Fallsburg’s Cinderella delights with mix of young players and veterans

The great challenge for director Ellen Pavloff this year revolved around the relative inexperience of her drama club members. With fine seasoned actors such as Sean O’Neill and Abby Smassanow lost to graduation, Pavloff searched for a play within the grasp of her youthful but enthusiastic young players. Pavloff deemed Rogers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” with its appealing storyline, uncomplicated characters and charming music, to be a logical choice.

Enter Petra Santiago as Cinderella. A talented singer, dancer and young actress, Santiago is a veteran of many productions including “Give My Regards to Broadway” and “Into the Woods.” Santiago plans to attend college in Florida and pursue a career in singing and acting.

Opposite her as Prince Charming was Aaron Kaplan, a junior who has also had his share of experience on the boards including the Drama Club’s productions of “Gypsy” and “A Christmas Carol.”

Kaplan’s portrayal of the melancholy and quiet prince was well played. Heidi Woloszczak as Portia, one of the wicked stepsisters, was enchanting. A junior who has been a regular in the drama club’s productions, she virtually stole the show with her reservoir of facial expressions and her great line delivery. Jackie Perito as the Queen and Adam Pavloff as the King brought the solidity of an impressive resume of drama club experience to the production.

The production benefited greatly from a collaboration with Monticello High School, whose musicians, led by conductor Nancy Wegrzyn, provided a pit orchestra whose competence far exceeded the usual high school musical pit band. Enhanced by the fine piano accompaniment of Ken Uy, the bass playing of Jim Wegryzn and the drumming of Phillip Nestor, the show had a musical foundation that was both melodic and balanced, and perfectly suited to the show’s needs.

All in all, Fallsburg’s “Cinderella” was right up to par with the school’s tradition of exemplary shows. The sets were artfully designed by Jim Heisel. The show was under the musical direction of Liz Toleno, the costumes were by Janet Kaplan and the stage was efficiently managed by Bunny Woloszczak. Chalk up another success for Pavloff and the Fallsburg Drama Club.