Students of the Maple Ridge Secondary School's musical theatre program are telling the classic tale of Cinderella – but in a style that befits the pop star Taylor Swift.
'Cinderella (Taylor's version)' is a jukebox musical telling the tale of the poor servant girl who is magically turned into a princess for one night by her fairy godmother, to attend a ball and meet a prince who is searching for his true love.
In a race to get back to her house before the magic spell wears off, Cinderella loses a glass slipper, which is found by the prince, who then goes searching for the woman who fits the shoe, the woman at the ball whom he has fallen in love with.
Cara Roberts is the stage director of the show, MRSS choir teacher Claire Oliverio is the musical director, and Grade 12 student Emma Johnston is the student lead choreographer, who choreographed all the numbers in the production and collaborated with Roberts to pick the final range of Taylor Swift tracks for the show.
"It is the classic, timeless tale of Cinderella, the girl with the glass slipper, set to exclusively Taylor Swift songs," explained Oliverio.
The script was adapted by Roberts over the summer and the cast have been working on the two-act production since September.
There are 55 students in the school's musical theatre program from Grades 9 to 12.
Elayne Williams, playing the part of Cinderella, is going into the University of Alberta's acting program, which Oliverio says, is highly prestigious.
Matias Pelegrin-Hicks, in Grade 11, is playing the part of the prince; the fairy godmother is played by Sarah Schill; Cinderella's stepmother is being played by Bianka Forgac in Grade 11; and the stepsisters, who Oliverio says are "wildly hilarious" are being played by Grade 12 students Maya Stoiber and Cheza Balauro.
Swift songs in the production include: 'ME!'; 'Shake It Off'; 'Lavender Haze'; 'Wildest Dreams'; 'Bejeweled'; How You Get The Girl; 'Everything Has Changed' duet; and 'Love Story'.
Oliverio noted that the school community has pitched in immensely to help the production, donating many of the ballgowns used for costumes.
She is hoping the community comes out to see the show.
"It is an excellent representation of the talented and creative youth in our community," said Oliverio.
Cinderella (Taylor's version) still runs June 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. in the Maple Ridge Secondary theatre, room 1215, at 21911 122 Ave., Maple Ridge.
The first act will be 30 minutes, the second act 45 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission. There will be a concession and all the proceeds will be going towards the purchase of grand drapes for the MRSS theatre which cost $10,000.
Tickets are $5 for students and seniors and $10 for adults and are available by email: claire_oliverio@sd42.ca or by calling 604-463-4175.
