Norfolk home-schoolers act in production of 'Cinderella'

By Staci Dennis

Correspondent

Bekah Mulford feels as if she achieved the impossible and made her dreams come true - just like the story of Cinderella.

"If you put enough hard work in to a project, then it is bound to be a success," she said. "With faith in God, things will work out."

Mulford, 24, is the director of "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella," which will premiere Saturday at the Kempsville Recreation Center's Playhouse in Virginia Beach.

The cast is made up of home-schoolers from ages 11 to 18, including Emily Haugen, Sarah McLewin and Steven Vandehay from Norfolk.

Emily plays the Chef and is part of the ensemble; Sarah portrays the Fairy Godmother and Steven is an ensemble player.

"It's amazing to see the abilities and talents of all the people in this production," said Benjamin Bailey, who will play the lead role of the prince. "I know one day I will see some of these people on Broadway."

Auditions opened for Cinderella in late 2007. Rehearsals started in January and the 15-member cast has been rehearsing three days a week. Five other students make up the stage crew.

"Everyone is dedicated to making this happen and putting on a great performance," Mulford said. "The dedication and talent from this group is amazing."

"Cinderella" premiered on live television in 1957, with Julie Andrews in the title role. Stage and other TV adaptations followed.

The production will feature the original songs, including "Impossible; It's Possible," "In My Little Corner" and "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful."

Mulford, who has been in theater since she was a child, has a masters in theater arts from Regent University.

Most of the students in the play have attended theater camps at Regent.

Home School Plus, an enrichment program for home-schoolers that is putting on the show, also has produced "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown," "Bye Bye Birdie" and "Guys and Dolls."

"This is the first time I have gotten a lead role," said Benjamin, 15. "I am very excited to be a part of this with such a great cast."

Benjamin got into acting after his mother made him participate in a play. He fell in love with it and has been doing it ever since.

Mulford says the group is working with limited resources and has overcome a lot.

Perhaps referencing one of the songs in "Cinderella," she added, "But we have made the impossible possible and will put on a great show."

Staci Dennis, sdennis@cox.net