Fountain Inn’s Younts Center will host Ignite Theatrical’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella: Youth Edition from Oct. 9 through Oct. 24. Directed by Tim St. Clair and William Brown, the show showcases a cast of roughly 38 young performers, all 19 years old or younger.
Local talent, classic music
Tim St. Clair, who serves as both stage and music director, has long admired the classic musical. He grew up watching televised versions, including the Leslie Ann Warren production, and recalls seeing it live early in his own theater journey. “I really have wanted to do a classic musical with my youth theater for a long time,” St. Clair said.
The youth edition shortens the full‑length score for younger audiences while preserving the two‑act structure for public performances. For school performances, the two acts are combined into a single act to fit tighter schedules.
Training in a timeless style
St. Clair notes that the Rodgers and Hammerstein score demands a different vocal approach than many contemporary shows Ignite produces. “They have to sing it a little differently. It’s a classical style,” he explained. He added that the young singers have risen to the challenge, sounding “really mature and grown up.”
Longtime Ignite student Josiah Reffner is participating as a guest student director for his senior project, assisting with staging under the mentorship of St. Clair and Brown.
Performance schedule and community outreach
Ignite plans 11 public performances over three weekends, plus two additional school performances. The school shows will bring busloads of children from area schools and homeschool groups to the Younts Center, a format that proved successful with a prior production of “Moana.”
Beyond the stage, the theater will decorate its lobby with fairy‑tale touches, offer activities, and encourage audience members to dress up, creating an immersive experience for families.
Tickets and details
Tickets range from $15 to $20. For more information, call 864‑409‑1050 or visit yountscenter.org. The production offers families a familiar story, memorable songs, and the chance to see local youth discover the traditions of classic musical theater.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
