Beyond ‘Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo’—

The Slipper Fits At The Summer Theatre Connections’ Final Production Of  ‘Cinderella’

By Larissa Lytwyn

Summer Theatre Connections (STC), an interdistrict program for aspiring young thespians, recently culminated its sixth season with the production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

While traditionally designed for students in grades six and up, this year, STC introduced a new program especially designed for students entering grades three through five. Older STC members served as counselors for the exuberant new group. The youngsters recently celebrated their foray into the theater world with a cabaret-style variety show.

For Cinderella, a production that involved more than 130 students, the children in grades three through five played the roles of the mice and fairies.

While the storyline was virtually identical to the well-known Walt Disney version, the Rodgers and Hammerstein piece featured a number of distinctive songs, including “Impossible/It’s Possible,” “Ten Minutes Ago,” “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?” and “A Lovely Night.”

“I’ve loved being a part of this production,” declared Mallorie Dunn, who just recently moved to Newtown. She played a fairy. “I just loved being involved!”

Sarah Harmonay, a sophomore at Newtown High School, played the Fairy Godmother.

“It’s not like the Disney version, singing ‘Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,’” she said. “The songs are great — but they’re different.”

Mary Lou Vayan, a Newtown parent whose daughters Katelyn and Jocelyn played townspeople this year, lauded STC.

“[STC] is a fantastic program,” she said. “It’s a great way for kids to meet each other from all over the region! I hope [the state] keeps funding it!”

Kari Barrett, a Newtown resident and longtime “STC mom,” said she’s kept herself involved since her high-school-aged children were in grade school.

“I love that the program is open to everyone throughout the region who wants to get involved,” she said. “These productions are really made by and for kids.”

Danbury resident Amanda Ernest, a middle school student, agreed that she appreciated STC’s inclusiveness.

“This will be my fifth production with STC,” said Amanda, who played the role of a townsperson in Cinderella. “I’ve liked meeting new people through this program. It’s unique in that it is free and open to kids throughout the area.”

Frank and Carol Zimmerman, whose three children have all graduated from the Newtown public school system, came to see Cinderella to support a young parishioner at their church.

“We’re here to see [the King] Zach Gordon,” said Ms Zimmerman. “This is our first time attending an [STC] program.”

Cinderella townsperson Zoe Osimanti, a student at Newtown Middle School, said she has been involved in STC for years. “I love performing and being up there on stage in front of an audience,” she said. “I like meeting people from all over the [Danbury] area, too. It’s a great experience!”

Matt McFadden, a 2004 graduate of Newtown High School, said his love of children inspired him to serve as an STC counselor this year.

“I love working with students in the grades three through five program,” he said. “They’re very enthusiastic about everything and have worked hard!”

Cinderella was presented through a special arrangement with the Rodgers and Hammerstein II Library, based in New York City.

STC is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Education and is managed through Newtown High School staff members Gloria von Oy (camp supervisor) and Sabrina Post (camp director) and Education Connection, a regional educational support program.

Jacqueline Kirol, a freshman at Newtown High School, portrayed Cinderella. While Jacqueline has performed in Newtown Middle School productions of Snoopy and For Whom The Tinkerbell Tolls, this was her first STC production.

Daniel Berlingeri, a Newtown Middle School student who played the Prince, has been active in theater from the time he was featured in multiple elementary school shows. Daniel has spent two summers studying theater at a Richter Park arts program in Danbury. He was also featured in Newtown Middle School’s For Whom The Tinkerbell Tolls.

Kelly McPhee played the Stepmother. The Newtown Middle School student has been involved in STC productions of The Wiz, as well as last summer’s Night of A Thousand Stars.

She also was featured in Newtown Middle School’s production of Snoopy and For Whom the Tinkerbell Tolls.

Nicole Vournazos, a seventh grader at Newtown Middle School, and Sara Regensburger, a sophomore at Newtown High School, played evil stepsisters Portia and Joy.

Laura Frattaroli played the Queen.

Student directors were Travis Finlayson and Beth English. Stage managers were Chris Timmel and Kate Fuller. Musical directors were Lauren Harmata and Bret Boles. Professional technician Andrew Knapp assisted student technical directors James Kaechele and Paul Kastner. Kyle Harmata designed the playbill cover art and production T-shirts.

The production also enlisted the support of numerous parent and student volunteers, a student-comprised production staff and orchestra, as well as a number of local business supporters throughout the Danbury region.