It is likely that few who heard the story of Cinderella found themselves rooting for both the stepsisters and Cinderella. Yet, that is what happens in the Youth Performing Arts School’s (YPAS) production of “Cinderella,” a musical based on the original fairytale. Previously simple characters are suddenly shown in a more nuanced light as the two casts, Cinder and Ella, bring this classic story of love to life with modern themes.
The plot of “Cinderella” has some variations from the Disney film that many are familiar with. Cinderella, played by Bailey Evans (12, YPAS) and Ava Stocker (12, YPAS), still has to find a way to the ball held by the prince without alerting her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. She receives help from her fairy godmother, who, in this version, is disguised as a village crazy lady by the name of Crazy Marie, played by Gillian Dickinson (12, YPAS) and Olivia Haddox (12, YPAS).
In addition, the budding romance between Cinderella’s stepsister, Gabriella, and a rabble-rousing revolutionary, Jean-Michel, complicates the story beyond a simple fairytale. Gabriella is played by Kate Doran (12, YPAS) and Emmie Siegel (11, YPAS). Jean-Michel is played by Ayden Gibson (12, YPAS) and Aidan Brooks (11, YPAS). The whimsical love story now has underlying themes of social injustice and what it means to be a true leader as they all seek to catch the attention of Prince Topher, played by Liam Curry (12, YPAS) and Drew Ashley (12, YPAS).
Jean-Michel seeks to speak for the poor but grows frustrated as the townspeople show much more interest in the upcoming royal ball than in anything he has to say. The poor play a major role in this production as they face oppression from powerhungry leaders. Their flippant attitude when faced with an opportunity to improve their lives in the long run serves as a cynical yet accurate commentary on the nature of humanity when it comes to prioritizing what is easy and enjoyable over what is right.
Prince Topher struggles with his confidence as a young leader as he deals with his overbearing advisors, Lord Chancellor Sebastian and Lord Pinkleton. Lord Chancellor Sebastian is played by Moses Ballou (11, YPAS) and Jeremiah Stevens (11, YPAS), and Lord Pinkleton is played by Finnegan Broyles (11, YPAS). Prince Topher initially lets Sebastian run the kingdom for him but grows into a thoughtful and just leader.. His potential for growth comes as a surprise to the characters, with Cinderella remarking early on that she does not believe it is possible for a leader to have a “head, mind and soul.” This show proves that leaders do not have to be selfish, autocratic leaders like Sebastian; they can choose to grow like Prince Topher by listening to what their followers have to say.
Going into this show, most would imagine the stepsisters to be as cartoonishly cruel, as they are in the movie. However, while they are cruel to Cinderella, Charlotte, played by Leilani Bracey (12, YPAS) and Channing Rivera (11, YPAS), and Gabriella take on a story of their own in this production. Gabrielle’s fling with Jean-Michel leads her to strive to be a more upstanding citizen as she struggles with what her mother wants for her versus what she wants from life.
Charlotte offers a biting commentary on the unrealistic expectations placed on women when it comes to impressing men. Though she was trying to win a prince, lines like “Why would a fellow want a girl like her? / A girl who’s merely lovely / Why can’t a fellow ever once prefer / A girl who’s merely me?” undoubtedly sound similar to many women’s own laments. Charlotte perfectly describes the frustration that comes with the double standard many women face; they are expected to be more than just a shallow, pretty face but to also understand that society only truly cares about a woman’s physical appearance.
Though the pacing of the story felt a little slow at times, the casts made up for it with their immense talent. Evans and Stocker frequently hit crystal clear high notes, and the entire cast seemed to have just stepped out of Disney’s animated film in their striking costumes. The ensemble dazzled with their choreography during big dance numbers, such as the announcement of the royal ball and the royal ball itself. But it was the set design, lighting and sound design that completed the show, allowing the audience to feel truly immersed in the world of “Cinderella.” From perfectly timed witty lines to quick thinking while dealing with technical difficulties on stage, the cast demonstrated that, though this is a high school production, they have talent enough to rival professionals.
“Cinderella” runs at the YPAS theater starting Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. To purchase tickets, visit their website here.
This review was written based on two rehearsals. Certain aspects of the show, such as technical difficulties, have since changed.
