Children's Theatre Company (CTC) and School of Minneapolis Alumni Archive: Cinderella

Cinderella. 1974. The Children's Theatre Company and School of Minneapolis, MN.

Matthew Brassil (center) as Prince Eric, holding the glass slipper.

PLEASE BE ADVISED that co-founder and artistic director John Clark Donahue, as well as a number of staff and/or school faculty members of the theatre (actor/instructor Jason McLean, for one) have been convicted and/or charged with criminal and/or civil crimes of sexual abuse of minors. In winter of 2019, in civil court, the Children's Theatre Company was also found guilty of negligence in these matters which occurred during the time period of the 1970s and 1980s (and probably earlier). Consequently, please be aware that the images and links within this blog include the contributions and participation of certain minors who were victims/survivors/witnesses of sexual and emotional abuse and residual trauma, as well as certain adult perpetrators, enablers, and/or former victims.

Originally presented by The Children's Theatre Company of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts in 1966, Cinderella, adapted for the stage by John B. Davidson, became the treasured cornerstone of CTC's continuing holiday repertoire. Stylistically influenced by the traditional English holiday pantomime, the role of the Stepmother (Rose Olson Cramp) was played by the lead actor of the acting company (Bain Boehlke for the first six productions in 1966, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1980 and 1983; with Gerald Drake carrying on the tradition in multiple productions thereafter). Also a constant was Wendy Lehr's unforgettable performance in the role of one of the two stepsisters, "Pearl Cramp." Karlis Ozols, too, appeared in numerous productions as the Lord Chamberlain. The role of Dorcas Cramp shifted from year to year, as did the young actress playing the title role, the young actor playing Prince Eric, and the role of the Fairy Godmother.
Musical olios between scenes were performed by a live orchestra and cast members, dressed in Victorian garb, singing traditional Christmas carols including "The First Noel," "What Child is This?" "Fum, Fum, Fum" and so forth, including Davidson's original lyric to the traditional "Christmas Is a'Comin'." (see below.) Virtually every resident composer and/or music director in the Theatre's history adapted and/or scored a section or two of the play over the years.
Dance was also included in the play, not only in the ball scene, but also a ballet interlude during Cinderella's wintry garden transformation from rags to ball finery and, again, prior to Cinderella's presentation to the court as the Prince's new bride.
The original scenic design was by John Clark Donahue, redesigned in 1969 by Jack Barkla, then designed for the "new theatre" in 1974 by Edward Haynes with costumes by Gene Davis Buck.

1974. Bain Boehlke, Lynn Rubel, Sara Schimke, Wendy Lehr

1985. Julie Briskman, Gerald Drake, Wendy Lehr

1976: Wendy Lehr as Pearl, Bain Boehlke as Rose Olson Cramp, Julie Williams as Dorcas,
Thomas Olson as Prince Eric.

1976. Christmas Is a'Comin'

1980. Julee Cruise, Bain Boehlke, Wendy Lehr

1969. "What Child is This?"

1969. Suzy Siftar as Cinderella. Patrick McNellis as Prince Eric.

1969. Barry Goldman and Patrick McNellis.

1969. Suzy Siftar as Cinderella with Linda Walsh Jenkins as Fairy Godmother.

1976. Sylvia Bolton and Myron Johnson.

Music Excerpts:

http://www.mediafire.com/file/oyijytnwige12tq/Cinderella_-_Opening.mp3/file

http://www.mediafire.com/file/469j6rsd5vfd41l/Cinderella_-_Xmas_is_a%2527Comin%2527.mp3/file

Christmas Is a-Comin’

Christmas is a-comin’ and the goose is gettin’ fat

Please to put a penny in the old man’s hat?

If you haven’t got a penny then a ha’penny will do

If you haven’t got a ha’penny then God bless you!

God bless you, gentlemen, God bless you!

If you haven’t got a ha’penny then God bless you!

Christmas is a-comin’ and the bells are ringin’ out

Up and down the avenue you hear the people shout:

Here’s popcorn for your Christmas tree

And toffee you can chew

One a penny, two a penny, God bless you!

God bless you, gentlemen, God bless you!

One a penny, two a penny, God bless you!

Christmas is a-comin' and the snow is everywhere
Smells of figgy puddin' are a-hangin' in the air
Like to stand here chattin' but my nose is turnin' blue
Awful nice to see you, sir, and God bless you!
God bless you, gentlemen, God bless you!
Awful nice to see you, sir, and God bless you!

Christmas is a-comin’ and the candles are aglow

Making frosty patterns as they flicker on the snow

When the spirit beckons if you’ve nothin’ else to do

Raise your voice in harmony

Sing God bless you!

God bless you, gentlemen, God bless you!

Raise your voice in harmony

Sing God bless you.

God bless you!