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Rodgers + Hammerstein’s
CINDERELLA
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
New Book by Douglas Carter Beane
Original Book by Oscar Hammerstein II
Orchestrations by Danny Troob
Music Adaptation & Arrangements by David Chase
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Director’s Notes
When most people think of Cinderella, they picture a familiar fairy tale—a lost slipper, a fairy godmother, and a happily-ever-after romance. While those beloved elements remain, this adaptation asks a deeper question: What if courage isn’t about magic? What if it’s about telling the truth?
This version of Cinderella invites us to see Ella not simply as a dreamer waiting to be rescued, but as a young woman, searching for the courage to overcome her silence by speaking her true voice. Gradually, she begins to share her kindness and compassion with her fellow countrymen, until she challenges a kingdom—and its future king—to see the dignity and worth of every person. Together, Ella and Topher remind us that lasting change begins when ordinary people have the courage to speak honestly, listen humbly, and stand up for what is right.
Although this story is set in a fairy-tale kingdom, its heartbeat feels remarkably familiar and relevant to our world today. We continue to wrestle with questions of justice, compassion, integrity, and whether every voice matters.
At CAST, Jesus’ truth guides and challenges our understanding and portrayal of the truth we uncover in any show that we do. There are rich truths in Cinderella that nudge each of us to consider how we should use our voices.
It has been a pleasure and privilege for me to discover these truths with an exceptional group of young people who have worked hard and been willing to see into the hearts of these characters. I hope their discoveries will impact others with the truth and courage that they have found here.
As you watch this performance, I hope you will enjoy the humor, romance, and spectacle that have made Cinderella a timeless classic. But, I also hope you’ll leave asking yourself a simple question.
What truth am I being called to share with the world?
Because perhaps the bravest thing any of us can do is to speak the truth with kindness, live with courage, and help create a world where every person is seen, heard, and valued.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. —John 8:32
Dr. Kay D. Wright
Song List
Act I
“Overture” – Orchestra
“Prologue” – Ella & Chorus
“Me, Who Am I?” – Topher, Sebastian, Lord Pinkleton, Knights & Pageboys
“Parade of Purchases (Cinderella March) – Orchestra
“In My Own Little Corner” – Ella
“In My Own Little Corner Tag/Your Majesty” – Ella, Lord Pinkleton & Topher
“The Prince Is Giving A Ball / Now Is The Time” – Sebastian & Jean-Michel
“Fol-De-Rol (Scene Change)” – Marie
“Off to the Ball (Cinderella March)” – Madame, Gabrielle & Charlotte
“In My Own Little Corner (Reprise)/Fol-De-Rol” – Ella & Marie
“Impossible” – Marie & Ella
“It’s Possible” – Ella, Marie & Chorus
“Ridicule” – Lord Pinkleton & All
“Ten Minutes Ago” – Topher & Ella
“Ten Minutes Ago (Reprise)” – Ella
Finale Act I – Orchestra
Act II
Entr’acte – Orchestra
“Stepsister’s Lament” – Charlotte & Ladies of the Court
“Call to Arms” – Lord Pinkleton, Topher, Lords of the Court, Pages, Ella, Footman & Coachman
“The Pursuit” – Lord Pinkleton, Topher, Lords of the Court, Pages, Ella, Footman & Coachman
“He Was Tall” – Ella
“When You’re Driving Through the Moonlight” – Ella, Charlotte, Gabrielle & Madame
“A Lovely Night” – Ella
“A Lovely Night (Reprise)” – Gabrielle & Ella
“Loneliness of Evening” – Topher & Ella
“Announcing the Banquet (The Prince is Giving a Ball Reprise)” – Sebastian, Lord Pinkleton, Heralds & Madame
“There’s Music in You” – Marie
“The Banquet” – Lord Pinkleton & Herald Trumpeters
“Now is the Time (Reprise)/More Fol-De-Rol” – Jean-Michel, Gabrielle and Marie
“King Topher” – Crowd
“Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?” – Topher & Ella
“Eight O’Clock and All is Well” – Lord Pinkleton
“Ella in Rags” – Marie
“The Proposal” – Topher, Ella & Company
“The Wedding (Finale) – Ella, Topher, Lord Pinkleton, Marie & Company
“Bows” – Full Company
“Exit Music” – Orchestra
Additional Lyrics By Douglas Carter Beane, David Chase and Bruce Pomahac
Who's Who
Cast List (Alphabetical)
Creative Team
Renee Bussey
Dr. Kay D. Wright
Charlotte Olson
Autumn Darrison
Rebekah Vohderahe
Zoe McNair
Laura McDonald
Lia C. Gerken
Abigail McNair
Oliver Phillips
Rhoda Miele
Dan McClure
Stephen Zimmerman
Abigail McNair
Dara McClure
David Ackley
Mark Olson
Vicky Olson
Melissa Smith
Patricia Kelly
Catrisha Utley
Tabitha Thorpe
Minretta McFadden
Sean Bussey
Deb McClure
CINDERELLA (100%)
Music by Richard Rodgers (50%)
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II (50%)
New Book by Douglas Carter Beane (50%)
Original Book by Oscar Hammerstein II (50%)
Orchestrations by Danny Troob (25%)
Music Adaptation & Arrangements by David Chase (25%)
Meet the Company
Laila Alvarado
Laila is an 11-year-old girl, who is excited to be in Cinderella, since this is her first show with CAST! Out of theater, Laila loves to draw, sing, and dance. Laila would like to thank her parents, directors, castmates, and friends for supporting her on this journey!
Luis (Tito) Alvarado
Tito is a sports player, singer, songwriter, and actor. This is his fourth year with CAST. His previous shows include Lion King, Aladdin, Peter Pan, Little Mermaid, and Anastasia. Beyond acting, he likes sports like basketball and soccer. Tito would like to thank his parents for making sacrifices, especially the long trips across the bridge to rehearsals, and for giving him exposure to different things.
Ava Alvarez
Ava is so excited to perform as Gabrielle in her fourth show with CAST. Some of her favorite past roles include Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Lily in Anastasia Jr. Outside of theater, Ava can be found reading, singing, or planning her next craft project. She would like to thank all the amazing cast and crew members who made this show so wonderful!
Zahrye (Zye) Anderson-Carden
Zye is 14 and excited to be in his third production with CAST! He enjoys singing, acting, cooking, dancing, and gaming when he is not on stage. Zye serves in the drama ministry and youth choir at Victory in Christ Christian Center. His favorite Scripture is Philippians 4:13. Zye would like to thank his friends and family for encouraging him to do what he is doing.
Choice Daniels
Choice is 16, and this is his first year with CAST. He enjoys practicing martial arts, writing, and singing. His favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13, and he would like to thank his family for their sacrifice and hard work. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Mila Edwards
Mila is 7 years old and excited to join her first year at CAST. Some of her past roles include Molly in Annie and various talent shows with her culture club at school. She loves making friends, acting, and singing, and she is a pro-2 level swimmer! Mila is an honor student at her school, and she would love to thank her grandma for driving her to practices.
Annamarie Gerken
Annamarie is a 13-year-old homeschool student excited to be performing in her fifth CAST production. When she isn’t being dramatic, she is an athlete who plays volleyball and soccer. She also enjoys reading, singing with Mrs. Bussey’s homeschool choir, and hanging with her friends. She would like to thank her mom for faithfully supporting, (sometimes embarrassing), but always loving her.
Christopher Gerken
Christopher is 14-year-old homeschool student who is excited to be performing in his second show with CAST. He previously did Newsies. One of his favorite activities is playing soccer outside in his backyard. He also loves riding his bike around town. Christopher is an alumnus of the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale with whom he toured to the southern US (2023), India (2024), and Ghana (2025).
Dominic (Nico) Gerken
Nico is an 8-year-old homeschool student who is thrilled to be performing in his first show ever. Some of his favorite activities are playing soccer and building Lego. When Nico grows up, he would like to be a comedian. He practices on his family and sometimes even with strangers. He would like to thank his mom and dad for always encouraging him.
Soraya Glasgow
Soraya is super excited to be in CAST’s Cinderella this year! She loves acting and singing so much! She has been doing theatre since she was four. In fact, her first show ever was Cinderella with Top Cat Productions. Some of her more recent roles were Dory (Finding Nemo, Jr.), Young Anna (Frozen, Jr.), and Flounder (Little Mermaid). Soraya had so much fun working with the amazing people at CAST and hopes you enjoy the show!!
Amanda Heubner
Amanda is 18 and is returning for her fifth year of CAST. She is thrilled to get to perform as Cinderella in this year’s production! Her previous roles include Scuttle in The Little Mermaid, Sarabi in The Lion King, and Elmer in Newsies. Amanda would like to thank her parents and church family for always supporting her!
Marneisha Johnson
Marneisha, a senior, is returning to CAST for her last show. She previously appeared in The Lion King, Anastasia, The Little Mermaid, and now Cinderella. Offstage, she loves music and time with family. Marneisha would love to thank every single person that has helped her to this point, with a special thanks to her mother!
Imani Love
Imani is 17 years old, and this is her fourth year with CAST. She has done several shows before, most recently, Addams Family, Pippin, Sister Act, and The Little Mermaid! CAST has given her the opportunity to work with experienced directors and a kind community tha tis now like family. Imani is exhilarated to perform with CAST once again!
Norah Muniz
Norah is 10 years old, and this is her fourth show, her second with CAST. Outside of the theater, Norah loves to play sports and hang out with friends. She would like to thank Mrs. Bussey and her family for their support. Enjoy the show!
Maxwell Oguledo
Maxwell is very grateful for being in CAST’s production of Cinderella. He is 12 years old and has been in CAST for three years. Outside of CAST, Max is either in his church’s choir or he is reminiscing of what it is like to be in musicals.
Lily Rosenberg
Lily is thrilled to be playing the role of Madame during this CAST production of Cinderella. Some of her favorite previous roles have been the orphan ensemble in Annie, Adella in The Little Mermaid, Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Pride and Prejudice, and Jack’s mother in Into the Woods. Special thanks to God and her parents. Love you, Mom!
Caleyse Selene
Caleyse is a 17-year-old performing arts student at Camden County Technical School. She is excited to play Marie in her ninth year at CAST. Some of her favorite roles have been Ariel in The Little Mermaid and Medda Larkin in Newsies. Outside of CAST, Caleyse enjoys singing in choirs like the All South Jersey Chorus and The NJ All State Chorus.
Eden Winthers
Eden is a 15-year-old girl who is in love with acting, excited to be in her sixth show, and thrilled to be in her first show with CAST! Outside of the theater, she loves to sing, dance, and read very long books. She would like to thank her directors, castmates, and family for supporting and helping her. Enjoy the show!
Richard Wright
Richard is 17 years old, and this is his first year at CAST. He has been in a handful of productions, such as Camden County Technical School’s spring musical Pippin as ensemble, Winslow Township High School’s fall production of The Outsiders as Johnny, one of the leads He is excited for this new environment and experience and is looking forward to a great 26-27 season!
Pastor John Edmondon
Lia C. Gerken
Dara McClure
David McClure
Abigail McNair
Zoe McNair
Rebekah Vonderahe
Renee Bussey
Renee Bussey is a graduate of Cairn University and Ithaca College. She is the Choral Music Director at Delaware County Christian School where her award winning groups compete locally and regionally. Renee has been actively involved in youth theater for twenty years. Fueled by her passion to equip young performers with solid vocal technique and focused character development, Renee co-founded CAST with her long time colleague and friend, Kay Wright.
Dr. Kay D. Wright
Kay Wright has staged and directed over 150 plays and musicals for high schools, colleges, church, and community. She is a private acting coach, giving workshops for educational conferences, churches, and budding actors. She is also a playwright and writer, and enjoys contributing her knowledge and writing skills to her creative team at her church. She has a passion for working with young people, equipping them with acting techniques, and inspiring them to offer God their best efforts on and off the stage.
Charlotte Olson
Charlotte Olson has been a dance performer for fourteen years, and teaching dance for four years at multiple dance studios. She has participated in six CAST productions, and is very excited to be choreographing her second CAST show. Charlotte enjoys teaching dance and sharing her passion with those looking to learn.
Autumn Darrison
Rebekah Vohderahe
Zoe McNair
Laura McDonald
Lia C. Gerken
Abigail McNair
Oliver Phillips
Rhoda Miele
Dan McClure
Stephen Zimmerman
Abigail McNair
Dara McClure
David Ackley
Mark Olson
Vicky Olson
Melissa Smith
Patricia Kelly
Catrisha Utley
Tabitha Thorpe
Minretta McFadden
Sean Bussey
Deb McClure
Photos
Donors
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CAST extends special thanks to: |
The Links Incorporated, President Rita Hawkins Victory in Christ Christian Center—and Bishop John and Pastor Isha Edmondson Victory in Christ Staff: Elise Minor, Wandria Hampton, Christian Edmondson Minretta McFadden-Concession Stand Sharidelie Muniz-Candygrams & Camper gifts Milestone Church-Shellie DiZutti Deb and Dan McClure-Costume Assistance Costumes-Mr. David Costin TPO “Sassy Seventeen”-Camper Support The Family Church-Set Assistance Aunt Berta’s Kitchen-Donations |
| Sponsors: |
South Jersey (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated |
Producer’s Note
CAST is excited to present Rodger’s and Hammerstein's well known fairy tale Cinderella, where dreams come true! In this updated version, however, dreams don’t become reality by simply waving a wand or saying, “hocus pocus.” The magic begins when brave, ordinary, unlikely people stand up for what they believe in and perform acts of kindness.
Musical theater has the power to transport us into enchanted, magical places and tell the stories of fairy tale characters relatable to us. For instance, in Cinderella we find a young prince who must discover his destiny to become a leader who is truly “for the people,” a government official who controls the kingdom through manipulation, a fearless revolutionary who is ahead of his time but struggles to be understood, a fairy Godmother who is waiting to share her powers with the first person who shows true compassion, and of course, Cinderella, who represents every deserving young lady who was considered unworthy to attend the ball!
I hope you laugh out loud, jump with surprise, and even cry a little as you are entertained by our performance of this timeless classic. I pray that you are moved to embrace the real themes of the story and that you leave inspired by this age-old tale’s truth-bearing messages of love, justice, and faithfulness (Psalm 84:14), which are reimagined and retold by a new generation.
Thanks for coming, and enjoy the show!
Renee Bussey
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