‘Cinderella’ musical in Surrey isn’t the version most people know
Published 7:30 pm Friday, June 19, 2026
Coming to a Surrey stage this week is a Broadway adaptation of classic musical Cinderella, featuring new characters, surprising twists and memorable score by Rodgers & Hammerstein.
“It’s not the traditional Cinderella that people are used to — not the Disney version,” noted Samantha Robbins, Langley-based director of Fraser Valley Musical Theatre’s spring production.
“It has evolved from the old-school Cinderella that was on TV (in 1957) with Julie Andrews, and since then it’s been on Broadway and has developed ever since. For instance, in this one she doesn’t attend one ball, she attends two. It’s quite a big undertaking with a lot of songs. There’s something in it for everybody.”
Tori Kazemir stars as Ella in Cinderella, opening Friday, June 26 at Surrey Arts Centre’s Main Stage with eight show times until July 5.
Dozens of people are hard at work rehearsing and bringing the show to the stage including cast, crew and other volunteers.
“With the cast alone we’re at close to 30 people including the ensemble, plus all the wonderful people backstage and volunteers who help get into the theatre, move sets during the show, do 50/50,” Robbins said.
“It’s a big labour of love for a lot of people. The actors audition for us knowing that we’re paying them in smiles,” she added with a laugh, “but you wouldn’t know it with how much effort and work they’ve all put into it. Not only do they have to learn all these complicated dance numbers and songs, they figure out characters and all that. It’s been an absolute so joy watching them put this show together.”
Many in the cast, crew and orchestra are school teachers, either retired or still working — close to a third of the cast alone. “We’ve learned that teaching skills like communication, creativity, leadership, storytelling and collaboration seem to translate naturally to theatre,” said Tamara Jaune, co-choreographer.
Cinderella is staged in memory of music director John Arsenault.
“It was John’s hope to bring this beautiful show to life with us in Spring 2026, and our creative team is honoured to fulfill that vision in his memory,” the theatre company said in an email to subscribers.
Ashley Trimble, who often performed in Arsenault’s pit orchestras, is in the conductor’s seat for this production.
“There have been many tears as we go through different stages of the show because we know just how much John would have loved and appreciated how the show was coming together,” Robbins said.
Check fvmt.org for Cinderella tickets, show times, cast/crew lists and more, visit the venue box office (purchase.surrey.ca) or call 604-501-5580.
Select performances will feature special guest performers in the lobby “to make your visit to the ball even more enchanting.” Meet Ella from Fairest Skye (June 27 at 2 p.m., July 5 at 2 and 7 p.m.) or experience close-up magic with Chris from Geo Magic (June 26, July 2, July 3, July 4 at 7 p.m., also July 5 at 2 p.m.).
Looking ahead, Fraser Valley Musical Theatre has announced Robin Hood! The Panto for staging this fall, followed by Come From Away next spring.