone else for a change. When you get a bunch of people together just creating something like that, it can be almost intoxicating. It's hard to explain the joy, especially with all the hard work that goes into putting on a show.”

by Delaney Smith

Published April 24, 2023

Oshkosh West Index Volume 119 Issue VII