The first production of the season is Cinderella Tales, a collection of fairy tales.
There are many versions of the story commonly known as Cinderella. Parts of the story go back to ancient Egypt and ancient China. The stories were mostly shared orally and traveled with immigrants all over the world. They took on the qualities of the culture that told them.
These stories share common threads such as an ill-treated heroine (or hero), wicked villains, a benevolent helper, and a test or problem of some kind. Cinderella solves the problem while proving her good nature and is rewarded. Magic is usually involved, making Cinderella an excellent story for the stage!
Grand Marais Playhouse Director Sue Hennessy has enlisted the help of local storyteller Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux to help gather different versions of Cinderella into a fun production for girls and boys, both on stage and behind the scenes. Multiple theater techniques will be utilized to bring the story, and its magic, to life.
“Wondering what to do with all your sewing talent? The Grand Marais Playhouse needs you! Image by Mystic Art Design from pixabay.com
The cast and crew will participate in the construction of the set, costumes, and props. All ages are invited to work on the crew for this production. See more about upcoming meetings later in this article.
This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s general arts and cultural heritage funds.
Rehearsals begin January 28. The rehearsal schedule will vary by role but will be held Monday – Thursday, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. A more specific schedule will be released after casting. All participants must submit accurate conflict schedules at auditions.
All participants should bring appropriate clothing to auditions and rehearsals. Be ready to move freely! Wear comfortable clothes and flexible shoes. schedules MUST be returned January 28 to be considered for a speaking role and no later than Friday, January 31, to be part of the production. These forms, for both actors and crew, can be found on the Playhouse website under Cinderella Tales. www.grandmaraisplayhouse.com/cinderella-stories-cast-crew-information.
Can you help?
The Grand Marais Playhouse is a community theater that needs the resources of community members to exist. There are many ways for you to support the Playhouse, and most involve a lot of fun! Our costume committee needs more members! The costumes that are created for Playhouse productions are legendary. Visit our website history page to hear one great story about a dress!
Many community members have helped sew costumes from Greek to Elizabethan, modern to futuristic. All levels of ability are welcome and needed. There will be a costume meeting to find out more on January 30 at 7 p.m. at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. Everyone who comes to the meeting will receive a complimentary ticket to Cinderella Tales.
Building a show takes many hands. Each play is different and the technical needs vary from show to show. Community members bring each play to life through set construction, scenic painting and prop construction. Thrift store enthusiasts search for odd and wonderful props or costume pieces. Other people find sound effects and the perfect piece of music to help tell the story. Some people run the sound and lights for a show. You could be part of the running crew, helping backstage during each production.
There are many ways to get involved. No experience is necessary, and times can be flexible for most production elements outside of performances. The Playhouse invites you to find out more at a production meeting on February 4 at 7 p.m. Everyone who comes to the meeting will receive a complimentary ticket to Cinderella Tales.
Big Celebration
Did we mention we have a huge celebration coming soon? The 50th season!
The Grand Marais Playhouse was incorporated on July 19, 1971. The very first season included three plays. The Playhouse has produced over 250 full length plays, a number of ten minute and one act festivals, and many special events, including the Minnesota Shakespeare Festival in Grand Marais, as well as hosted music and visiting performances.
Hundreds of local community members have participated throughout the years. There is much to celebrate! We need a committee of local theater enthusiasts to help create the celebration this community deserves! Please contact the Playhouse if you are interested.
Grand Marais Playhouse Artistic Director Sue Hennessy provides this behind-the-scenes look at Grand Marais Playhouse activities.
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