Glass Slippers & Standing Ovations: AHA’s Cinderella Shines on Stage

The Academy of the Holy Angels’ spring musical, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, enchanted audiences with its magical debut last week on March 14th, 15th, and 16th. The show, directed by Frank Borrelli, featured a talented cast of students from AHA and neighboring schools, with spectacular choreography, music, and production elements that left audiences captivated.

The AHA Admissions team hosted a special Bibbidi Bobbidi Brunch on Sunday morning before the show. This enchanting event welcomed future angels along with their families for a morning filled with magic and excitement. Attendees enjoyed meet-and-greets with the cast, designed their own sparkling crowns, and indulged in a delightful breakfast before experiencing the show. The brunch was a whimsical way to celebrate the musical and share the magic with the entire AHA community.

Under the guidance of Student Director Evelyn Coleman ‘25, the production was skillfully brought to life by Choreographer Jacki Herzog, Musical Director Michael Wada (AHA’s Assistant Director of IT), and a talented group of designers, technicians, and volunteers.

• Costume Design: Donna Rock, Tina’s Productions, Inc.
• Set Design/Construction: Demetra Vassilakis, Michael Dumas
• Production Manager: Debra Carozza ’90
• Technical Manager: Sister Mary Foley, SSND
• Stage Manager: Catherine Raimondi ’25
• Assistant Stage Manager: Matija O’Keefe ’27
• Dance Captain: Caitlin Liau ’26
• Asst. Dance Captain: Chloe Kwon ’25
• Student Choreographers: Caitlin Liau ’26 & Chloe Kwon ’25
• Ticket Coordinators: Jen Esposito & Elizabeth Giannantonio
• Program Design: Evelyn Coleman ‘25
• Videographer: Alexandrea Tombrakos Weiss
• Producer: Michael Wada

The cast of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella brought the timeless fairy tale to life with dazzling performances and unforgettable music.

• Ella: Eva Zazzali ‘25 
• Prince Topher: Derek Bedell (St. Joseph Regional)
• Marie: Ellie Finnegan ‘26 (AHA)
• Sebastian: Joseph Lizzi (St. Joseph Regional)
• Madame: Alyssa Finch ‘26 (AHA)
• Charlotte: Valentina Gonzalez ‘25 (AHA)
• Gabrielle: Lilianna Garber ‘25 (AHA)
• Jean Michel: Jack Meyers (St. Joseph Regional)
• Lord Pinkleton: Elijah Jackson (St. Joseph Regional)

The talented ensemble included: Mia Cubillas ‘26, Gabrielle Fontana ‘25, Caroline Ko ‘25, Chloe Kwon ‘25, Alessandra Lara ‘27, Caitlin Liau ‘26, Grace Ariayn ‘27, Annabel Barra ‘27, Charlie Bisig, Crystal Buelvas ‘26, Mia Diaz ‘25, Alexandra Fontana ‘25, Aarav Josan (Bergen Catholic), & Gloria Jung ‘28.

An impressive stage crew and creative team worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the production a success.

• Stage Crew: Catherine Raimondi ’25, Julianna Dail ’25, Hailey McDonough, Matija O’Keefe, Gabriella Petriello, Sofia Petriello.
• Lights: Claire Reilly, Brooke Bialik, Kayleigh McGee, Adrianna Petriello.
• Hair & Makeup: Chelsey Park, Isabella Cruz, Jane Gorohovsky, Haily Park, Mara Sainclivier.
• Costume: Audrey Collins, Erin Dempsey, Maimuna Gaye, Hannah Park, Sparrow Smith.
• Sound: Molly Doherty, Esther Kim, Charlotte Lasaga, Casey Ramos.
• Lobby: Taylor Daves, Julianna Dail, Bella DeLeon, Jenna Clark, Humeri Figueroa, Jackey Garcia, Cailleigh Kraus, Rachel Lee, Elianna Melone, Joanna Noonan, Bridget O’Sullivan.

The cast and crew’s hard work paid off, resulting in a stunning production that showcased the incredible talent and dedication of the Academy of the Holy Angels’ performing arts community. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this classic story to the stage with such charm and excellence!