Springs Community Theater Presents ‘Cinderella’ At Guild Hall

Thirteen years ago, East Hampton theater lovers Barbara Mattson and Jayne Freedman joined forces to bring community theater back to their town. Their dream was to create an outlet for performers of all ages to come together to put on shows for the community. That dream continues to be realized as their company, Springs Community Theater, prepares to debut its latest show, “Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper” at Guild Hall in East Hampton on Friday, October 26.Speaking with The Press about the production, producer Ms. Mattson and director Ms. Freedman emphasized that this is a new iteration of the classic fairytale and not the Disney version or the Rodgers and Hammerstein production that most people are familiar with.

“We wanted to do the original show, but of course it’s on tour so we couldn’t,” Ms. Freedman explained.

However, on a snowy day in March she came across a video on YouTube of an original, musical version of the story. After tracking down the co-writer, Janet Yates Vogt, and sending her an email, she instantly received a phone call and received the script via email.

“We just hit it off really well, and we fell in love with the story,” Ms. Freedman said.

Ms. Mattson said they chose “Cinderella” in particular because they wanted to do a show around Halloween that children and families could enjoy together.

“We’re asking little girls to come in their costumes or even little boys,” she said.

Again, she explained this isn’t the “Cinderella” most people know, but it introduces a few new characters she expects audiences will enjoy.

“In this one, Cinderella has a best friend who’s a rat and his name is Putterman and all the little boys will just love and adore him,” Ms. Mattson said.

This version also delves more into the origins of the titular glass slipper, posing such questions as: Where did it come from? And why it is made of glass?

Ms. Mattson also pointed out how timely the story remains despite it being centuries old. With bullying continuing to be a problem in schools, she said Cinderella is a strong role model for children coping with being victimized in school and other environments.

“The stepmother and the stepsisters were bullies and we see how Cinderella got through it,” she said.

“Even though they bullied her, she was always able to look at the better things in life. You know, how life can still be wonderful even though there are terrible people out there. She still has dreams that she wants to come true, and in the end they do come true.”

Additionally, she sees the character of the fairy godmother as a metaphor for allies in children’s lives, whether they be teachers, friends or parents.

“They can remember when they’re in a bad place there are people there who are caring and will support you,” Ms. Mattson continued. “We just hope to bring a little joy into the world right now.”

The show features a small but passionate cast including two East Hampton High School students: Allison Fiorello as Cinderella and Colin Freedman—Ms. Freedman’s son—as The Prince.

Ms. Mattson and Ms. Freedman said they try to give young actors opportunities to follow their passion for performing as much as possible. This goal includes a scholarship program, which debuted last year and awarded two East Hampton High School students with generous scholarships.

“It’s just so great to give back to the community,” Ms. Freedman said. “That’s what’s so important about it.”

Looking to the future, the two leaders said they would love to bring “Mary Poppins” to Guild Hall and incorporate “flying” the actors like they did with “Peter Pan” a few years ago.

In the past, they’ve done everything from classic children’s stories like “The Wizard of Oz” to classic Broadway fare like “Anything Goes” to classic straight plays like “Steel Magnolias.” And with every show they continue to grow and gain a stronger following.

“We’re always looking for new people,” Ms. Freedman noted. “Sometimes the timing isn’t right for people to audition, and you know sometimes you’ve just got to take what you’ve got, but it all works out. Everyone loves community theater.”

“Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper” by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman will be staged at Guild Hall, 158 Main Street, East Hampton, from October 26 to November 4. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. plus an additional matinée on Saturday, November 3, at 2 p.m. Admission is $25, or $18 for students and seniors. Call 1-866-811-4111 or visit web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/998717.