GORHAM, Maine — A lot of Mainers have probably heard of unified sports. They provide kids with all abilities the chance to join a team and play the sports that they love.
Gorham Arts Alliance is taking that idea to the stage on Saturday.
The group will perform its production of "Cinderella," featuring performers of all ages and all abilities, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Gorham Middle School. Ticket information can be found here.
Amy Valentine, executive director of Gorham Arts Alliance, and David Sheehy, the show's director, said this production has been in the works for years. After COVID-19 forced a setback, the show held its final dress rehearsals this week.
"It has just been probably one of the most heartwarming experiences I've had," Valentine said. "To see, like the whole process come together and to be there the last two nights for the tech and the dress rehearsal and to see the excitement and the smiles and the laughter, it's just heartwarming."
Valentine explained that this rendition of the classic performance will look a little different to accommodate those on stage and in the crowd.
Sheehy said a focus during production was making sure the set designs, lighting cues, and musical numbers were accommodating for everyone who will take the stage.
"It really is the lifelong dream for a lot of these performers and we asked for them to be ages 13 and up, but our oldest performers have been in their 50s and 60s like it runs the gamut, and that comes with all sorts of fun connections within the cast and also challenges that we we try to work [out]," he added.
If you do attend the show, there is something to be aware of: get ready to cheer.
"For some of these performers, it's their very first time on stage and they're psyched and they're nervous and just knowing that the audience is there to support them and there to have a good time and enjoy the work that [was] done makes a huge difference," Sheehy added.
You are also invited to stay after the show to congratulate the performers.
Sheehy has had his hand in similar unified theater productions at a summer camp in New Hampshire and with Lyric Music Theater in South Portland. He is now committed to bringing unified shows to local theaters across Maine.
"Because these performers love doing it, and there aren't always as many opportunities for them," he said. "And so this is such a cool way to integrate them into your everyday performance experience."
Ahead of Saturday's show, Valentine said she is working to make the stage area at the art center in Gorham accessible for people of all abilities and looks forward to hosting similar performances in the future.