The story of Cinderella is a tale beloved by many in all of its various literary adaptations.

Now, on November 12-13 at 7:30 p.m. and November 14 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. students, families and friends of NDA will have the opportunity to watch Cinderella’s familiar story in the form of a musical.

Junior Anabelle Xiong will undertake the role of Cinderella herself.

“Cinderella was one of my favorite childhood Disney movies,” said Xiong, “and I’m very excited to be playing one of my favorite princesses.”

This is not her first time in the spotlight. Xiong has been a part of other NDA productions, such as Anything Goes, as well as participating in many plays outside of the academy.

“I’ve been doing theater since I was in sixth grade. I’ve been in Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella Jr., Oklahoma and Hairspray.

However, this is Xiong’s first time in the role of the main character and she admits she’s a bit nervous. “I was honestly super duper surprised and shocked! My jaw literally dropped when I saw my name next to Cinderella!”

Nevertheless, there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that Xiong won’t shine as Cinderella.

“Anabelle is the nicest person and so talented,” said freshman Abby Meyer, a dove and villager in Cinderella. “I’m sure she will be great.”

This is Meyer’s first production with NDA, but not her last. She plans to work with the drama department all four years of her high school career.

As one of the three freshman cast members, Meyer has a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on the making of the show.

“Everyone is so kind so you always feel like you are part of something. The auditions and rehearsals are pretty casual but you always get stuff done.”

Rebekah Boucher, another freshman, agrees:  “We get treated the same as everyone else. The other upperclassmen are always really nice, funny and fun to joke around with.”

Boucher confessed the auditions were stressful, but laughs it off now.  “There was nothing to be worried about. Everyone at auditions was supportive and kind.”

“If you’re nervous to sing or act in front of people and for audition, I think you should just be confident in what you’re doing and give it all you’ve got,” Xiong advised. “Being nervous isn’t a bad thing. It just shows that you really care about your performance.”

The overall message:  participating in the musical is a uniting experience where everyone is welcome.

To sum it up, Xiong said, “Musical isn’t just [another] activity after school [designed] to put on a show. You create such fond memories with everyone and build friendships with the people involved with it.”