'Cinderella Kids' debuts Thursday at Elms College

Date: 8/10/2010

Aug. 11, 2010

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent

CHICOPEE -- For cast members of "Cinderella Kids," the hope is that their enthusiasm for theater will catch on and their peers will want to join them this fall for a new production at the Boys and Girls Club of Chicopee.

Eva Stockhamer recently started her role as performing arts instructor at the club thanks to a Chicopee community development block grant. The program provides the Boys and Girls Club of Chicopee, in collaboration with Holyoke Catholic High School, with a performing arts program for the 2010-2011 school year.

"The Boys and Girls Club applied for $15,000 through this grant and was awarded $12,000," Tara Pittsinger, program director, said. "Through the award the club will be able to provide a performing arts instructor, assistant instructor, purchase rights to shows and equipment, and also provide transportation where necessary."

During a recent costume-fitting session, Stockhamer and the lead actors in the play, Kiara Gonzalez and Jordan Ruiz spoke with Reminder Publications on what they hope to accomplish with this first production.

For Gonzalez, she was thrilled to be chosen as Cinderella, since she was up against seven other girls for the role.

"I want to show people that I can act," she said.

Gonzalez added she is considering acting as an avocation so this first production is a "good place to start" she said.

Gonzalez said if her peers see how "cool" drama is, they may also join the theater troupe later this year.

Ruiz, who will play Prince Charming, echoed those sentiments.

"I like acting and memorizing lines," he said.

Ruiz added that offering drama at the club is important since more kids can be exposed to new experiences.

"I think it will catch on," he said.

For Stockhamer, first and foremost, she wants the children to be proud of themselves in this new endeavor.

"It is a lot of work to put on any show," Stockhamer said. "I also am hoping that the kids will enjoy working with each other. The ages range from seven to 12 and this is a great experience for them to work together."

"Cinderella Kids" is a Disney Jr.-style production that is a scaled-back version from the traditional Disney classic.

"Cinderella Kids" will be staged Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Elms College in Chicopee. The production is approximately one hour with an intermission, and the public is invited to attend. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at the Boys and Girls Club.