Torn Ticket II is breaking down stereotypes about musicals. While some people think that musicals are boring, this is not the case with "Cinderella," and audience members should prepare to have their expectations shattered.
Director senior Rebecca Baumwoll chose Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic because she was drawn to the music and also because she realized that there was a demand for something new and popular.
"Cinderella" may be considered old−fashioned, but it is a beloved classic story many have grown up with. However old−fashioned it may be, an advantage to working with a classic is the ability to spice it up with a new twist or two while still staying true to the original.
As long as the script and score went unchanged, there was the chance to use some creative freedom when deciding what direction to take "Cinderella," according to Baumwoll. "I wanted to take what seemed old−fashioned and prove to our audiences that old−fashioned still has a lot of beauty and simplicity," Baumwoll said.
Even though the story has been around since the ninth century when it was first written, "Cinderella" can still speak to audiences today.
For the director and cast, putting an original twist on the musical while leaving the script and music unchanged required a bit of thoughtful maneuvering. Baumwoll added pauses to the script and used characters' actions to add meaning without actually changing the script.
One major difference is how Cinderella achieves her dream. Instead of being granted her wishes by a fairy godmother, Cinderella gets to go to the ball because she realizes that she has the power to make her own dream come true. In contrast to the fairytale version, this altered version is based in reality; the audience is better able to relate to it.
Cinderella's inner transformation is meant to inspire the show's audience, showing the viewers that dreams can come true but that sitting and waiting for someone to come along and grant wishes is not the way to do it. All it takes is some faith and the guts to just go for it.
"It's her realizing that her dreams could come true," Baumwoll said.
Baumwoll hopes that the audience will leave with a deeper appreciation of using strong gut feelings to make decisions instead of always using logic. She explained that "Cinderella" is all about learning to see the beauty and magic in everyday life. Unfortunately, the kind of magic that happens in everyday life often goes unnoticed — it is the magic that happens when someone pays attention to an emotional reaction in the gut and acts on it, even when that means risking a lot for a crazy feeling.
Another aspect of "Cinderella" that sets it apart from previous versions is that it is going to be performed outdoors. "Cinderella" will take place on a stage under a tent across from Ellis Oval, behind the Aidekman Arts Center in the Remis Sculpture Court.
To explain this radical choice, Baumwoll said, "In taking ourselves out of the confines of a typical theater, we return to the universal and timeless arena of the outdoors." After all, plays were originally performed outdoors, and the outside performance will be very unique since a play has not been performed outside at Tufts for quite a long time.
Baumwoll said that she is very proud of her work with "Cinderella," noting that it has been the best experience with an ensemble and working crew that she has had at Tufts. According to Baumwoll, the pit has been wonderful, and the cast has been great to work with.
"Everyone [working on ‘Cinderella'] is insanely capable and kind," Baumwoll said. She is extremely appreciative of all the help she has had along the way with turning her vision into a reality. She had been thinking about "Cinderella" and wanting to direct it for over a year. Now, her dream has finally come true.
Tickets are free. Shows began on Wednesday, April 7 and will run until Saturday, April 10. Shows begin at 7 p.m. every night, and on April 10 there will also be a matinée performance at 2 p.m. The tickets are already sold out for Wednesday through Friday, but more may go on sale, and there may be standing room. Tickets for the matinée performance will go on sale at noon the same day.
