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Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic reached our region two years ago, Windsor Light Music Theater has had to limit its activities.
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But now the long-running local theatrical production group is back to offering live shows to the public, with a classic fairytale musical as its latest presentation: Cinderella, as told by legendary American composer team Rodgers and Hammerstein.
“This being our first big production back since the pandemic, it was important for us to do something that would appeal to audiences,” said Michael Roy, spokesman for Windsor Light Music Theatre. “A really nice, feel-good story.”
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s version of the 17th-century folk story was originally a made-for-TV musical in 1957. The broadcast was nominated for several Emmy awards, and starred a young Julie Andrews as the titular heroine.
Windsor Light Music Theater’s rendition includes 25 on-stage performers, more than 50 off-stage crew members, a 15-person choir, and live orchestra accompaniment.
Roy said WLMT had originally planned to perform Cinderella in November 2020 — but the ever-shifting COVID-19 situation in Ontario stymied that plan.
“It just made sense to do it once we were finally able to get back on stage,” Roy explained. “We’re very excited to have the opportunity.”
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Asked if Windsor Light Music Theater members are feeling any nervousness about returning to performance after so much time away, Roy replied that it felt more odd to be apart.
“We’re like a big family at Windsor Light Music Theatre… It’s been nice to reconnect. (The production) is a well-oiled and ready machine. Once we jumped back into it, it was just like it always was.”
Amber Thibert — who previously played Ariel in Windsor Light Music Theatre’s production of The Little Mermaid — has the role of Cinderella.
“She was chosen through auditions,” Roy said. “Amber’s been a member of Windsor Light Music Theater for quite a long time.”
While the 1957 production is legendary, Roy said the new Windsor show takes its cues from the 2013 Broadway adaptation of the score — with full set design, elaborate costuming, and more. “There’s lots of magic throughout the show,” Roy promised.