Hills Musical Theatre Company’s production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella at Model Farms High School Auditorium is a heartfelt celebration of community theatre, offering families a chance to experience a classic fairytale brought to life with warmth, humour, and genuine affection for the material.

Directors Hannah Aouchan and Grant Brennan shape the production with clarity and confidence, guiding the story through its familiar beats while allowing space for fresh character moments and gentle humour. Their staging makes effective use of the wide performance space, ensuring that ensemble scenes feel lively and full without overwhelming the central narrative. Under the musical direction of Gemma Rolph, the cast handles the beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein score with assurance, delivering familiar melodies with sincerity and warmth. Emily Taylor’s choreography supports the storytelling with clean, purposeful movement that keeps the focus on character and narrative rather than spectacle.

At the centre of the production is Claire Polczynski as Ella, whose performance radiates gentle sincerity and charm. She brings a lovely vocal clarity to the role and balances gentleness with a quiet resilience that makes her journey feel genuinely earned. Opposite her, Deniz Dogan offers a sweet, earnest portrayal of Prince Topher, capturing the charm of a young royal still discovering his place in the world. Their chemistry builds naturally throughout the performance and reaches its most enchanting moment during the Ball Scene, where the combination of staging, lighting, and music creates a genuine sense of magic.

Adding sparkle to the production is Josephine Pinto, who shines in her dual role as Marie and the Fairy Godmother. She moves seamlessly between the grounded, comforting presence of Marie and the ethereal, soaring magic of the Fairy Godmother, supported by vocals that lift the energy of the entire auditorium. Her transformation scenes are among the most memorable moments of the night, offering a touch of theatrical wonder that delighted audiences of all ages.

The supporting cast brings sharp humour and lively character work. Kortana Blissett is commanding and deliciously intimidating as Madame, leaning into the character’s cruelty with a comedic edge that never overwhelms the story. Amelie Walters and Annie Beardsley are a riot as the stepsisters, embracing the witty wordplay and physical comedy with impeccable timing. Their scenes are some of the production’s biggest laugh‑getters.

Lachlan Hopkins brings a wonderfully funny energy to Jean‑Michel, balancing sharp, activist‑style intensity with an unexpectedly endearing warmth in his budding romance with Gabrielle. Sebastian Barons stands out with dry, understated humour reminiscent of Rowan Atkinson, delivering lines with a perfectly measured sarcasm that consistently lands. Theo Cuelho adds strong vocals and a polished presence as Lord Pinkleton, rounding out a well‑balanced ensemble.

One of the most heartwarming elements of this production is its celebration of community. With performers ranging from 4 to 44 years old, the stage becomes a vibrant tapestry of local talent. The junior ensemble brings colour, movement, and adorable character moments—especially as Cinderella’s tiny – very cute, mouse companions.Watching multiple generations share the stage so seamlessly is a testament to the company’s commitment to nurturing local performers and fostering a sense of belonging. It’s the kind of environment that inspires young people to fall in love with theatre and encourages seasoned performers to keep returning.

The audience’s reactions speak volumes. Throughout the performance, soft giggles, gasps, and worried whispers from children filled the auditorium—tiny voices genuinely concerned about whether Ella would make it to the ball. That level of emotional investment is rare and precious, and it reflects how effectively this production captures the imagination of its youngest theatregoers. It’s exactly the kind of local theatre that plants the seeds of lifelong artistic passion.

Cinderella is a gentle, heartfelt production that showcases the best of the Hills community—dedication, creativity, and a genuine love of storytelling. The auditorium’s cabaret‑style table seating encourages audiences to settle in with platters, snacks, wine, cheese, (or less adult treats) creating a relaxed, communal atmosphere that enhances the experience. By the time the clock strikes midnight, many will leave with full hearts, charmed by the magic unfolding onstage and by the joy radiating from the children who experience it for the first time.

Cinderella runs from Friday 22 May to Saturday 30 May at Model Farms High School Auditorium.

For further details see : https://www.hillsmtc.com/

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