Christina Allaback, director of the upcoming University Theatre production “Cinderella Waltz,” has a word of advice for people coming to the show: “It’s more for adults — don’t bring your kids thinking it’s going to be ‘Cinderella on Ice’ or something.”
“Cinderella Waltz” is a retelling of “Cinderella,” the story that’s been around since ancient Egypt. It combines different versions of the tale — including the popular, optimistic Perrault version and the much darker brothers Grimm verson — with modern references to create an “anarchistic” story.
Written by Don Nigro in 1987, it centers on Rosey Snow, who gets trapped in a fairy tale world full of the usual tropes: stepsisters, an evil stepmother, a lecherous father, a dimwitted prince, a fairy godmother (who happens to sing vulgar sailor songs), a troll and a village idiot.
The play will be performed at the Robinson Theatre. It opens on Friday, April 28, at 8 p.m. and will run through Saturday, May 13. Tickets, which can be purchased in person, by phone or online, are $10 for adults; $8 for seniors 65 and over, staff and non-UO students; and free for UO students.
Because of some adult themes, they ask that no children under age 13 attend.
The University Theatre puts on about five shows a year, providing UO students the opportunity to participate in theatre productions — a requirement for theatre arts majors. But auditions are open to all students, no experience necessary.
It has been operating for over a 100 years and has done more than 1,000 productions.
The production of “Cinderella Waltz” features nine student actors, along with a three-person stage management team, several members of the crew and graduate students designing the set.
Overall, Allaback says this is a play about finding happiness, shown through the lens of Rosey Snow and her family, who yearn to be a part of the world in the big, shiny castle that looms over them.
“It’s a comedy, and I think people will really enjoy it,” she said. “It’s just a really bizarre, funny retelling of Cinderella that I think a lot of people will like.”
—By Noah Ripley, University Communications