Cinderella: A Timeless Tale of Hope and Kindness

By Jon Chown

It’s a story of hope and kindness that teaches perseverance and forgiveness. Kathie Kratochvil, director of Scotts Valley Performing Arts’ production of “Cinderella,” which finishes a two-week run on Oct. 12, said that’s why it’s so relevant now.

“I just felt like the community really needed a piece, right now, that was full of hope, dreams, magic — and the power of kindness,” she said. “Even if it’s just a two-hour slice.”

Nearly everyone is familiar with Cinderella, who must serve her cruel stepmother and step-sisters until her fairy godmother, with a little magic, gets her to the royal ball where she meets the prince and, eventually, lives happily ever after. This production is an adaption of the 2013 Broadway version, which is based partly on the 1957 TV version of Cinderella starring Julie Andrews, with music and lyrics by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Kratochvil said she loved that TV version and watched it every year with her family, or any other version. It was in grammar school that she began doing theater. She’s now been directing at Scotts Valley Performing Arts for 42 years. Her leads in this production are Elyse Coty as Cinderella and Jared Alexander as Topher.

Coty is a vocal teacher and coach, as well as a pianist. She has performed at Opera San Jose, Opera Modesto, and Cabrillo Stage.

“She has a gorgeous voice and a really kind soul, so she really emanates Cinderella,” Kratochvil said.

“Cinderella was my favorite princess growing up,” Coty said. “I hope Ella’s kind nature reminds our audiences of the goodness in humanity and that they leave our performances with a rekindled spirit of compassion even for those that seem the least deserving.”

Alexander has recently returned to the area after studying acting in London. Kratochvil said that his voice creates a wonderful melody with Coty.

The rest of the cast is also quite talented, said the director. Among them are Melanie Camras as the stepmother; sisters Emily and Emma McGinnis as the stepsisters; Shannon Marie McDonough as the fairy godmother; David McGinnis as the king and Cindy Gorski as the queen.

“All are very experienced actors and they sing like larks,” she said, adding that the the staging, choreography, and entire production will be top notch. The stage itself will look like a story book, with pages actually turning.

“The audience will be moved from page to page, using a lot of rolling pieces and rolling sets,” Kratochvil said, giving a huge nod to set designer Larry Cuprys. “He actually designed a carriage with horses that can move across the stage.” n

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The show premiered Sept. 26 and will run through Oct. 12 with performances on Fridays (7 p.m.), Saturdays (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Sundays (2 p.m.). Ticket prices are $30 for adults, $25 for students and seniors and $20 for children. The play is produced by Cindy Gorski, with Kylan DeGhetaldi as musical director and Shannon Marie McDonough in charge of choreography. For more information go to: svctheaterguild.org.