A dancing Prince Charming and a pumpkin carriage are not just for little girls and dance aficionados. The Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre will perform “Cinderella” on Friday at The River Center Theatre for the Performing Arts at 7 p.m. The play will also show Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. The ballet will feature several University students and alumni, according to Sharon Matthews, BRBT’s artistic director and the ballet’s director and choreographer. Baton Rouge native Helen Daigle, a soloist with the Louisville Ballet, will portray Cinderella, she said. “It is a beautiful ballet and an entertaining production,” Daigle said. “Overall, it is a wonderful experience for all ages.” Matthews said the ballet, which BRBT presented in 2003 and 2006, appeals to children, women and men. “Going to a ballet is the last thing men want to do,” she said. “So we add a slap-stick element and try to involve the audience. It moves quickly, and it keeps interests up.” Travis Williams, general studies sophomore and writer of the ballet’s narration, said the show is always a hit. “The nature of the show is a crowd pleaser for everybody,” said Williams, who plays one of the wicked stepsisters. “It is easy to follow, so people appreciate the dancing and storytelling much more.” Kathleen Toben, elementary education junior who has performed in “Cinderella” since its debut in 2003, said BRBT added an extra performance to this year’s schedule because of its popularity in previous years. “Crowds were so big a few years ago that we added a third performance this year,” she said. “A lot of people really enjoy it. It is becoming a tradition like ‘The Nutcracker.'” Leanna Rhodes, graphic design junior, has been a member of BRBT’s dance company since 1999 and has performed in the past two productions of “Cinderella.” “It is always very well attended,” she said. “And the sets and costumes are beautiful. It is a great production.” Ellen Loe, chemical engineering freshman who performs as a soloist in this year’s show, said audiences will enjoy the dancing aspect the most. “We have a really good cast this year,” she said. “Helen Daigle is the best Cinderella we have ever had. She is so gorgeous you just can’t take your eyes off of her.” Williams said the show offers something new each year. This past year, BRBT added the pumpkin carriage, and this year, there will be special lighting effects, he said. “We don’t rest on the success of the year before,” he said. “We always try to make it bigger and better.” Loe said she expects a large crowd again this year. “The first time we did it, there was a good turnout. The second year was even better,” she said. “This year, more people know about it, and I think it will be even better than years before.” Tickets are $22 to $30. Student tickets will be sold for $10 Friday night.
—-Contact Drew Belle Zerby at [email protected]