Imari Stout is shown in the photo as Cinderella
Springfield, MO—There’s a photo of a little Imari nestled on Cinderella’s lap, watching Cinderella sign her program. The photo was taken in 1998, when Stout was a 5-year-old who spent a lot of time at the Landers Theatre watching her brother Kendrae Mahoney practice for his role in the Springfield Little Theatre production of “Cinderella.”
“At 5 years old, for me, it was like watching a Broadway actor,” Stout says. “I was definitely fangirling.”
Little did she know then she would one day step into the spotlight as Cinderella.
Last month, one of the most diverse cast wrapped up a three-week run in the lead roles of this year’s production of “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.”
Imari Stout stars as the lead character in Springfield Little Theatre’s “Cinderella.”
This production, however, is slightly different than the original. This is the Enchanted Edition, which still features Rodgers and Hammerstein’s music but is based on the 1997 teleplay featuring Brandy and Whitney Houston. It introduces new songs and a fresh, more humorous approach to the classic story.
But “more than anything, this production is special because it requires a diverse cast,” says Stout.
“It’s really special because it calls for all different types of ethnicities,” she says. “Getting to play Cinderella as a Black actress was really special. She is traditionally a caucasian princess.”
Also featured in prominate roles were the King, Queen and the fairy Godmother.
Derrick DeVonne King (King Maximillian) is excited to be returning to SLT, having last been seen in Hello Dolly pre-COVID. Favorites at SLT include The Full Monty (Horse), Godspell (Jesus), Big River (Jim), Cats (Deuteronomy), The King and I (King), To Kill a Mockingbird (Tom Robinson), Of Mice and Men (Crooks), and Children of Eden (Adam). He’s also been seen at Springfield Contemporary Theatre in Big River (Jim), Broadway Rocks 2 & 3, Dawg Pound Blues (Dewayne), The All Night Strut, and as choreographer for Evita, Sweeney Todd, and Avenue Q. Derrick received his BFA in Choral Music from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and his MFA in Musical Theatre from Oklahoma City University.
Brecka Henderson (Queen Constantina) is a native of Springfield, MO. She has been the owner & lead stylist of Hair Waves Salon since 2007. She has been a Praise & Worship leader, at Deliverance Temple Ministries, for over 10 years.
This is Brecka’s first stage performance at SLT. Special thanks to her amazing nephew Brandon Looney (Lola in Kinky Boots!) for encouraging her to audition. “Thank you to SLT for this absolutely amazing opportunity to work with some of Springfield’s best of the best!
Deborah Bedell (Fairy Godmother) is from Springfield MO. She attended Central High School and Draughons Business College. Deborah loves cooking and raising elephant ears. Previous productions include Show Boat at Central, A My Name is Alice at Drury, South Pacific at Tent Theatre, and Goodbye Girl, Sophisticated Ladies, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Beehive, Little Shop of Horrors at SLT. “Thank GOD, for daughter Tameka, son Ernie Jr., wife Elisa, grandsons D’Angela James a.k.a. JJ, family for the encouragement through each production. Love you all so much.”
