See Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Performed by CAST

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella takes the stage in Catasauqua Area Showcase Theatre’s (CAST) spring production this month, with all your favorite songs and a twist on the classic plot.

When director Sue Matol saw this version of Cinderella on Broadway, she knew it would be a hit for CAST. “Cinderella is not a damsel in distress waiting to be rescued,” she says. “She’s opening everyone else’s eyes.”

With a 14-piece live orchestra and the stunning set design CAST is known for, the lush music and dazzling sights of this fractured fairy tale will be recreated on Catasauqua High School’s stage.

CAST started as a bid to raise money for sick children at Sheckler Elementary in the early ’90s, when teachers Bill Nothstein and Ron DeMaio mounted a modest fundraiser. Since then, the community has built this enterprise into something huge. “Beauty and the Beast, our biggest production a few years ago,” Matol says, “cost around $50,000.”

Retired art teacher Nothstein is still heavily involved, designing elaborate sets that transform the stage. “You’re truly in another world,” Matol says.

Matol started with CAST eight years ago as an actor, and now finds herself in the director’s chair because of the theater’s mission to educate. “If you want to do this,” she says, “come with us. We’ll teach you what you need to know.”

Cast members’ families and countless volunteers are invited to help in all aspects, be it building and painting sets, costuming, choreography—you name it—giving true ownership to the audience. In fact, CAST may be the most accessible theater experience in the Valley. Anyone who auditions is guaranteed a role, however small.

The spirit of Catasauqua’s community shines through CAST’s inclusive and enthralling work. Come see this fairy tale come true for yourself.