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Casting announced for Drury Lane Theatre’s production of
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Music by Richard Rodgers
Original Book & Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
New Book by Douglas Carter Beane
Orchestrations by Danny Troob
Music Adaptation & Arrangements by David Chase
November 8, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Drury Lane Theatre continues its 2023-2024 season with the Broadway musical Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella for the holiday season. This timeless fairytale features music by Richard Rodgers and original book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, with new book by Douglas Carter Beane, orchestrations by Danny Troob, and music adaptations and arrangements by David Chase. Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella runs November 8, 2023 – January 7, 2024, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. I'll be out for the press opening November 16, 2023, so check back soon for my full review. Tickets are available by phone at (630) 530-0111 or online at www.drurylanetheatre.com.
Once upon a time in a faraway land, a young woman wished for a life as beautiful as a fairytale. Experience the classic Rodgers + Hammerstein adaptation of Cinderella this holiday season. Featuring the beloved songs “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” this magical musical is sure to entrance families of all ages.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella features Lissa deGuzman (Ella), Jeffrey Kringer (Topher), Gisela Adisa (Madame), McKinley Carter (Marie), Ryan Michael Hamman (Lord Pinkleton), Alanna Lovely (Charlotte), Christine Mayland Perkins (Gabrielle), Jeff Parker (Sebastian), and Christopher Llewyn Ramirez (Jean-Michel). The cast also includes Emily Ann Brooks, Leah Casey, Sophie Liu David, Margot Frank, Dani Johns, Kevin Kuska, Austin Nelson Jr., Justin Payton Nelson, Nolan Robinson, Elizabeth Romero, David Sajewich, Maxel McCloud Schingen, Brian Selcik, Andrew Tufano, Shelbi Voss, Amanda Walker, and Travis Austin Wright.
Helmed by director and choreographer Amber Mak (Choreographer for Drury Lane’s Jeff-nominated Singin’ in the Rain), the creative team includes Riw Rakkulchon (scenic design), Theresa Ham (costume design), José Santiago (lighting design), Ray Nardelli (sound design), Anthony Churchill (projection design), Jesse Mooney-Bullock (puppet design) and Cassy Schillo (properties design). Larry Baker is the production stage manager and Casie Morell is the assistant stage manager.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is rated G.
About the Artists
Amber Mak (Director/Choreographer) returns to Drury Lane where she last choreographed the Jeff nominated production of Singin’ in the Rain. Other Directing/Choreography credits in the Chicagoland area include The Sound of Music, Rock of Ages, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Jeff nominated Best Production), The Wizard of Oz (Jeff nominated for Best Production/Direction), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Jeff nominated for Best Production), Hairspray, and Elf at the Paramount Theatre. Other credits include: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan, a musical Adventure (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), and Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story at the Marriott Theatre as well as many other regional productions. SDC Observer/assistant to Susan Stroman on Big Fish (Chicago and Broadway). She is a proud Northwestern University graduate.
Lissa deGuzman (Ella) is thrilled to be making her Drury Lane debut in such an iconic and beloved show. Broadway credits include: King Kong and Aladdin. National Tour credits include: Wicked (Elphaba) and Aladdin (Jasmine). Regional credits include: The 5th Avenue Theatre (Bliss), the MUNY (Fiddler on the Roof), Goodspeed Opera House (Chasing Rainbows), Cape Playhouse (Camelot), KC Starlight (Legally Blonde), Studio Tenn (West Side Story, Les Miserables). She has a BFA from Belmont University.
Jeffrey Kringer (Topher) is enchanted to be at Drury Lane Theatre for the holidays. The acclaimed stage performer has undertaken quintessential roles like Tony in West Side Story at Lyric Opera of Chicago (cover) and Milwaukee Rep, Billy Bigelow in Carousel at Riverside Theater, Arthur in Camelot at Gulfshore Playhouse, and Frederick in Pirates of Penzance at Marvel Theater. Other credits include: Cruel Intentions (National Tour), About Love (Off-Broadway), Superyou (Theatre Row NYC), Titanic (Milwaukee Rep), Jersey Boys (Capital Rep), The Secret Garden (Palace Theater) Jeffrey earned a BFA at SUNY Fredonia and is represented by The Talent House.
Gisela Adisa (Madame) previously starred in the Broadway tour of 1776 as John Adams, with sit-downs at the Ahmanson and Kennedy Center. Gisela is known for playing Lisa Jones in CBS’ series FBI and Aunt Deb in Starz’s Raising Kanan. Last seen in the Netflix hit Kaleidoscope. Film credits include the Sundance winner Nanny, and Shield. Other highlights include Broadway: 1776, Beautiful. Regional: Lights Out: Nat ‘King’ Cole at the Geffen - Ovation Award nomination, Man of La Mancha, WCP - CT Critics Circle nomination. Voiceover: Netflix’s Ridley Jones, Dreamworks’ Dew Drop Diaries. B.A in Arts, Fordham University. Proud member of BIV. www.iamgisela.com IG: @imgisela
McKinley Carter (Marie) returns to Drury Lane where she most recently appeared as Tanya in Mamma Mia. Other Drury Lane productions include: Steel Magnolias, Death Trap, The Sound Of Music, and Ragtime. Chicago credits include: CLUE, The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes (Mercury Theater); Spring Awakening, Putting It Together (Porchlight Music Theatre); Into The Woods, Parade (Writers Theatre); Fun Home (Victory Gardens); The Book of Will, Title Of Show (Northlight Theatre); The Merry Widow, Carousel (Lyric Opera); Macbeth, Road Show, Julius Caesar, Sunday In The Park With George (Chicago Shakespeare); The Visit, Floyd Collins, (Goodman); John and Jen, Assassins (Apple Tree Theatre); Winesburg Ohio (Steppenwolf); and James Joyce’s The Dead, Cymbeline and Pericles (Court Theatre).
Ryan Michael Hamman (Lord Pinkleton, u/s Jean-Michel) is enchanted to return to the Drury Lane after previously appearing in The 39 Steps, Shrek the Musical, and A Christmas Carol. Other Chicagoland credits include: Avenue Q (Mercury Theatre Chicago); Pal Joey, Spring Awakening (Porchlight Music Theatre); An Enemy of the People (Goodman Theatre); It's Only a Play (Pride Films and Plays); Next to Normal (Beverly Arts); Peter and the Starcatcher, Into the Woods, A Christmas Carol (Metropolis Performing Arts); Joseph...Dreamcoat, and Pirates of Penzance (Music Theatre Works).
Alanna Lovely (Charlotte) is very happy to return to Drury Lane Theatre. Chicago credits include: Shrek The Musical (Drury Lane Theatre); Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical (The Studebaker Theatre); The World Goes Round and The Wizard of Oz (Marriott Theatre); The Steadfast Tin Soldier (Lookingglass Theatre Company); Nina Simone: Four Women (Northlight Theatre); Merrily We Roll Along (Porchlight Theatre); Ragtime (Griffin Theatre); Bare: A Pop Opera (Refuge Theater); and A Christmas Story: The Musical (Paramount Theater). Regional Credits include: The Wanderers (Forward Theatre); Nina Simone: Four Women (Merrimack Rep); Mother Divine and The Music Man (Western Playhouse). Recent recurring TV credit: “Empire” (Fox). Other TV credits include: “Power Book IV: Force” (STARZ); “Chicago Fire” (NBC).
Christine Mayland Perkins (Gabrielle) makes her Drury Lane debut. Credits include: Chicago PD (NBC), the original cast of Southern Gothic at Windy City Playhouse, as well as productions at Marriott Lincolnshire, the Arsht Center Miami, The New Coordinates, Griffin Theatre, American Theater Company, Music Theater Works and 10+ productions including Great and Terrible Wizard of Oz and The Nutcracker as a company member at the House Theatre of Chicago. Christine is a graduate of Northwestern University and is represented by Stewart Talent.
Jeff Parker (Sebastian) returns to Drury Lane where his credits include Mamma Mia, Young Frankenstein, On the Twentieth Century and Grand Hotel (Drury Lane Water Tower). Notable Chicago credits include: Wonderful Town (Goodman), The Brother/Sister Plays (Steppenwolf), The King’s Speech (Chicago Shakespeare), Parade (Writers), The Secret Garden (Court), Mothers and Sons (Northlight) and Nine (Porchlight/Jeff Award Nomination). Regional credits include: Candide (Huntington Theatre), My Fair Lady (Asolo Repertory Theatre) and 1776 (American Conservatory Theatre). Television credits include: Chicago Fire, P.D. and Med (NBC) Empire, Proven Innocent and The Big Leap (Fox) among others. Jeff has a B.F.A. in Acting from the University of Southern California.
Christopher Llewyn Ramirez (Jean-Michel) is a recent Chicago transplant and is excited to make his Drury Lane debut. Stage credits include: American Mariachi (Goodman Theatre); Native Gardens; Into the Woods; In the Heights; Twelfth Night; Sweat; White Rabbit Red Rabbit; Hair; Hood: The Robin Hood Musical Adventure (Dallas Theater Center); Stede Bonnet a F*cking Pirate Musical and Hands on a Hardbody (Theatre Three); The Great Distance Home; Elliot, A Soldiers Fugue (WaterTower Theatre); Empathitrax (Second Thought Theatre); An Octoroon (Stage West); It Shoulda Been You; Titanic (Uptown Players); Zoot Suit; blu; Crystal City 1969 (Cara Mía Theatre Co.); The Winter’s Tale; Pericles, (Shakespeare Dallas). Recently, Chris co-directed and co-wrote LUCHA TEOTL at the Goodman Theatre.
Emily Ann Brooks (Ensemble, u/s Charlotte) is making her Drury Lane debut. Chicago credits include: Beauty and the Beast (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Big Fish, A Christmas Story, The Wizard of Oz, and Ermengarde in Hello, Dolly! (Marriott Theatre). She has also appeared at Second Story Repertory (Anne in Anne of Green Gables), The 5th Avenue Theatre, and Village Theatre. Creative credits include A Christmas Carol (Choreographer, Metropolis Performing Arts Center), Lookingglass Alice (Asst. Director, Lookingglass Theatre), and extensive work for Northwestern’s mainstage. She received a B.A. in Theatre from Northwestern University.
Leah Casey (Ensemble) is back at Drury Lane for this enchanting production of Cinderella. When not on stage, she can be found lending her voice to all manner of audiobooks, or with the cast of Project STELLAR, a science fiction podcast about a group of crazy kids who have close encounters of the awesome kind. Chicago credits include: Murder on the Orient Express, Grease (Drury Lane), A Christmas Carol (Writers Theatre/Manual Cinema), Leonardo and Sam (Chicago Children's Theatre/Manual Cinema), Frankenstein (Court Theatre/Manual Cinema), For Colored Girls… (Court Theatre), Romeo and Juliet (Teatro Vista), and STORM (Walkabout/Moonfool). Leah is represented by the dedicated team at Shirley Hamilton.
Sophie Liu David (Ensemble) is making her Drury Lane Theatre debut. She most recently appeared in Festival 56’s productions of Something Rotten (Portia), Footloose (Urleen), and Significant Other (Kiki). She is a current student at Northwestern University where she studies Theatre, Dance, and Chinese. Recent Northwestern credits include As You Like It (Celia) and The Waa-Mu Show: Romance En Route (Lexi).
Margot Frank (Swing, u/s Marie) is a Chicago-based actor and is thrilled to be making her Drury Lane Theatre debut. Recent credits include The Sound of Music (Paramount Theater), Something Rotten, Pirates of Penzance, and Beautiful (Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre). Additional credits include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Legally Blonde, and Jesus Christ Superstar (Timber Lake Playhouse). When not performing, she teaches at Ovation Academy for the Performing Arts in Oak Park, IL.
Dani Johns (Swing) is return to Drury Lane. Originally from Los Angeles, California, she moved to Chicago to study at the Chicago College of Performing Arts to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre Dance where she is currently a senior. Her recent credits include Grease (Drury Lane), Merrily We Roll Along (CCPA), and 42nd Street (CCPA).
Kevin Kuska (Ensemble) is excited to be making his Drury Lane debut in Cinderella. He is a Chicago based performer, teaching artist, and composer. Past credits include Children of Eden In Concert (Broadway in Chicago), Beauty and the Beast (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), Jersey Boys (Great Plains Theatre), and several cabarets with The Beautiful City Project. He received his BFA in Musical Theatre and Minor in Dance from Millikin University. In addition to performing, Kevin has his Voice Teacher Certification from Somatic Voicework the LoVetri Method™ which he uses to teach private voice lessons at BAMtheatre and freelance in Chicago.
Austin Nelson Jr. (Ensemble) is so excited to be making his return to Drury Lane with Cinderella. Previous theatre credits include: Shrek the Musical (Drury Lane Theatre); Dreamgirls (Paramount Theatre); Godspell (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre); New Faces Sing Broadway 1947 (Porchlight Music Theatre); Bachelor: The Unauthorized Parody Musical (Apollo Theater Chicago); Sister Act (Mercury Theater Chicago); Elf the Musical (First Stage Theatre); and Seussical the Musical (Marriott Theatre). TV/Film credits include an upcoming AppleTV+ series. Austin is proudly represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent.
Justin Payton Nelson (Swing) (he/him) is making his Drury Lane Theatre debut. He is a St. Louis native and a recent graduate from Millikin University where he received a BFA in Musical Theatre. Other regional credits include: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at the Marriott Theatre, The Producers (Ensemble) and Pippin (Ensemble) at Music Theatre Works, A Chorus Line (Swing) at Stages St. Louis, and A Chorus Line (Richie), Mamma Mia! (Eddie), Footloose (Garvin/Dance Captain), and She Loves Me (Busboy) at New London Barn Playhouse.
Nolan Robinson (Ensemble) is a multi-hyphenate artist and graduate of Northwestern University. He received a 2022 Non-Equity Jeff Award Nomination for his role as Reuben in Refracted Theatre Co.'s St. Sebastian. Other recent professional acting credits include Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, The Wizard of Oz at The Marriott Theatre, Spring Awakening (Georg), Passing Strange (Youth), The Blues in the Night (The Dancing Man standby), and 1776 (The Courier) at Porchlight Music Theatre. Additionally, Nolan is currently on the co-producing team for the U.S. Tour and subsequent Broadway Revival of The Wiz.
Elizabeth Romero (Dance Captain, Ensemble, u/s Madame) is making her Drury Lane Theatre debut. Favorite regional credits include American Mariachi (The Goodman Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Cleveland Playhouse); Beauty and the Beast (Paramount Theatre); Buddy: the Buddy Holly Story (Marriott Theatre) and Into the Woods and How to Succeed in Business… (Rose Center Theatre). She is a graduate of Northwestern University where she pursued Musical Theatre Performance and Arts Administration. She formerly interned with Baseline Theatrical where she worked on the Broadway productions of Hamilton and The Great Comet of 1812. Elizabeth received the 2012 Jimmy Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
David Sajewich (Ensemble, u/s Sebastian, Topher) is back at Drury Lane, where he last performed in Les Miserables, but has more recently assisted Anthony Churchill on projection design for Murder on the Orient Express and The 39 Steps. Other select performing credits include: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Chicago Shakespeare); Company, Spamalot, and Little Shop of Horrors (Mercury Theater); It’s a Wonderful Life and All Shook Up (Theatre at the Center); White Christmas, Holiday Inn, Wonderful Life, All Shook Up, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Fireside Theater); Oklahoma and Mamma Mia(Stages St. Louis); and Ash in the first national tour of Evil Dead: The Musical.
Maxel McLoud Schingen (Ensemble) (He/They) returns to Drury Lane where he previously appeared as Ensemble/Sonny US in Grease and Donkey US in Shrek The Musical. Other Chicago credits include Ensemble in Beauty and the Beast (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), Ronald in Cruel Intentions (Kokandy Productions), and Simon in Mary Rose (Black Button Eyes Productions). Maxel graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University in 2022.
Brian Selcik (Swing, Assistant Dance Captain) returns to Drury Lane for the third time this year. Recent credits include: Grease, Elf (Drury Lane) Bitelle in La Cage aux Folles with Ginger Minj, Billy Elliot (Music Theatre Works), The Wedding Singer, State Fair (Clinton Area Showboat Theatre), The Tempest (Oak Park Festival Theatre) and Andy Lee in 42nd Street (Chicago College of Performing Arts). Brian just received his BFA in Musical Theatre with a Dance Concentration from the Chicago College of Performing Arts.
Andrew Tufano (Ensemble, u/s Topher) returns to the Drury Lane stage. He was recently seen in The Who’s Tommy (Goodman Theatre), A Chorus Line (Drury Lane) and in Emojiland (National Tour) and TRU the musical in concert. Andrew graduated from Millikin University with a BFA in Musical Theatre/Minor in Dance.
Shelbi Voss (Ensemble, u/s Ella):is making her Drury Lane debut. Recent credits include: Kinky Boots, Cinderella, Dreamgirls, Sound of Music, Little Shop of Horrors (Paramount Theatre); Film credits include: 1Up (Lionsgate/Buzzfeed). Shelbi is a University of Illinois 2021 grad and is represented by DDO Artists Agency.
Amanda Walker (Ensemble, u/s Gabrielle, Ella) is making her Drury Lane debut. Credits include: Sally - You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Minnie Fay - Hello, Dolly, The Sound of Music (Marriott Theatre), Keira Knightley - Love Actually? Parody (Apollo Theatre), Mary - Vanities: The Musical (Millbrook Playhouse), Darlene - Honky Tonk Angels, Sophie - Mamma Mia, Amanda - Women in Jeopardy (Cortland Rep Theatre). Amanda is a proud Ball State MT graduate.
Travis Austin Wright (Ensemble, u/s Lord Pinkerton) returns to the Drury stage where he was recently in Mamma Mia! Travis was also seen at Paramount Theater as Ja’Keith Gill in Rock of Ages and as Jo Jo in Newsies. He was also featured in the Ensembles of Wizard of Oz and The Secret of My Success. Travis has worked with Porchlight Music Theatre (In The Heights and Scottsboro Boys), Lyric Opera Chicago (Proximity), Chicago Shakespeare Theatre (Madagascar & Peter Pan), Theatre at The Center (Ghost: The Musical), Mercury Theatre (The Producers), BoHo Theatre (Dogfight), Kokandy Productions (Grand Hotel) and Music Theatre Works (Cabaret & HMS Pinafore). Travis also produces and writes music as Travie Austin. Find him on Spotify, Apple Music or wherever you stream music. Travis is represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent.
Dates: November 8, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Schedule:
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 1:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 7:00 p.m.
Fridays: 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sundays: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Location: Drury Lane Theatre at 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace
Tickets:
Single Tickets: $85.75 – $96.25*
Wednesday and Thursday matinees: $85.75*
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday matinees: $96.25*
Thursday and Sunday evenings: $91*
*Prices include taxes and fees
$5 discount available for Senior Citizens on Wednesday and Thursday matinees
Group discounts available to groups of 15 or more
Dining and show packages available
Special Holiday Events:
Pricing does not include ticket to Cinderella
Royal Tea: November 25 and December 23 at 1:30 p.m., $65 per guest
Brunch with Santa: November 26, December 3, 10 & 17, 10:30 a.m.to 3:00 p.m.
Price: Adults - $85, Children 5 to 12 - $30, Children 4 and Under - FREE
Box Office:
100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace
(630) 530-0111; Monday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm or visit DruryLaneTheatre.com
Season and Subscription Information
Following Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, the 2023/2024 season concludes with the celebrated classic Fiddler on the Roof, January 24 – March 17, 2024.
Drury Lane Theatre’s performance schedule for the 2023/2024 season is as follows: Wednesdays at 1:30pm, Thursdays at 1:30pm and 7pm, Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 3 pm and 8 pm, and Sundays at 2pm and 6 pm.
Drury Lane Theatre recently announced its brightest season yet with stories that will captivate and inspire audiences. The 2024/2025 season includes professional return of the musical comedy Guys and Dolls (April 10 – June 9, 2024); Ain’t Misbehavin’ (June 26 – August 18, 2024), celebrating the music of Fats Waller; the masterful intimate portrait of Queen Elizabeth II The Audience (August 28 – October 20, 2024); the enchanting and heartwarming Disney’s The Little Mermaid (November 6, 2024 – January 12, 2025); and the inspiring true story Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (January 29, 2025 – March 30, 2025).
Lock in your seats for a season of spectacular theatre by subscribing today! Subscriptions include priority seating and great dining discounts at Lucille Restaurant and The Lounge, dedicated theatre entrances, exclusive presale opportunities and much more. For more information, visit DruryLaneTheatre.com/Subscribe. On-site dining is available at Lucille Restaurant with convenient pre-show or post-show prix fixe menus. To book a group of 15 people or more, call Group Services at 630-570-7272 or email Groups@DruryLane.com. For individual ticket on-sale dates and ticket reservations, call the Drury Lane Theatre Box Office at (630) 530-0111 or visit www.drurylanetheatre.com..
About Drury Lane Theatre
Built from scratch. Built in Oakbrook. Built for you.
Founded by Anthony DeSantis over 70 years ago, Drury Lane remains a family-run organization under the leadership of President Kyle DeSantis. Drury Lane Theatre continues as a major force in the Chicagoland theatre scene, producing world-class theatre in collaboration with some of the nation’s leading actors, directors, and creative minds. Drury Lane Theatre produces the highest quality theatrical experience that immerses and supports our artists and audiences in the exploration of what it means to be human and to experience the transcending power of the performing and visual arts. Drury Lane strives to create an environment in which every individual or group is welcomed, respected, supported, valued and able to fully experience and participate in this transformative art form.
The theatre has staged more than 2,000 productions and has been nominated for over 360 Joseph Jefferson Awards. Drury Lane proudly employs thousands of professional actors, musicians, designers, and crew members to entertain upwards of nine million audience members and counting.
Photo credit for all, Bonnie Kenaz-Mara unless otherwise noted
