Steve Frey
The spotlight was shining on Radford last Saturday! The city was hopping, but two events really stood out—the Rollin’ on the River Food Truck Rodeo and the high school’s performance of “Cinderella.”
Rollin’ on the River brought a variety of community groups in Radford together to coordinate events throughout the day that drew crowds and provided literally something for everyone.
Radford University, Radford High School, and city groups and organizations all worked together to produce a day that included the Highlander 5K and half marathon, with about 25 food trucks rallying at the end of the race to continue the celebration.
There were also outstanding bands performing on stage throughout the day, a Cow Pie Bingo game as a fundraiser sponsored by the high school, a dog show, activities to raise funds to support the ACCE program providing Radford students with access to NRCC, a variety of other interest booths, plus the Rotary Club’s Lucky Duck Race with great prizes and, of course, delicious food—lots of it.
Yes, you could definitely find something fun to do on Saturday, and this was an excellent chance to bring Virginia’s River City residents together, as well as many people from surrounding communities, for a fun day relaxing in the sun by the river.
Rollin’ on the River was a fantastic event, and kudos go out to all of the volunteers and different community organizations that helped to make it run so smoothly.
Congratulations on a job well done, Radford!
Then, Saturday night Radford High School presented Rogers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.” There were actually three showings of the production including Friday and Saturday night presentations as well as a Sunday matinee.
The Radford High School Theater Department provided the community with an outstanding musical while giving the students involved the chance to showcase their diverse acting, singing and dancing skills.
The musical was directed by Tina Tapp and Casey Worley, with musical direction by Darren Goad. Orchestrations were provided by Danny Troob, and the musical adaptation and arrangements were done by David Chase. Denise Garrett provided accompaniment.
Emily Ward played the perfect humble, kind, and compassionate Cinderella in the title role. She was convincing not only in her dialogue, but also in her every facial expression, gesture, and song. She has a beautiful singing voice that helped to connect her character with everyone she met in the musical, even Madame, played convincingly (and dominantly!) by Adri Newman, the evil stepmother who Cinderella found in her heart to forgive for the mistreatment she experienced.
Grant McDonel was an exceptional Prince Topher in the lead male role. Tired of fighting giants and other threats to the kingdom, he exemplified the classic young royal looking for something more from life, and, with the help of Cinderella, finding that purpose.
McDonel displayed a broad range with his singing, and he was equally effective as the prince smitten by love for Cinderella and in his dramatic confrontation with the manipulative, controlling advisor, Sebastian, played powerfully by Owen Taylor.
Maria Cervantes was impressive as Marie, and her transformation into the fairy godmother was magical. Her caring interactions gave Cinderella the strength she needed to convert the “impossible” into the “possible.”
Jean-Michel, the idealistic revolutionary with a raspy French accent, who wanted fairness for all of the people and spoke passionately to anyone who would listen, was played admirably by Pierce Johnson.
He found love with Gabrielle, Cinderella’s stepsister, played both caringly and movingly by Abby Ridpath, who developed a close, heartfelt relationship with Cinderella over the course of the play.
Charlotte, portrayed by Tess Ritchey, displayed the obnoxious, spoiled personality of the evil stepsister to a tee, and her quips, comebacks, and gasps of frustration were perfectly timed for both effect and comic relief.
Elias Cervantes rounded out the main characters as a delightful Lord Pinkleton, always ready to read a decree or try out the prince’s throne behind his back.
The knights, townspeople, gentlemen of the court, and ladies of the court blended their voices perfectly, danced delightfully, and carried on quiet conversations and appropriate facial expressions instinctively in support of the plot.
The set was beautifully assembled with attention to detail, especially the oversized clock in the castle ballroom that ticked down the minutes to the midnight deadline for Cinderella.
The lighting design highlighted the characters and the strings of lights on the carriage and the use of the lanterns in the darkness of a nighttime search added to the charm of the performance.
Other “magical” moments included the change as mentioned earlier to the fairy godmother, Cinderella’s transformation from rags to ball gown, the alteration of the raccoon to the footman (Aaron Burnette) and the fox to the driver (Isabella Walsh).
The stage managers, Zoe Tapp and Annabella Newman; Amber Duncan on lighting; Draven Mullins on sound; and the set crew of Nick Hastings-Crummey, Liset Tenorio, and Jackie Duncan all worked together to make “Cinderella” a truly enchanting experience for everyone in the audience.
An exceptionally charming touch was the invitation for a young girl in the audience to join the play as one of the ladies of the town trying on Cinderella’s glass slipper.
The stuffed animals (fox and raccoon) hiding behind the trees was certainly noticed and loved by the children in the audience, while the snappy political and comic overtones in the dialogue provided something for everyone in attendance.
The message that we all can find our place in the world, as experienced by almost every main character in the show, was brought to life through the outstanding performances of these actors.
Cinderella’s consistent kindness and civility also not only changed the hearts of many of the characters in the play, but also left the audience with the realization of an essential truth about human interaction.
“Bravo” to the Radford High School Theatre Troupe on an extraordinary experience for everyone who had the opportunity to witness your expansive talents. We can’t wait for your next production!
Yes, Saturday was one of those special times in Radford. It was very inspiring to see all of the hard work, talent, and community spirit exhibited by so many people, young and not so young, as they came together in supporting both the Rollin’ on the River Food Truck Rodeo and “Cinderella.”
It was the kind of day that help’s one realize what a special place Radford is not just on a Saturday in April, but every day of the year.
Steve Frey is a writer and CEO of Ascendant Educational Services in Radford.
