By: Betzy Carillo-Pantoja, Lindenwold High School, Lindenwold
GLOUCESTER TWP — When the clock struck curtain time at Highland High School, magic was already in the air!
With sweeping romance, sparkling gowns, and a story that has enchanted audiences for generations, Highland’s production of “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella” invited audiences into a fairytale where kindness shines brighter than any glass slipper. From the very first moment, the stage glowed with the promise that dreams — no matter how impossible they seem — might just come true.
“Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella” (with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II) reimagines the classic fairy tale made famous by Charles Perrault.
The story follows Ella, a young woman whose kindness and courage persist despite the cruelty of her stepfamily. When fate brings her to the royal ball, she captures the heart of Prince Topher, setting off a magical chain of events filled with glass slippers and a little help from a Fairy Godmother. Yet beneath the enchantment lies a heartfelt message about compassion, bravery, and believing in the possibility of change.
Highland High School’s production embraced the musical’s sense of wonder with enthusiasm and imagination. The stage transformed seamlessly from a humble village to a glittering palace, creating a world where magic felt just within reach. A lively ensemble filled every scene with energy, giving the kingdom a sense of warmth and authentic life. Whether bustling through village scenes or dancing at the royal ball, the cast worked together beautifully, ensuring that the story unfolded with both elegance and comedy.
At the center of this fairytale were two captivating lead performances. As Ella, Retaj Anne Al-Azzeh delivered a performance that balanced grace and strength, capturing the character’s compassion while bringing a unique sincerity to every moment onstage. Her expressive acting and honey sweet vocals allowed Ella’s hopeful spirit to shine, making the audience root for her from beginning to end. Beside her, Cole Byrne’s Prince Topher brought charm and earnest curiosity to the role of a royal determined to better understand his kingdom. Byrne’s confident stage presence as a humble prince created a believable connection with Ella, making their scenes together feel both tender and straight out of a fairytale.
The spirited supporting cast fully awakened the kingdom to life. The ensemble ranged from snarky palace interactions to lively village moments that required everyone to come together. They moved through choreography with vigor, creating vibrant group numbers that elevated the production’s most celebratory scenes such as “The Wedding.” The ensemble’s commitment ensured that every corner of the stage felt active and full of character.
Behind the scenes, the technical elements worked in harmony to create a truly enchanting atmosphere. The sets were visually created with the purpose of seamless transitions and little to no delays in scene changes, while the carefully crafted lighting design helped guide the audience through moments of magic and transformation.
With heartfelt performances and a personal touch of theatrical magic, Highland High School’s production of “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella” proved that there is always room for change. By the final bow, the audience was left believing that sometimes, with a little hope and a lot of heart, even the most ordinary night can turn into something truly magical.
- Student Edition: Pennsauken High School Delivers Electric Percy Jackson Musical
- Over 100 Gather to Oppose Vineland Data Center at Rally
- The Hidden Dangers of Pickleball, and How to Prevent Them
Follow South Jersey provides local journalism which highlights our diverse communities; fosters transparency through robust, localized, and vital reporting that holds leaders and institutions accountable; addresses critical information needs; supports people in navigating civic life; and equips people with the information necessary to partake in effective community engagement. If there is a story or event you think we should cover, please send your tips to news@followsouthjersey.com with “NEWS” in the subject line.
