Tuesday Tidings from the Fairy Godmother✨
Dearest Darlings and Dreamers,
Oh, what a whirl of glittering footsteps and swirling magic I’ve witnessed! Last night, under the amber stage lights of the splendidly renovated Lyric Theatre, our gallant knights took to the forest in hot pursuit of a mysterious maiden in glass slippers. Yes, it was the choreography for “The Pursuit”, a deliciously dramatic dash through Act II, Scene II, where our dear Prince Topher (played by the dashing Jessie Watkins) and his loyal men are in search of the lady that captured Topher’s heart and then fled the Royal Ball.
But wait, dears – there is more afoot (and a-wheel!) than chase scenes alone. For while the cast is dancing through forests and tangled dreams wondrous things are taking shape outside of the rehearsal space – check out this sneak peak at the start of Cinderella’s enchanted carriage, being constructed by Charles Truscott, and the start of Kevin Steele’s fancy Lord at the Ball Costume. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the many moving parts – both literal and theatrical – that bring a fairy tale to life.
The carriage, still in early assembly, is both functional and full of promise – its wheels and frame showing signs of the wonder to come. A delicate model and a planning board reflect the careful thought that goes into each step.
And to crown it all, I’ve tucked a video clip below from last night’s rehearsal. Watch our brave knights dance with lanterns aglow, chasing after the mysterious lady that ran away from the Royal Ball.
Sneak Peak: The Pursuit 👠
Pretend lanterns in hand, Topher’s knights charge through the imagined forest under the direction of dance coordinator Brice Stone, each movement carefully placed to show confusion, determination, and speed. The ensemble’s energy is matched by their precision – you can almost hear the wind and the echo of hoofbeats in their stomps and spins.
Something Magical This Way Comes
The forest was bustling with movement last night, but the search for Ella is just beginning.
The cast members are finding their rhythm, and the story is coming into focus in ways that make even us old magic-makers stop and smile. From Kevin Steele stepping into his costume, to the knights dancing through the forest on a search, to the carriage rolling closer to readiness – it’s all part of the grand design.
Each element is being shaped with care, and together they are shaping a world full of light, music, and magic out of a blend of fabric and footwork, wood and wonder, melody and movement. We’re building something real from pieces of imagination.
We’ll see you Friday with another peek behind the scenes.