Milton Hershey School Students Invite Public to “Cinderella”
Milton Hershey School Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) students will transport audiences to a magical kingdom this weekend when they perform the spring musical, Rogers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”
The classic rags-to-riches, justice-seeking tale features a large cast of dancers, singers, performers, and musicians. Behind the scenes, student stage workers manage elaborate sets that transform the Founders Hall stage into a forest, a castle courtyard, a cottage, and a grand ballroom. In the pit, student musicians play alongside professionals to perform a score that fills the 2,400-seat auditorium.
“When I learned the production was going to be Cinderella, I knew immediately I wanted to go for Madame,” said senior Nicole Heydemann. “I am absolutely thrilled with my role and can’t wait to perform for my community.”
For Heydemann and her peers, performing “Cinderella” is about more than entertaining audiences. For months, they personally challenged themselves to perfect their role. Heydemann has been involved in VPA productions since her freshman year and said she put the 2024-25 school year theme, Raise the Bar, in the forefront of her mind while making her final performance her best.
“I strive to do better each and every rehearsal and run through, tweaking and improving even the tiniest details to create a deep, multifaceted character,” she said.
VPA performances such as “Cinderella” give students the opportunity to practice skills such as teamwork, time management, and critical thinking.
“I like being part of something bigger than myself,” stage manager and senior Eddie Boyer said.
Boyer said set design began several months before opening night. He is especially proud of the ballroom scene backdrops, which he designed digitally. Building the elaborate cottage took patience and creativity.
“I had to be able to get my ideas across to my team in a kind way,” he said.
“Cinderella” is more than a love story. The lead character “Ella,” uses her voice and compassion to advocate that the prince learns more about the troubles plaguing the people in his kingdom. To Heydemann, the message is inspiring.
“I love how Ella won’t just sit with things as they are but works to make change in the world to improve the lives of people,” she said. “It inspires me to speak out more to advocate for my community.”
The public is invited to attend performances at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Feb. 27 through March 1, as well as a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 1. Tickets are not needed to attend the performances.