By Joan Gross
Let yourself be swept up into the holiday spirit wuth the magical broom of “Cinderella” in the timeless, enchanting fairytale brought to life as a musical at Hillbarn Theatre this festive season.
“Cinderella” was written fir television by Rodgers & Hammerstein. First seen in 1957, it was the U.S. debut of Julie Andrews at age 21 in the title role.
Director Kate Arms- Roberts said, “When I first read the script, I was struck by how fully the characters are drawn with such depth, as the show comes alive with magic, humor and romance. The music is charming and fun, with some poignant moments that really support the storytelling by revealing details about the characters.”
Arms- Roberts finds that casting a musical is always a challenge because of the triple need to find cast members who can act, sing and dance. In addition, she says this story requires two families that must look like families.
My goal is to humanize the characters as much as possible,” Arms- Roberts said.
All through her schooling, Arms- Roberts worked in theatre – including her three years at Harvard Law School, where she acted in five productions and directed two.
This season at Hillbarn she served as stage manager of “Dracula” and dialect coach on “Ten Little Indians.” Recently becoming a new mother, she has been juggling two roles during rehearsal. “The most noticeable thing is that my 3-month-old son, Patrick, has come to many rehearsals and production meetings with me. He has not interfered with the process as I carry him in a sling, and he usually sleeps for most of the rehearsals,” said the director.
Redwood Shores resident Ward Farmer takes the role of the King. Having acted on the Peninsula since 1999, he has been in six shows at Hillbarn, most recently last Holiday season in “Annie.”
“I love working at Hillbarn, as it is a very intimate theatre and wonderful space in which to perform. I can’t say enough good things about artistic director Toni Tomei. Productions keep getting better each year, and more actors are coming from all over the area,” said Farmer.
He finds that the King must be seen as both a ruler and as a family man. Farmer is looking forward to a wonderful duet with Heather Galli as the Queen. Both were together in Hillbarn’s “Dirty Work at the Crossroads.”
“Kate Arms- Roberts, our director, has a very warm and enlightened view of all the characters in the show. She wants us to come off as real people,” said Farmer.
Originally from the East Bay, Heather Galli has been acting since she was nine years old. With a degree form University of Southern California in Theatre, this San Mateo resident has been seen recently in Hillbarn productions, “The Women,” “Working” and “Cheaper by the Dozen.” Now Galli will play the Queen. “I am the power behind the King. We really feel good about Cinderella marrying into our family, because we love each other, care about each other and want to give her the nourishment and support she deserves,” said Galli.
Former Mills High student Dan Martin is the Prince. He also acted at Hillbarn in “Working” and just finished playing the role of Anthony Martson in “Ten Little Indians.” Having seen the musical version of the show as a child, he has studied selections with his voice teacher. “I was very surprised when I got the part,” said Martin.
Until recently, Gigi Anthony of Hillsborough has been involved locally in drama repertoire at Central Peninsula Church of Foster City. Now she will act in her first Hillbarn production as the wicked stepmother. “It is a challenge to take the part of someone evil and mean. The motivation is selfishness as the character only thinks about herself and her daughters first. I want to be realistic and believable, but subtle at the same time. My daughters and I must show that we are a dysfunctional family. The role is easy for me as I have always been a dramatic person,” said Anthony.
This show will be packed with fun surprises and visual delights. “Magic is always a challenge, but especially in a show that is otherwise very real. It needs to be special and convincing without overwhelming the human element,” said Arms- Roberts.
Rounding out the production staff are musical director Tony Eiras, choreographer Karen Dito, costume designer Gail Farmer, scenic designer Fred Eiras, lighting designer Don Coluzzi, stage manager Erin Donovan, and special effects manager Rick Deovlet.
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