The Central Wisconsin theater scene is bustling this November, with four separate productions playing in the coming weeks at the high school, children’s theater and community theater levels. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s a great way to spend time with friends and family and support local performing arts programs.
Starting this week, Wausau West High School and D.C. Everest Senior High open their fall musicals: “Cinderella” and “Frozen: The Broadway Musical,” respectively. Both are based on centuries-old European folk tales but have been modernized for today’s audiences in distinct ways.
“Cinderella” represents the Golden Age of musical theater, an era that pioneered the “integrated musical” where song, dance and script work together seamlessly to advance the story. Conversely, “Frozen” is a decidedly contemporary production, defined by a pop-infused score, cinematic pacing and high-tech stagecraft.
Over at Wausau West, the time-treasured tunes of master songsmiths Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II will be channeled through the talented cast of “Cinderella,” directed by Brad Schmicker. With roots in the ancient Greek tale of Rhodopis, this story follows Ella, a young woman forced into servitude by her demanding stepmother, who relies on her imagination to dream of a life beyond her cinder-swept corner. When the kingdom announces a royal ball for the prince, Ella’s dreams seem entirely out of reach — until her Fairy Godmother arrives to prove that the impossible is possible. Armed with a sparkling gown, glass slippers and a strict midnight deadline, she sets off for the palace. However, in this updated narrative, Ella isn’t just looking for romance; she also aims to open the prince’s eyes to the needs of his people before the clock strikes 12.
“Cinderella” opens Thursday, Nov. 12, and runs through Saturday, Nov. 14, with shows at 7 p.m. The run closes with a Sunday, Nov. 15, matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for seniors and kids and can be purchased at gofan.co.
Down in Schofield, the D.C. Everest Performing Arts Department is staging “Frozen: The Broadway Musical,” based on the modern Disney animated masterpiece, 2013’s “Frozen.” Loosely based on “The Snow Queen” by Hans Christian Andersen, “Frozen” follows two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna, who are torn apart by a dangerous secret: Elsa harbors powerful and uncontrollable ice magic. When her abilities are accidentally exposed during her coronation, she inadvertently plunges her kingdom into an eternal winter and flees into the mountains.
Determined to mend their bond and save the kingdom, the fiercely optimistic Anna sets off on an epic journey. Teaming up with a rugged ice harvester named Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a magically animated snowman named Olaf, Anna must brave the freezing elements and discover if the bond of sisterhood can conquer the storm. The play is directed by Wendy Vesper.
“Frozen” opens Friday, Nov. 13 and runs for two weekends. Shows are at 7 p.m. on Nov. 13 and 20, with 1 p.m. matinees on Nov. 14-15 and 21-22. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and kids and can be purchased at dce.booktix.com.
Looking ahead, Central Wisconsin Children’s Theatre is staging “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” on Nov. 27-29 and Central Wisconsin Area Community Theater presents “The Shadow Box” in Amherst next week.
With shows scheduled every weekend this month, there’s a bit of something for everyone. Don’t miss a chance to support the artistic pursuits of your neighbors — grab a ticket and experience the magic of live theater this month.
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