Have a ball at ‘Cinderella’ at Vail Mountain School

The story of “Cinderella” is a timeless tale that dates back to Ancient Greece, China, France, Germany and other locations. The students at Vail Mountain School will showcase this fairy tale in its annual spring musical production this weekend.

“At Vail Mountain School, we intentionally select a K–12 appropriate musical every other year — one that invites participation, sparks imagination and can be enjoyed by our entire community,” said Christi Howell, theatre director at Vail Mountain School. “‘Cinderella’ felt like a natural choice. Not only is it a story that students of all ages recognize and connect with, but it also carries timeless themes of kindness, perseverance and the belief that one’s circumstances do not define one’s future.”

Howell shared that she has a a deep appreciation for Rogers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”

“Their music represents a golden era of musical theater which is rich in storytelling, memorable melodies and meaningful messages. These are the kinds of shows that introduce students to the foundations of the art form while still feeling magical and relevant.,” Howell said.

Over 40 actors, stagehands and musicians from grades 9 – 12 have been working on this production for months. Auditions were held in December and rehearsals started in January. Sets have been designed and Howell said they worked with Michelle Rohr and Caroline Oliver of Exquisite Costumes to complete the look. In addition to learning the lines, choreography and building the sets the kids themselves have built community and confidence.

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“Theater programs are vital in schools because they create a strong sense of community. They bring together individuals from different grade levels, backgrounds and interests, fostering collaboration, empathy and mutual respect,” Howell said. “Each time they step on stage, they become more comfortable, more expressive and more willing to take risks. This consistent progress is evident not only in their performances, but also in how they carry themselves throughout the rehearsal process.”

“I feel as if the students in the show gain a new sense of belonging and community when joining,” said Diego Romero, Class of 2026. “The mass amounts of time spent with each other allows us to build trust with one another and gain new friendships by hanging out and talking with everyone both on and off stage.”