BY JUDI STRAUGHAN
For Alexandria Galante, Cinderella in the upcoming Sudbury
Theatre Centre production, there are fairy godmothers.
Alexandria has always wanted to be in a parade; presto, she was
asked to be Grand Marshal of Sudbury's Santa Claus Parade on
Nov. 17.
"When I was little, I'd always dream I was a princess in a big
parade and would wave to everyone who was watching. I remember
being at a Santa Claus Parade when I was young and Santa
actually looked at me. I was thrilled."
By the end of Sudbury's parade, even though her face was frozen
in a smile all the enthusiastic little ones kept her warm
inside.
"It's all so magical for kids…the impact is so great. I loved
every minute of it!"
For Alexandria, this magic is palpable on a daily basis in the
Sudbury Theatre Centre's version of Cinderella.
"The set, the pumpkin coach, the fabulous gowns- everything is
stunningly beautiful. Parents and kids will immediately be
drawn into our world."
Indeed, Sudbury audiences have learned to expect the biggest,
most fanciful production values in STC's holiday productions.
The multi-talented costume designer Crystal MacDonnel and set
designer Geofrey Dinwiddie's work will take your breath away.
As playwright, Dinwiddie takes things outside the conventional
box as well.
"The young Cinderella is far more real than we see in the
majority of the fairy tales," explains Galante. "She has a
wider range of emotions and isn't just a cardboard cut out.
This Cinderella is a feisty fighter, sometimes even a bit of a
tom-boy like I was. She's a positive go-getter who learns that
there will always be someone in your life who can help you."
That someone, for Cinderella, is two fold; not just her Fairy
Godmother but her pet cat Maurice as well.  Maurice the
Cat is indisputably key to helping Cinderella see the world in
a brand new way.
"The boys and girls are going to adore Maurice the Cat. He's
hilarious, kind, sweet and bold.  I can't wait for
everyone to meet him. Andrew Scanlon portrays Maurice
brilliantly!"
Another surprise awaiting the audience is the portrayal of the
stepmother (Katherine East) and stepsisters (Laura Caswell and
Anita Ansamaa).
"Cinderella's stepsisters are over-the-top funny. Audiences
will be surprised that one of the stepsisters actually helps
Cinderella stand up to her stepmother and that the stepmother
is really only mean to the children because she is so unhappy
herself. Everyone is human in this play and because of that,
the play has a ton of wonderful lessons for the kids."
"Everyone should come out to see this show, " says Gallante.
"It has conflict, struggle, hope and fulfillment. And besides
that, you'll have lots of laughs. What more could anyone want?"
Only, I suppose, one's own real-life Fairy Godmother.
Cinderella plays weekends only from Dec. 1 to 16. The
production is sponsored by Northern Life. Phone 674-8381.
Judi Straughan is the education co-ordinator for the Sudbury Theatre Centre.
