This is not how Michael Camelo pictured himself spending the summer.
He thought he would be relaxing at the beach.
Not wearing a dress. And high heels. And a wig. And a hat with flowers on it.
Still, when he learned that the Not So Common Players’ production of Cinderella might cast men as the stepsisters, he was intrigued.
Camelo figured he wasn’t the prince type. He didn’t think there were any other roles in the play for him. But being a stepsister? That might be fun.
So, putting his thoughts of sand and sun on hold, he tried out alongside Justin MacFarlane, with whom Camelo had recently worked in `Anyone Can Whistle,` for the part of a stepsister.
There was instant chemistry. In fact, Camelo tried out the first time by himself and called it `funny, but not great.`
But when he and MacFarlane were on stage together, `It was not easy to keep a straight face,` MacFarlane said.
`It was so funny that even I couldn’t stop laughing,` Camelo agreed.
And that’s how he came to trade his swimsuit for women’s formal wear. Not So Common Players will stage `Cinderella` from July 15 to 24, with men playing the stepsisters for a little comic relief. Otherwise, the production is pretty true to the original version, which tells the story of a girl who is tasked with all kinds of dreadful chores under the orders of her stepmother and stepsisters. Cinderella’s fortunes change one night when the king and queen host a ball for their son, who makes a connection with Cinderella.
The play is a favorite of director Kara A. DiCaterino, who grew up watching not only the animated Disney version but the TV movie starring Lesley Ann Warren. DiCaterino even spent some time working at Disney World, where she got to see Cinderella everyday.
A longtime theater enthusiast, she really likes being part of Not So Common Players: `It’s just a great group of people to work with.`
It’s common for families to take part in the group’s productions, and `Cinderella` is no exception. Debbie Paniccia and her daughter, Katie, both have roles in the show, the first time they’ve appeared on stage together.
`We’re very excited,` Debbie said.
Katie said she likes to appear in `lots of shows.`
`I can be whoever I want to be ` someone with a completely different personality.`
She plays a middle child in the ensemble in `Cinderella,` and her mom is also in the ensemble. Debbie has been singing and dancing for years and is thrilled her daughter shares her interest.
`It’s very special,` she said. `I’m very glad she has that intrinsic love of theater.`
Henry and Richie DiMaria also share a love of theater. The brothers from Clifton Park are following in family members’ footsteps by appearing in `Cinderella.` Their older sister has acted, and their grandmother was into plays and show tunes, Henry said.
This is the second show for Richie, 12, while Henry estimates it’s about his 20th. The 17-year-old said he likes how accepting everyone associated with Not So Common Players is ` although one of the draws of acting is the chance to `portray something you’re not.`
`Cinderella` opens Friday, July 15, and runs for two weekends: Friday through Sunday, July 15 to 17, and Thursday through Sunday, July 21 to 24. All performances begin at 8 p.m. On July 22 and 23, the Not So Common Kids will perform `Beauty and the Beast Jr.` at 6 p.m. The Shenendehowa color guard will sell refreshments.
For more information, visit www.notsocommonplayers.org. “
