ICCT Transforms into a Land of Make Believe

ICCT — The Iowa City Community Theatre, in partnership with the University of Iowa Community Credit Union, will be presenting a two-week run of Rogers & Hammerstein’s fairy-tale-turned-musical Cinderella this month at the Johnson County Fair Grounds.

The cast and crew of Cinderella have created an event for the whole family, transforming the space at the Johnson County Fairgrounds into a portal into the land of make-believe. Immediately upon entering the building, audiences will be greeted by a fairy tale marketplace. One half of the foyer is covered with pumpkins, and along the walls and suspended from the ceiling are twining vines that transform on the other side as if by magic into the black and silver of a royal palace. There, patrons will be greeted by “townsfolk” vendors and, of course, ushers, ready to bring them to the set itself.

Behind the curtain lie even greater wonders. The single set piece that serves as village square, country chateau and royal ballroom is studded throughout with LED lights that sparkle on cue. Add to that seven pounds of glitter, astonishing costumes and professional-grade lighting, and you won’t have to suspend disbelief. It’s been done for you.

The performance promises to equal the set in spectacle. Jill Beardsley, the professional dance instructor who choreographed last spring’s ICCT production of Wonderful Town, returns to oversee both costuming and choreography for Cinderella. The performance is set to be, not only visually stunning, but also musically gratifying. An 18-piece orchestra will sit just through the castle gate, accompanying the classic tale with one of the grandest traditions of the Broadway musical: a Rogers & Hammerstein original score.

It has been said that every culture has its own version of the Cinderella tale, and there is a reason for that. The universal themes of longing for happiness, of cheering for the underdog, and of miracles working for those that deserve them are a part of the collective human psyche. In short, we all want to be Cinderella, and so this play resonates with us all.

But the enchantment doesn’t end when the curtain falls. Back in the lobby, guests can enter a drawing to win nothing less than the Fairy Godmother’s wand. Talk about taking the magic home with you! There will also be gift baskets to bid on in a silent auction and, as an extra-special treat on opening night, Yummy’s Cakes has donated a wedding cake to celebrate Iowa City’s own Happily Ever After.

Performances will be at 7:30 on Fridays and Saturdays, December 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th, and at 2:00 for Sunday matinees on the 12th and 19th. For ticket information, visit the ICCT website at www.iowacitycommunitytheatre.com.