MFL MarMac to present ‘Cinderella’
MFL MarMac High School will present the beloved fairy tale “Cinderella” for its fall musical production on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10 and 11. Chelbe Feuerhelm will play the lead role of Cinderella, while Micah Decker will portray Prince Topher. (Photo by Audrey Posten)
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor
MFL MarMac High School will present the beloved fairy tale “Cinderella” for its fall musical production on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10 and 11.
Three performances will be held in the high school auditorium in Monona, with the first on Friday, at 7:30 p.m., and the others on Saturday, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
This production will differ from the well-known Disney version of “Cinderella,” said director Diane Fisk.
“This is even different than the Rodgers and Hammerstein [version],” she noted.
Instead, this production is similar to Douglas Carter Beane’s 2013 Broadway adaptation. Through this, Cinderella not only contends with her stepmother and stepsisters, but works to show Prince Topher the injustice in his kingdom. Left orphaned, the prince has fallen under the control of Sebastian, who tricks him into approving unfair laws.
This version of “Cinderella” also features a new character, Jean-Michel. A revolutionary who seeks to overthrow the government, he becomes the love interest of one of Cinderella’s stepsisters.
“This has so many twists and turns. That’s why I picked it,” Fisk said. “These guys have their struggles. You see how people change and grow. There are a lot of good morals in this one.”
Micah Decker, who plays Prince Topher, said that’s what he likes about the role.
“The prince is kind of clueless. Sebastian raised him to do whatever he says,” he shared. “Now, he’s finally being his own person. It’s like me, where I’m trying to find my own person.”
Chelbe Feuerhelm will play Cinderella. It’s a dream come true, she said, to play the princess she most idolized growing up.
She appreciates that the role veers from the path of the Disney film, though.
“I think this one is more meaningful,” Feuerhelm said. “Cinderella is braver and she’s more willing to fight for what she wants.”
In addition to the strong characters, the two said audiences will also enjoy the music, wardrobe transitions and impressive sets.
Decker and Feuerhelm are not strangers to the musical. As seniors, they’ve both had roles in other productions throughout their high school careers.
For Decker, that included a turn as the Cowardly Lion in “The Wizard of Oz” and as Beast in “Beauty and the Beast.”
As a freshman, Feuerhelm played Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.”
“It meant a lot to be the lead my freshman year, then come back senior year as the lead,” she said.
Fisk said Decker’s and Feuerhelm’s experience and familiarity with one another are showcased in “Cinderella.”
“These two have been buddies their whole entire lives. They’ve played off each other for years,” she said. “They have wonderful chemistry with each other.”
Tickets for “Cinderella” can be purchased ahead of time using the website ShowTix4U. Simply search for “Cinderella” or “MFL MarMac.” This program will enable people to purchase adult or student tickets for their preferred show, as well as choose specific seats. A diagram of the auditorium will be displayed, showing available seating for each performance. Tickets can then be printed and presented at the performance.
Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
