Lauren Scarfe
Originally from the Riverland, Lauren Scarfe is about to make her directorial debut with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella for Northern Light Theatre Company. Glam Adelaide caught up with Lauren to talk about this most famous of fairytales.
When asked what made her decide to make this particular musical her directorial debut, Lauren said “I had picked up a copy of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (with the original TV cast including Julie Andrews) in Borders during my early university years and just loved it immediately. It had beautiful structure and sweeping melodies. Also, in 2013 I played the stepmother in a pantomime version while living in the UK. That gave me a better understanding of the show and I thought it would be a good idea to start my directing career with a familiar story”
.Lauren has chosen Thomas Phillps to choreograph and Helen Loveday to musically direct. “I love my production team! I chose to ask Thomas Phillips to be my choreographer because I had worked with him on Northern Light’s The Sound of Music as well as at Pelican Productions Music Theatre Camp SA, but also because he had seen the recent revival of Cinderella on Broadway. I knew this would give him an added edge as far as creating the feel of romance and grandeur in the ballroom scene. Helen Loveday and I had worked together on Beauty and The Beast with Northern and I knew we shared a love of Disney. She is also the most friendly and upbeat person I know and has worked really hard to produce an excellent sound with both the orchestra and the ensemble”, Lauren enthuses.
As for her cast – “They have blown me away with their beauty in both dance and song. The leads have blossomed in their roles and it is lovely to have a real-life couple (Dominic Hodges and Kate Hodges (nee Dempsey)) re-create their own romance on stage“.
Exuding love and passion for Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Lauren says “We have created something unique based on a combination of previous incarnations of the show which maintains its fairytale feel while still being accessible to a modern audience. If you loved the recent live action Disney film, you will love this show”
“.In a world saturated with modern dating issues, Cinderella and her Prince go back to basics to show us that it’s not that hard when you meet the right person. I think audiences will enjoy being swept up in the romance and still find it fresh and funny”.
Northern Light Theatre Company’s Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella plays at the Shedley Theatre, Playford Civic Centre, Elizabeth from Fri 1 April. Season: Apr 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 at 8pm and Apr 9 and 16 at 2pm. Tickets: Adults $30, Concession/Child $25, Family (2A/2C) $90
Bookings: online at www.northernlight.org.au or via phone on 8281 5026 (9am to 9pm). Tickets are also available through BASS on 131 246. Booking fees apply.
Interview by Brian Godfrey
Twitter: @briangods
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