The magic of Cinderella comes to life tonight — Friday, April 24, 2026 — in Cobourg, as the Victorian Operetta Society (VOS Theatre) launches its latest production at Victoria Hall.
Cinderella: The Enchanted Edition runs through May 3, bringing a fresh yet familiar take on the beloved fairytale. Drawing inspiration from several iconic adaptations — from the Broadway production starring Julie Andrews to the television version featuring Lesley Ann Warren — this version most closely resembles the celebrated 1990s interpretation with Brandy in the title role, Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother, Whoopi Goldberg as the Queen, Jason Alexander as the King, and Bernadette Peters as the Stepmother.
This production marks the directorial debut of Melanie Racine, who said the journey to opening night has been more than a year in the making.
“We started talking about this production about a year ago — investigating the rights, putting together a team and then started working on the magical, backstage beginnings about June,” Racine said shortly before Thursday’s dress rehearsal.
Casting took place in October, and since November, a team of roughly 100 people has been working behind the scenes and on stage to bring the show together.
With hockey dominating televisions across the country, Racine compared the production’s current stage to the intensity of playoff season.
“We’re at the Stanley Cup,” she said. “I’m just so excited for the house to be full. We want everyone to come and fall in love with it the way we have.”
Audiences can expect a slightly reimagined version of the classic story.
“It will have all the songs you love, but with a couple of tweaks and a couple of script changes — less talking, more singing,” Racine added.
For Jessica MacNeill, who plays Cinderella, the production is especially meaningful as it marks her VOS Theatre debut.
“Everybody has worked so hard on this production, so I’m excited to see everything come together,” she said.
MacNeill describes the show as a “special” version that pays tribute to the many interpretations of Cinderella over the years.
“There is something for everybody,” she said. “I’m extremely happy to have the lead role, but it’s also wonderful to work with so many amazing castmates. We have a really, really spectacular team up there.”
Behind the scenes, producer Kara Milner reflects on her long journey with VOS Theatre — a decade that began when she joined alongside her children, who have since grown up and moved on to university.
“VOS is like a family. Once you join — you’re in,” Milner said. “We’ve tried to step back, but my husband and I have stayed on. It’s that hard to step away from your family.”
Milner, who started as a spotlight operator, is taking on her first production role with Cinderella.
For ticket information, visit vostheatre.com.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
