The title “Cinderella and the Substitute Fairy Godmother” hints at the comedy within and that is what Hammond Community Theatre is preparing to present.
“The show’s a little bit different than your usual Cinderella story,” said Bonnie Johnson, co-director of “Cinderella and the Substitute Fairy Godmother” from July 13-14 at Beatniks on Conkey in Hammond.
“We’ve got some fairy godmothers who end up eating some bad potato salad and consequently they have to call in a substitute who is not very good at what she does. She’s more of a candle salesperson.”
Instead of the evil stepsisters and Prince Charming from the traditional folk tale, “Cinderella and the Substitute Fairy Godmother” by Ed Monk features an evil stepsister, an evil stepbrother and Prince Charmful.
“He hiccups. He’s nervous. He’s not your usual princely stud of man,” said Johnson, describing Prince Charmful.
“He doesn’t slay dragons. He likes to play with trains, which haven’t been invented yet so it’s a very interesting concept. There’s still a ball and some fancy clothes. Several people dance with Prince Charmful and he steps on all their toes.”
Johnson of Dyer said she was glad to cast some children in “Cinderella and the Substitute Fairy Godmother,” which is co-directed by Cindy Wotkun, of Highland.
“You want to get something out there for kids during summer. They’re off all summer so they have something to do whether it’s acting or just coming to the show,” Johnson said.
“This one has it all. It has excitement for the kids. It has some humor for adults as well. The kids in the show learn so much from adults being there about how to behave and about how to react on stage. It’s a learning process for kids.
“This particular show has a very cute ending as well. The show is interesting and fun so it’s going to appeal to everybody.”
The cast of “Cinderella and the Substitute Fairy Godmother” includes residents of Crown Point, Gary, Griffith, Hammond, Highland, Munster, Schererville, Whiting and Lansing, Illinois, and ranges in age from 6 to approximately 70.
“It’s been going really good with the comedic timing,” said Johnson about rehearsals for the show.
“The script is written so well. They give you some of that stuff. As directors Cindy and I have to rein the cast in or get them to be louder and add on a little flair to it, but a lot it is in the script so that helps. Some of these kids are hysterical. They’re really good.”
Johnson, who became involved with the stage at a young age, said it is phenomenal that Northwest Indiana is loaded with community theater.
“I love professional theater. It’s wonderful, but community theater gives opportunities to people to get started. Some of the shows you will find in community theater are on par with what you get in Chicago but for so much less money,” she said.
“It’s affordable entertainment and gives people a chance to get started in the business. We don’t get paid for this. Everybody does it for the sheer enjoyment, applause, lights and adrenaline rush of being on stage.
“There’s so much that goes into every production. It’s always exciting to see the finished product and see those smiling faces when the house is full. It’s so much fun especially with kids.”
Night to remember
PREVIOUS ARTICLE
