Wilmington High School to Present 'Cinderella'

Ken Lydy

"Kids get a really good experience working with outside professionals in the theatre world," stated Ken Lydy, Director of Theatre at Wilmington High School (WHS), located at 3oo Richardson Place in Wilmington. Lydy, along with Timothy Larrick (Music Director), Amy Filip (Choreographer), Gina Sheldon (Vocal Coach), Tara Lydy (Costumer), and Matthew Spradlin (Orchestra Conductor) work with high school students to show three plays per year.

This winter, Wilmington High School Theatre will present Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella in the auditeria in the high school. The group of 35 actors and 14 crew members is made up of students from all four grade levels that are involved in various other extracurriculars at the high school.

The roughly two-hour show was created by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, a "power duo from the Golden Age of Broadway,"and was originally shown on television in 1957. According to Lydy, it was "the most watched program of its time." Lydy shared that in addition to the musical's classic status, the theatre program strategically chooses shows that will fit interested students.

The Wilmington High School show will follow a young woman who works "feverishly" in her home and experiences a "chance encounter" with a prince due to the help of her godmother. The play will occur daily at 7pm on Thursday, March 12 through Saturday, March 14. Then, Sunday, March 15, the play will occur at 2pm.

In addition to the play, the theatre program will host 'Cinderella's Royal Ball' on March 14, 2026, at 10am for "princes and princesses" ages five through twelve. The children will be joined by Cinderella, the Prince, Fairy Godmother, and other members of the show's cast. Snacks, crafts, photo opportunities, backstage tours, and more will be available at the ticketed event. The program will also host a "Super Spring Show" in the beginning of May. Tickets for Cinderella are $10 for students and $15 for all others. Students can buy tickets ahead of time during their lunch on March 9th through 13th.

To learn more about the show or reserve tickets, visit wilmingtonhs.booktix.com.