SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — With around 270 kids in Syracuse University’s Visual and Performing Arts Program it takes the best of the best to be accepted. That’s one accomplishment alone. But, what about competing alongside equity actors from around the county for the leading role in a musical? That’s another honor. And junior, musical theater major, Madison Manning, holds that honor.
Manning is cast as Cinderella, in the Syracuse Stage’s adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1957 musical.
She originally auditioned for the understudy as she never thought she would get the lead over actors from New York City. But getting the lead has taught her a lot, including responsibility.
Manning said, “ I have to take it way more serious and prioritize this over classes, which is hard. This whole week I have tech, so I’m not going to any of my classes.”
Now that Manning has the lead role, she’s learned how to make the work environment the best it can be.
Manning said, “I found that being a quiet leader is the best type. Where I am not the oldest in the room, and there are professional equity actors, and my teachers are in the show as well, so I’m like, I’ll show up and do my work and step aside so people can do their work.”
The play premiers this Friday, November 22nd at 7:30 p.m. It will run through January 5th.
For more information visit www.syracusestage.org/Cinderella.