Since December, Niles High School students of the “Cinderella” cast have worked tirelessly to have the production ready to dazzle audience members.
The musical opens at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Niles High School, and promises audience members lots of magic, including a number of lively characters brought to life by students, dozens of musical and dance numbers and one surprise — those who have seen the dress rehearsal have been committed to secrecy.
There will be a second performance at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
On Tuesday, students practiced during a dress rehearsal and got to utilize costumes, various set pieces and multiple backdrops depicting the enchanting faraway castle.
Junior Julia Kosten said she enjoys seeing their hard work start to take shape.
“This is our first time in costumes and using the backdrops,” Kosten said. “All of a sudden everything comes together at once and you can picture exactly what it is supposed to look like.”
Kosten plays one of the evil stepsisters, Joy, alongside Kaia Hurley, who plays Portia, a fellow stepsister.
Niles High School Choir Director Matt Hunckler directs the play. Hunckler has taught at the high school since 1990.
In that time, he has directed 27 musicals and 35 productions. Much like his students, Hunckler is taking on many roles in the production.
In addition to directing, Hunckler is also the technical director, producer and musical director. In addition, he helped to design and construct some of the set pieces. Despite his having to take on multiple roles, Hunckler said students have taken to the play exceptionally well.
As he stood on stage, Drew Mikel, who plays the prince in the classic tale, clasped at a shoe left by Cinderella. As the piano accompaniment swelled dramatically, Mikel stared into the audience looking forlorn at the loss of his newfound love. From his seat in the center of the audience Hunckler shouted encouragingly to him.
“All right,” he said. “Nice expression there, Drew.”
Hunckler said he chose “Cinderella” for students to perform because he is a long-time fan of Rodgers and Hammerstein. He also said he felt it fit the talents of students well, offering a chance for singing, dancing, acting and to debut instrumentalists and technology buff’s skills.
“I have always prided myself in working with [a play] where they all are culminated together in one show and this definitely does that,” Hunckler said.
Since they started rehearsing at the end of December, Hunckler said he has seen how students have dedicated additional time outside of practice hours to learn the roles.
About 25 students are in the cast. There are also about 25 students working behind the scenes in the orchestra and on the crew.
“These kids are just great,” Hunckler said. “They really do work hard. If you add every kid and how many hours they put in in these few weeks…there are thousands of hours that go into one production. They want to see a good crowd.”
Students involved seemed to be happy with Hunckler’s selection of “Cinderella.”
Sophomore Kara West, who plays Cinderella, said she enjoyed working to bring the story to life.
“It is such an iconic story. Everyone knows it,” she said. “I am really honored to play the role.”
Hearing students support one another during practice was not uncommon.
“She is the perfect Cinderella,” Kosten said.
Pretending to be mean to West as stepsisters was difficult, said Kosten and Hurley.
Hunckler invited the community to see the production and enjoy the show.
“I hope they come to it,” Hunckler said. “Niles is known for music and great entertainment here in this auditorium. It is one of the centers of culture in this town.”