Fourth-year apprentice Aaron Czernecki and first-year apprentice Emily Ling Mei were cast in the roles of Prince Topher and Ella for Cinderellaless than two weeks ago. They started learning their roles while also appearing in the currently running Seven Brides for Seven Brothers — which is typical for performers at the Barn Theatre. In an interview with Cara Lieurance, Czernecki and Mei talk about the fast paced, adrenaline-fueled Barn Theatre season, learning lines and choreography while serving as wait staff for evening cabarets, helping set builders, costumers, and lighting designers, and trying to find time to sleep.
Brendan Ragotzky will direct Cinderella, which was written by Rogers & Hammerstein for a 1957 television special and updated for stage in 2013. It runs from July 12 - 24. Mei says her character is strong on optimism, while Czarnecki says his Prince is not so sure about his future.