Sedro-Woolley High School’s drama club chose a beloved fairytale for their spring production: Cinderella, with many twists. From extra characters included in the plot to reversed roles and character development, this rendition of Cinderella will forever be a fan favorite.

Not only was their showing of Cinderella nostalgic and fun, but it also featured many unique plot changes that made the show even more entertaining to watch. Instead of having Cinderella assume the role of a damsel in distress, she is a liberated, determined girl who stands up to the people who challenge her. She learns to be gracious and resistant, as well as how to sword fight, from her three childhood stuffed animals/imaginary friends.

Senior Anabelle Drake captured the essence of Cinderella beautifully by maintaining a humble and delicate character, while showing Cinderella’s growth as a person as the play went on, becoming a fierce warrior-princess prototype towards the climax.

As soon as the curtain opened, there was playful medieval music and three mischievous-looking “thieves” running around trying to steal something from the village. What’s interesting about the “thieves” is they are the main antagonists in the plot instead of the three stepsisters, who were played by sophomore Timmy Benoit, sophomore Phoenix Vinzant and senior Lillian Swenson. The stepsisters were the perfect level of loud and annoying, and still tormented Cinderella nevertheless. However, the biggest issue Cinderella faced was trying to retrieve her glass slipper from the thieves, not trying to compete with her sisters for the hand of the prince.

Although I was skeptical at first about the randomly added characters, their position in the play was executed very well, and the role of the thieves ended up adding a lot more action and suspense as opposed to the well-known Disney rendition.

In this production, there are three stepsisters instead of two. This was a change that I absolutely loved, because it made Cinderella’s relationship with her siblings even more chaotic. The sibling rivalry between the three step sisters also felt so real and authentic.

The character’s costumes were something I was extremely impressed with. Even the smaller roles had detailed outfits that made it feel like they really lived in medieval times, like flowing peasant dresses and bonnets for the villagers, Robin Hood-esque get-ups for the thieves, and color coordinated dresses for the three stepsisters. My favorite was the fairy godmother’s dress, a voluminous purple and gold gown.
The acting in the play was super methodical, and it was apparent how much time was put into memorizing lines, choreography, and everything else in between. This was especially true for the sword fighting scenes, which I could tell require precise timing, form, and an abundance of practice.
Compared to the other two school productions I have attended, this one is for sure my favorite, and I’ve noticed it has gained the most laughs from the crowd.
Great job SWHS drama club, I am so excited to see what’s next!