Living
BHS to perform classic story of ‘Cinderella’
Tuesday, 14 February 2012 by Matthew Girard
Belton High School senior Roxanne Bodkin plays the lead role in the school’s production of the musical “Cinderella,” which opens this weekend.The Performing Arts Center will be filled with music, magic and "Bippity Boppity Boos" this weekend as Belton High School presents the musical "Cinderella."
The classic story of Cinderlla, her evil stepsisters and Prince Charming will be brought to life with numerous BHS students performing the music of Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein.
BHS Fine Arts Coordinator Rebecca Northen said Cinderella holds a special place in her heart.
"Every year, in the spring, we start thinking about what we are going to do the next year. We look at the students that we have, where our talents lie and we also look at what musicals are available for rental," Northen said. "For me, it was one of the first musicals I saw on TV and I was very much in love with the voice of Julie Andrews. She was one of my role models growing up."
For senior Roxanne Bodkin, playing Cinderella is a dream come true.
"Getting to play Cinderella is very cool," Bodkin said. "I've always loved Disney Princesses and even thought about going to Disneyland to see if I could be one, but it turns out there is a height requirement and I exceeded that. Getting to be able to play her is really awesome."
From left to right: Stepsister Joy, Macey Hines; Stepmother, Elizabeth Tischler; Stepsister Portia, Madison Phillips; and Roxanne Bodkin.Bodkin is a veteran of the PAC stage, appearing in previous lead roles, but said she is relishing her final role.
"I've played the lead in the past, but being able to play the lead character in my senior year is really exciting," Bodkin said.
Northen said Bodkin is a natural on stage.
"We've seen her grow up through the last three years worth of shows," Northen said. "She has been very involved in the one-act plays that we have and she has grown into quite a good little actress. Her voice has grown tremendously in the last four years."
Senior Clinton Barrineau will play the lead male role of Prince Charming and said that he is excited to play the role.
"It's my senior year and I wanted to shoot for the lead role," Barrineau said. "I love to sing and I do love to act, so I figured being Prince Charming would be very fulfilling for both of those."
Other characters include Jacob Burlingame as King, Katie Lee as Queen, Elizabeth Tischler as Stepmother, Madison Phillips as Portia, Macey Hines as Joy, Grace Hutchinson as Godmother, Sean Clark as Herald, Connor Leigh as Steward, Katie Hauger as Chef, Brandon Kemp as Coachman, Christy Clonts as Footwoman, Chaz Corder as Footman/Minister and Daniel Greenberg and Stephan Torres as Guards.
Casey Jones is the Theatre and Artistic Director, Justine Halamicek is the Choir Director and Music Director, Rachell Hill is the Dance Instructor and Choreographer, Craig Pitrucha is the Choir Director and Set Constrution and Northen is the Producer and Stage Manager.
The BHS performances will also feature a live orchestra.
"Not a lot of schools have access to live instruments," Northen said. "We have people who volunteer and we have students supplement the adult orchestra. It's a new experience for them."
The shows will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Cinderella is presented through special arrangements with R&H Rentals. Tickets can be purchased from musical cast and crew members, online at www.seatyourself.biz/beltontheater and through the BISD Fine Arts Office. Adult tickets are $10 at the door. Senior citizens 60 or older and students in kindergarten through college (with a student ID) are $5. For more information, call (254) 215-2270 or (254) 215-2275.
