Cinderella: Theatre in the Park 2010
Cinderella is at Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park this summer. Join us on KC Parent Night at Cinderella on Aug 1st! Come to our sponsor tent for a photo with Cinderella (bring your camera) and a chance to win GREAT prizes including amazing Cinderella gift baskets and a $150 Cinderella party by Princess At My Party.
In anticipation of the show, we interviewed members of the cast who are excited to bring the magical tale to life!
Meet the Players:
Brady Metcalf, age 13 of Prairie Village is a member of the Children's Ensemble in Cinderella. This is Brady’s fourth show at Theatre in the Park, he has also been in The Music Man, King & I, and Titanic the Musical. At age eleven, Brady played Jack Thayer in Titanic as the only child actor in the play. Brady appreciates the outstanding quality community theatre produced at Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park thanks to terrific directors, cast and actors. Brady’s favorite scene in Cinderella is, “The Prince is Giving a Ball.” He says, “This timeless love story is just as magical as when it was first written.
For the Walberg family of Olathe, this summer’s production of Cinderella truly is a family affair! Matt Walberg and three of his four children are cast members in the show, entertaining Kansas City families and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Matt Walberg is playing the part of the Herald. He has been involved with Theatre in the Park since 1981 for a total of ten productions, including Annie Get your Gun, West Side Story, Guys & Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, Jesus Christ Superstar, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Into the Woods, and Broadway the Ultimate. Last summer, Matt portrayed The Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat through The Culture House. Matt says it is amazing to look out and seeing the massive audience right in front of you at TTIP. It's amazing! Matt said the main theme of Cinderella is that, “Love can change everything! The highlight of the show for me is that I have three of my four children in the show, and I get to interact with all three of them at some point of the show. They are my favorites.
Alaina Walberg age 14 is a member of the Women's Ensemble. Alaina, no stranger to theater, has performed with TTIP in the past with Wizard of Oz, and Fiddler on the Roof at the Jewish Community Center and numerous shows at The Culture House. When asked what she loves most about performing at TTIP, she said, “All the work that you put in that's all worth it on opening night when you see the audience, I think Dad said it best when he said "It's amazing!" Alaina’s favorite scene is the Stepsisters Lament! The actresses that play the stepsisters are hysterical! And they do such a good job!
Alec Walberg age 12 is a member of the Children’s Dance Ensemble. Last year he performed at TTIP in Seven Brides For Seven Brothers with his brother Wyatt. He has also performed with The Culture House in The Christmas Carol, Wizard of Oz. Alec sums up the tale of Cinderella well, “It’s about a clock, a glass slipper & a dress! I especially enjoy the search for the owner of the slipper, because it's the funniest part of the show!”
Willa Hope Walberg age 7 makes her debut in Cinderella as a member of the Children’s ensemble, one of 4 dancing mice, and Cinderella's flower girl. She has also performed with The Culture House in the Wizard of Oz, Annie Jr., and Aladdin Jr. Willa loves performing with her family.
Tips for the Audience to enjoy Theatre in the Park to the fullest:
Brady’s Tip: Get to the park early to score a great spot on the hill. Bring a picnic or buy tasty Italian ice & popcorn, when the sun goes down and the show starts, evreyone has a blast-actors & audience!
Matt’s Tip: Bring a blanket or chair and your favorite picnic food and enjoy the evening. Get there early to get a good spot, by 6:30 if you can.
Alaina’s Tip: Prepare for a fun night! And don't forget the bug spray!!!
Alec’s Tip: Be prepared to laugh!
Willa’s Tip: Be ready to have a great time.
KCParent.com Tip: Attend the August 1st production for KC Parent Night at Cinderella! Visit our sponsor tent for a photo with Cinderella (bring your camera) and a chance to win GREAT prizes including amazing Cinderella gift baskets and a $150 Cinderella party by Princess At My Party. And, check our list of ideas for MORE Princess Fun in Kansas City!
Photo by Bob Compton Photography.