The Asbury University Music Department will perform Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella from April 4-6 in the Jameson Recital Hall. Tickets are $12 for general admission, $10 for faculty/staff, and $8 for students and senior citizens.
“What makes the show special is how each cast member brings their talents to tell this story,” said Lecturer of Voice Dr. Marie-France Duclos, who serves as the director for the show. “Everybody has seen or heard a version of Cinderella, but what makes it so incredibly unique is the interpretation that our casts are bringing to it. The voices are beautiful, but the acting and sincerity of our students are outstanding. Also, the lighting by Jonny Adkins and the orchestra prepared by Dr. Nathan Miller and directed by Dr. Mary Ann Wilder will amplify the quality of our production.”
This family-friendly show offers a modern version of a century-old French tale with jokes and entertaining characters.
Actors from the show share what they enjoy about the process of creating this story.
“I enjoy being able not only to sing these beautifully-composed songs but also having fun with wonderful people,” said Donovan Chung ’26, who plays Prince Charming in one of the casts. “We have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure every little detail is perfect, and I couldn’t be more grateful to our team.”
“Getting to portray Cinderella is a dream come true,” said Chloee Adams ’25, who plays Cinderella in one of the casts. “Dr. Mary Ann Wilder, Prof. Fairynne Rogers, and Dr. Marie-France Duclos took a chance on me with this show, and it’s the first time I’ve had the courage to be completely myself.”
Last year, the Music Department performed Dido and Aeneas as part of the Opera Workshop class (VOC 300). Offered every other fall, the class offers training with chamber operas, operas or operettas, and/or with opera scenes. Students get to learn roles, assist with aspects of technical execution, and/or perform the opera or assigned scenes.
The Asbury University Music Department offers a major in Music (with emphases in composition and arranging, instrumental performance, pre-music therapy, vocal performance, and church music leadership), a major in Music Education (with emphases in general music education, instrumental music education, vocal/choral education, and combined instrumental/vocal education), and a minor in Music.