Meet the Arts Management Intern: Rosemarie O’Connor
Why, hello there Front Row readers! Seeing as I will be here at Encore for the summer, it’s just polite to let you all know a little bit about me.
I am a rising senior at Marymount University in Arlington, which is fitting because I’ve lived in Arlington my whole life. I’m studying Communication with a focus in Public Relations with a business minor. I still can’t tell you exactly what I want to be when I grow-up (or graduate next year) but, a summer at Encore is a way to help me sort that out. I mean, in an ideal world I could make a living wage as an actress in New York but, I love doing public relations type stuff in class and for different organizations that I’m involved in at Marymount.
Once Upon a Mattress has been my only Encore credit thus far. Apparently that one summer production last year was enough to have me apply for this job. I do a lot of work with the theatre club at Marymount and was even the president this past school year. It is amazing to be here at Encore and see a group that has been putting on productions and so much more for almost fifty years. (Marymount Actors’ Guild just had its fourth, so far so good as far as I know.)
As far as the summer goes, I’ve already had a weekend in the box office for the second weekend of Alice in Wonderland. That was actually a lot of fun. There were times where there were tons of people who wanted to get tickets at the door and I was still new to the system, but it was a good time. Trust me. I also got to work different tables and interact with lots of the Encore patrons. I can’t wait to meet and see more of you at Shrek. The toughest part of this weekend was doing all the things that needed to get done on crutches. I’ve got this lovely boot on my right foot and it makes moving or rather, hopping or crutching around a little more complicated. 
This summer on top of learning all that I can from the amazing Encore staff, I will be working on a few projects: helping with the Encore Tumblr, adding to the past show database, adding pictures from past seasons to the website, and helping to get some things going for the upcoming 50th season. Also, I am just looking forward to being here.
Thanks for reading and you just might be hearing again from me soon.
Jul. 15-24, 2016
Musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney Film Original Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Book by Julian Fellowes New Songs and Additional Music and Lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe Co-Created by Cameron Mackintosh
Mary Poppins is a practically perfect, spoonful of sugar nanny that unexpectedly arrives in the Banks household one blustery day. Using lessons disguised as games, she helps to teach the Banks children how to be their best selves. But, is Mary Poppins’ magic enough to save this family from drifting apart? Enjoy your favorite Disney melodies and watch Mary Poppins soar across the TJ stage in this Broadway adaptation that won seven TONY awards, including Best Musical. We recommend this musical for ages 6 and older.
Performance Dates and Showtimes:
Friday, July 15, 2016 at 7:30pm
Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 2pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, July 17, 2016 at 2pm
Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 7:30pm
Friday, July 22, 2016 at 7:30pm
Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 2pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, July 24, 2016 at 2pm
Audition Dates and Times:
Auditions: May 16 and 17 from 7:00-9:00 pm.
There is no audition fee.
Auditions are in the lower level of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (4000 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207).
Location:
All performances and rehearsals are held at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre (125 S. Old Glebe Rd. Arlington, VA 22204)
Tickets: $15 for Adults, $12 for Children, Students, Military and Seniors with a valid ID. Includes all box office fees. Includes all box office fees. Click here to purchase your tickets online, or call our box office (703)548-1154.
This production is sponsored by Michael Rogers, DDS. 
Click here to return to 2015/2016 Season.
Interested in acting in our shows? Click here to learn about auditions.
Curiouser and Curiouser–Find out our 2015/2016 Season at Encore’s Alice in Wonderland!
This year, we added our new Bard in the Box program presenting Much Ado About Nothing, giving a chance for our students to perform Shakespeare in the black box theatre at Theatre On The Run. In addition, we had our world-premiere of our original Encore script of The Three Musketeers by Matthew Heap.
Just as Alice experiences many surprises in her journey through Wonderland, Encore has many surprises in store for the upcoming 2015/2016 year!
Will there be more Shakespeare? Will there be more shows and more locations? All the more reason to come find out this weekend as we unveil our 2015/2016 season! Our 2015/2016 Season subscriptions will be available for purchase in the lobby. See you there!
Photos by Larry McClemons
Top 5 Reasons to Audition for Shrek The Musical!
We can’t wait to present Shrek The Musical this summer! Tonight is the last chance to audition and take part in this musical comedy. Rising 10th graders and older, college students and adults are welcome to audition for this production.
Directed by Susan A. Keady and stage managed by Rebecca Pfeil. Technical directed by Kristen Jepperson.
Tonight, Wednesday, May 27 | 7-9 pm
Located at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre (125 S. Old Glebe Road Arlington, VA 22204)
Our staff has compiled our Top 5 reasons to audition for Encore’s Shrek The Musical:
1. All of your favorite fairytale characters are brought to life in one place! The Gingerbread Man, the 3 Little Pigs, Pinocchio, the Sugarplum Fairy and more. The fairytale characters from your childhood are back with a new attitude, and with a reason to “believe!” Band with the rest of the beloved and never-forgotten characters and join us in “what makes us special makes us strong!”
2. Why not spend your summer with Encore? “The summer I spent working on [an Encore musical], made it clear to me that I am the happiest when I am working on a show and growing as an artist.” -Encore Participant
3. When else is a boy going to belt out a riff from Wicked?
4. The variety of music styles in this show is more than awesome, it’s spectacular! From Mo-Town to rock, to power ballads, this show holds a wide range of music, there’s truly something for everyone (onstage and in the audience) to enjoy!
And last but not least…..
5. Just like Donkey riffs, “We need you We need you We need you We need you We need you!”
Click here to download a cast audition form.
Click here to download a crew audition form.
Visit our auditions page to learn more.
Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig. Music by: Jeanine Tesori Book/Lyrics by: David Lindsey-Abaire. Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions.
In a kingdom far, far, away, a beautiful and feisty princess is locked up in her tower waiting for her one true love to rescue her. Countless attempts by handsome princes all fail this mission, however one ugly ogre and his talkative sidekick Donkey rise up to the challenge. With Princess Fiona, a gang of fairytale misfits, and the bad Lord Farquaad, Shrek becomes the unlikely hero of the kingdom in this must-see musical comedy! Based on the 2001 DreamWorks Film Shrek and William Steig’s 1990 book Shrek! Like the film, this musical contains irreverent humor and action sequences; we recommend this production for ages 8 and older.
Come ready to sing and dance. See you at auditions!
Meme credit: Animal-Kid.com Youtube video from MusicalesyOpera.
Meet Alice in Wonderland Director, Chuck Leonard
Happy Friday! Before we head off into holiday weekend mode, we can’t help but get excited about presenting the land of Wonder in just a few weeks! When curious Alice falls down, down, down the rabbit hole, she discovers the magical world of Wonderland where cats can talk and cards play croquet. But, Alice is sure to miss her tea if she can’t convince the Queen of Hearts to let her go! With the help of the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and a whole cast of wacky companions, Alice must unleash the full power of her imagination to find her way home. Join us for Encore’s theatrical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic story, Alice in Wonderland, and discover all there is to wonder about.
We are excited to announce Chuck Leonard as director for this production. Leonard currently teaches for the Honors College at George Mason University. Leonard has served as the Director of Theatre for Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Director of Education for the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company in Maryland, and has directed several musicals for the Silver Bay YMCA of the Adirondacks. Joining Leonard on the production team are, Kristen Jepperson (Set Designer and Technical Director), Debra Leonard (Costume Designer and Make-up Designer), Marji Jepperson (Props and Set Dressing), Gary Hauptman (Lighting Designer), and Matthew Heap (Composer/Sound Designer). Here to talk about Alice in Wonderland is our Director, Chuck Leonard.
Encore: First off, welcome back to Encore! Your last show with us was The Magical Lamp of Aladdin. The stories of Aladdin and Alice both bring magic and adventure, can you describe any similarities/differences in your experiences with the two productions.
Chuck: Thank you for the welcome. It is wonderful being back with Encore. Aladdin was a terrific show to direct, but the biggest difference was that it was presented at Kenmore Middle School, because the county was fixing damage at Thomas Jefferson after the earthquake. So we were on a stage in a building we were unfamiliar with. Fortunately for me, we had a team of designers and producers who bent over backwards to make it work and Aladdin topped attendance records with its performances. I am delighted to tell you that some of the same team members are onboard again for Alice.
Encore: This year marks the 150th Anniversary of Alice in Wonderland! What scenes/characters in this story are you excited to direct or see come alive?
Chuck: There is a brief moment I have designed for the top of the show when Alice first spies the White Rabbit that I hope helps set up the story. I am very much looking forward to trying it out onstage to make it as strong as possible. There are also a number of scenes that will rely on excellent timing from the stage crew, and that will be a cool challenge.
Encore: What do you enjoy most about directing children’s theatre?
Chuck: When one of the actors is working on a scene and I hear them gasp as they realize how they might play their character. Those “Aha!” moments, when the light bulb turns on are so wonderful for me. It means the creative juices are flowing and that child is taking ownership of the part.
Encore: What can the audience expect/look forward to when they come to the show?
Chuck: If the audience members are familiar with the wonderful stories by Lewis Carroll, they will see some of their favorite scenes and characters. For instance, Alice meets and has adventures with the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit, Tweedledum and Tweedledee, Mock Turtle, Humpty Dumpty, the Queen of Hearts and the Cheshire Cat, to name but a few.
“For 150 years, this show has been bringing joy to audiences as it transports them to Wonderland. A child’s sense of wonder is a fantastic gift and adults need to be reminded sometimes how important and joyous that moment of jaw-dropping discovery can be.” -Chuck Leonard
Thank you Chuck for sharing! Buy your tickets today for Alice in Wonderland playing June 5-14 at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre.
Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online or by calling our box office (703) 548-1154. Adults $12; Children, Students, Military and Seniors $10. Group discounts and birthday party packages are available.
In addition to the show, we’re delighted to host a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party on Sunday, June 14 at 2 p.m. This special event features tea and treats, fun activities, and a chance to meet your favorite Wonderland characters! Tickets for Mad Hatter’s Tea Party are $30 which includes admission for one to both the tea party and the 3 p.m. performance of Alice in Wonderland.
Encore is delighted to provide an accessibility matinee performance on Saturday, June 13 at 3 p.m. This matinee performance will provide accommodations for children and families with special needs. Accommodations include ASL interpretation and assisted listening devices as well as Braille and large print programs to allow the performance to be accessible to all audiences. An exclusive backstage tour will be provided for children to make meaningful connections with the story and to experience theatre in a new way. Interested patrons needing these accommodations must e-mail info@encorestage.org in advance.
We wish you a fun Memorial day weekend and we’ll see you at the theatre!
Encore’s 2015 Benefit Breakfast: Largest Attendance Yet
- It was a sunny and vibrant day for Encore Stage & Studio on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, as our organization celebrated 48 years of “Theatre by Kids, Theatre for Kids” at our fifth annual Sunny Side Benefit Breakfast. The breakfast was held at the Washington Golf and Country Club in Arlington, VA. Over 135 guests attended the benefit breakfast, our largest and well-attended breakfast event to date. Among the guests this year included Virginia Senator Barbara Favola, Outreach Representative from the offices of Senator Mark Warner Anh Phan, and Arlington Arts Commissioner Wanda Baez.
“It’s a great way to start off your day by showing support for outstanding children’s theatre!” stated Executive Director Sara Duke.
We kicked off the breakfast with a guest appearance of the White Rabbit (Maggie Keane), announcing the start of the breakfast program. Ashby Rushing, a member of Encore’s Board of Directors, introduced our participant speakers, Carla Astudillo, Thomas Boudreaux, and Paddy Clancy. Carla Astudillo shared “Encore’s greatest asset, in my opinion, is the way that they genuinely and organically see something special in every single person who walks through their doors. They find what makes each student sparkle, and do everything they can to continue the growth of this spark.”
Performances included a musical number from Encore’s “Cinderella” with Malena Davis and Zoe Rocchio, a short scene from “Much Ado About Nothing” with Caleb Dunham, Kennedy Cawley, Henry Hubbard and Annie Wood.
Board President, Jerry Gidner shared his Encore journey and highlighted Encore’s recently published strategic plan to chart the next five years for Encore’s success and growth. Last year, Encore touched the lives of over 14,500 children and their families, including the organization’s record-breaking attendance of 4,432 patrons at “The Little Mermaid” in January 2014. This year, Encore Stage & Studio continues to grow its programs with additional educational and production opportunities such as a new Shakespeare production and expanding their spring break and summer camp programs. Encore Stage & Studio honored Laury Sendek as the 2015 Celeste Groves Award recipient for outstanding volunteer.
Lastly, Encore participants (Adelina Hartley, Taryn Green, Grace Koppelman and Xander Tilock) shared the Top 10 Reasons to Donate to Encore:
Number 10: Encore is growing to serve more kids! We added a sixth production this year, Bard in the Box, which you saw a scene from earlier today. 8,715 kids and their families have seen an Encore production so far this season – that’s a lot of concessions during intermission! We plan to add a seventh show next season. Your donation will allow more kids to participate!
Number 9: We’ve added new education programs and expanded existing ones to engage more kids! Just three years ago our mini-camp program started with 19 students it’s now grown to over 500 students this season. We’ve also added a session to our Stage Door summer conservatory program – and it’s sold out! This would not be possible without donors like you!
Number 8: Students engaged in theater score high on tests The CollegeBoard reports that students who have been part of a play or musical score, on average, 91 points higher than the overall mean SAT score.
Number 7: Encore’s productions are accessible to kids of all abilities! Since last spring, we have been hosting accessibility matinees that include sign language interpretation, braille programs, and a special sensory-friendly backstage tour. We’ve been working closely with Arlington’s special education department to make this happen. Three students with low-vision even participated in camp last summer!
Number 6: Encore gives back to the community. Encore has donated over 750 tickets to non-profits and schools this year alone. We are on track to give out more than $12,000 in scholarships and we have great partnerships with the Nauck Community Services Center and many other great organizations.
Number 5: Creativity is a career skill. Did you know that 72% of business leaders say creativity is the number one skill they seek when hiring?
Number 4: Production quality. We’re constantly updating our productions with new equipment and technology – remember the great special effects you’ve seen this year? Or the impressive stage combat? We have an awesome production team that works with kids backstage on technical theatre. Encore wants students to have the most professional and exciting experience as possible!
Number 3: Participating in live theatre has critically important benefits for young people. Students have learned teamwork, leadership, creativity, literacy, and problem-solving skills, as well as self-confidence through our programs. Encore provides a stage where students like me can use our creativity to discover our potential.
Number 2: Encore has been an important member of the arts community since 1967. We are preparing to celebrate our 50th anniversary – that’s fifty years of “theatre by kids, for kids!”
All together our participants shared the number one reason to give to Encore…
Grace: “Because when I win a Tony award…”
Adelina: “Because when I win an Oscar…”
Xander: “Because when I win a Grammy…”
Taryn: “Because when I win the Nobel Prize…”
“You’ll want me to remember you in my acceptance speech, right?” Seriously, your donation today will make a world of difference to our organization.
Click here to check out our breakfast featured on the Arlington Sun Gazette.
Thank you to our speakers, performers, volunteers and guests for making this event a success! Thank you to our Board of Directors and staff for your dedication and hard work!
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan.
Encore Presented its First Collaborated School Production
This week was a special one for Encore! For the past few months, Encore Stage and Studio participated in its first collaboration with an Arlington elementary School to direct a performance in conjunction with their PTA. Earlier this week, the story of Dorothy in Wonderland came to life on stage at Ashlawn Elementary, presented this past Tuesday, March 24. Encore Executive Director, Sara Duke, directed the show, with the help of Ashlawn’s PTA.
Somewhere over the rainbow, the worlds of Oz and Wonderland collided in this fantastically fun romp, cleverly and carefully adapted from the works of L. Frank Baum and Lewis Carroll. Dorothy’s friends try to help her find her way home, meeting many other interesting characters along the way, including Alice, the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, March Hare, the Cheshire Cat and many more. They also must face a dangerous new foe — the Queen of Hearts! During intermission, the cards and chess pieces danced along with the audience, giving them a chance to get out the wiggles! The cast performed a matinee show in front of their peers, and an evening performance. Thank you to all who were involved in the success of this production. Thank you to parents and supporters! Well done cast and crew!
Photo credit: Christine Lyons
Meet Milady De’Winter: Maggie Keane
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- The 12 Dancing Princesses, 2014
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- Sherlock Holmes, 2014
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- Sleepy Hollow 2014
- March 5, 2015
Snowed in? Well speaking of winter–meet the actress who plays Milady De’Winter and really puts the “maniacal” in that loud maniacal laugh in Encore’s The Three Musketeers: Maggie Keane! From Sleeping Beauty, to Sleepy Hollow, and now the musketeers’ worst nightmare–Maggie tells all of her Encore roles past and present with tips for our audience members in the theatre! So pour some hot chocolate, grab a seat and practice your maniacal laugh as we learn about Maggie’s Encore journey!
Hi, my name is Maggie Keane. I am fifteen years old and I’m in ninth grade at Yorktown High School. Theatre is my primary activity outside of school. Once I started Encore, I stopped playing sports because I enjoyed Encore so much more and I wanted to dedicate more time to that. When I’m not participating in theatre related activities, I enjoy singing loudly and off key, telling bad jokes, watching cheesy romance movies and, spending time with my friends and family.
Encore: Tell us about your role and what was your reaction when you received your role?
Maggie: In The Three Musketeers, I play the role of Milady De’ Winter, Cardinal Richelieu’s evil spy. When I received this part, I was ecstatic. I have never played an evil role until now. I was thrilled to finally have been given this opportunity to branch out from my usual protagonist type roles and finally play the villain. I knew that it would be a challenge but it was a challenge I was extremely eager and ready to take on.
Encore: What other roles, productions, programs have you been involved in with Encore?
Maggie: I’ve participated in eleven shows with Encore, including this current one. I started when I was eleven years old in Darius The Dragon/Rap-punzel where I played a “Dozer-Bull” and a cabbage. Next, I played the Mother Duck/Reporter in Charlotte’s Web. After that, I played the role of Jaybird in Honk Jr. My fourth show was Sleeping Beauty where I played Princess Briar Rose. In the fall of 2013, I played the Centaur in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. After that, I played Dr. Sydney Freudley in The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes. The next show I was in was 12 Dancing Princesses where I played Princess Penelope. I then did my first show on tech in Once Upon a Mattress in the summer of 2014. In the fall of 2014, I played Katrina Van Tassel in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. I then did a second show on tech for Cinderella. Now, I am playing Milady De Winter in The Three Musketeers. Each role that I’ve played with Encore has been tons of fun and has made me grow so much as an actress. 
Encore: What is your most memorable moment in this show or other Encore programs?
Maggie: My most memorable moment from this current show is probably learning to fight. The Three Musketeers is different from all of the other Encore shows I’ve been in because it incorporates multiple fight scenes and everyone in the cast got to learn some fencing skills.
Encore: What can our audiences look forward to in this show?
Maggie: I think that this show appeals to many different audiences. It has humor, action, romance and a lot of adventure. There’s something in this show for everyone which is really unique. My favorite part is the humor. Even after six weeks of working on this show, I still find myself cracking up at many different lines every time we do a run through.
Encore: What are some tips you can share to families about being in the audience?
Maggie: A tip for families in the audience is definitely to try to listen closely. The show is filled with hilarious jokes so they can easily be missed when you’re not completely listening. I’d also recommend to come in with an open mind. I hope that the audience has as much fun watching this show as I do being a part of it. 🙂
Thanks Maggie for sharing your #EncoreExperience! More #SnowDayStories to come…stay tuned!
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan. Video by Sarah Strunk.
Magical Transformations | Meet Encore’s Cinderella, Malena Davis
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- Sleeping Beauty (2013)
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- Big Bad (2013)
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- The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe (2013)
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- The Hobbit (2012)
- December 15, 2014
Happy #MusicalMonday everyone!
We’re looking forward to presenting the musical production of Cinderella in January. In this fairytale, Cinderella receives a magical transformation from her fairy godmother to go to the ball. Meet our very own Cinderella–Malena Davis, as she shares her Encore journey and transformation from once having stage fright, to now taking the lead in Cinderella.
Encore: What productions and programs have you been involved with Encore?
Malena: I have been in the cast for eight shows at Encore and I have been on tech for one (though I plan to do more in the near future). My first show with Encore was Charlotte’s Web; I played the old sheep. One of the main reasons I tried out was because my good friends Maddy and Laura W. convinced me to go with them (I used to have extreme stage fright!). Then over the summer I attended Encore’s Scenes for Teens camp, where I made a lot of friends and discovered how much I really enjoyed acting.
The next show I was in was The Hobbit (which is also one of my favorite books) and I played the role of an elfin guard. This play allowed me to realize how much I enjoyed playing characters with mean qualities. My third show was Big Bad (I played the reporter) followed by Sleeping Beauty. I played the False Princess, another evil role (this show had my favorite makeup!).
After that season came The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe where I was the majestic unicorn. That show really helped me develop how to play a non-human characters. My first musical at Encore was The Little Mermaid. I played Andrina (one of Ariel’s sisters) and a few other roles. This helped me utilize my talent for singing and dancing. My role in The Twelve Dancing Princesses, Imogen, is one of my favorites because I loved how sassy and independent she was. I finally worked on the technical crew in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. I really enjoyed being the lighting person and working with the many talented crew members. Now I am working on Cinderella and I cannot wait to show everyone what an amazing show it is!
Encore: What was your first reaction when you received the role of Cinderella?
Malena: When I received the role of Cinderella I was ecstatic! As a child I loved Cinderella because she was positive even through the roughest times.
Encore: What you looking forward to the most in the show–is it the glass slippers, the magical pumpkin carriage or the happily-ever-after ending?
Malena: I am looking forward to Cinderella’s transformation, and all of my animal friends. Who doesn’t love a beautiful party dress?
Encore: Are you a fan of fairytales? If so, what’s your favorite fairytale story/princess and why?
Malena: Like most little girls, I love princesses! I love them most for overcoming adversity and of course getting the prince in the end. My favorite fairytales came from Aesop’s Fables and the Grimm stories. My favorite princess is probably Ariel because she really followed her heart to accomplish a goal.
Encore: What is your most memorable experience at Encore?
Malena: I have enjoyed making so many friends and working with talented directors and staff. They all really motivated me throughout the process.
Encore: What are some tips you can share to families about being in the audience?
Malena: Clapping and laughing highly motivates many actors and gives us energy. Girls dressing up as princesses are always especially adorable!
Encore: What skills have you learned from Encore, or what is the biggest take-away students can gain from their experience at Encore?
Malena: I have found Encore has helped me with speaking in front of people and making new friends. Encore has also helped me memorize things and work in a group to have a great finished product.
Encore: Will Cinderella make it to the ball and get her prince?
Malena: You will have to come and find out if Cinderella makes it to the ball and gets the Prince!
There you have it, come see Malena and our talented cast in Cinderella Tickets are on sale now. $12 for Adults; $10 for Children, Students, Military and Seniors.
(From left to right) Cate Davis, Maggie Keane, Liza Harold, Ellie Wilkie, & Malena Davis
Want to meet Cinderella at the Ball? Join us for Cinderella’s Ball on January 10th, featuring tea and treats, waltz lessons, make your own fairy godmother wands, and a chance to meet your favorite Cinderella characters! Tickets are $60; ticket includes admission for one adult and one child to the 11 am performance of Cinderella and the ball. Click here to purchase your tickets today!
Photos by Larry McClemons