The Empire Announces Sparkling Cast for Cinderella
The cast of the 2024 production of Cinderella have been revealed
Following an extensive audition process to find the perfect fit for the glass slipper, The Empire is thrilled to announce the talented cast for the 2024 musical, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
First premiering on Broadway in 2013, the Tony Award winning Cinderella, takes a romantic comedy spin on an enchanting fairytale, featuring new characters, a hilarious libretto, surprising twists and an unforgettable score.
On stage from March 15-23 of 2024, tickets to all six performances of Cinderella are on sale now.
Leading the cast as the vivacious, strong and idealistic heroine, Ella, is the incredibly talented triple threat, Shannon Gralow.
A performer with pitch perfect vocals, impressive dance skills and captivating stage presence, Ms Gralow’s leading lady triumphs on The Empire stage include Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady (Toowoomba Choral Society – 2019), Glinda in Wicked (The Empire – 2017), Mary Poppins in Disney and Cameron MacIntosh’s Mary Poppins (The Empire – 2015) as well as depicting the legendary Liza Minnelli in this year’s production of The Boy From Oz (The Empire – 2023).
Taking the stage as Cinderella’s prince, the heroic dragon fighting but naïve and misguided Prince Topher is young Toowoomba tenor Gabriel Tiller, who returns to The Empire for the first time in five years from a successful run of Billy Elliot The Musical at The Star Gold Coast, also directed by Cinderella Director, Tim Hill.
Since graduating his musical theatre degree in 2022, Mr Tiller has performed in a string of professional musicals including Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (The Star Gold Coast – 2023) and Singin’ In the Rain!
In Concert (QPAC- 2022). Mr Tiller grew up on The Empire stage, performing in community theatre musicals including Sweeney Todd (TCS – 2017) EssGee’s Pirates of Penzance (The Empire – 2018) and Hello! Dolly (TCS – 2018).
Ms Gralow and Mr Tiller are joined on stage by Vicki Bravery as selfish stepmother Madame, Lydia Cunnington and Stacey Burrow as stepsisters Charlotte and Gabrielle, Flynn Walmsley as political revolutionary Jean-Michel, Russell Reynolds as Lord Chancellor Sebastian and Nick Kirkup as the comedic royal second in command Lord Pinkleton, as well as a highly talented ensemble.
Ms Gralow said she was excited to dive into the world of Cinderella and the music of two of her favourite composers.
It’s a dream role for any girl who has ever wanted to be on stage and to be able to do this somewhere like The Empire, where we have the facilities and capabilities to make it such a wonderful, magical production… there’s no thrill quite like it.
Shannon Gralow
Ella
Mr Tiller was thrilled to be able to bring his talents home to The Empire after five years away and in doing so work with Director Tim Hill once again.
"Topher is a bit of a romantic and a charmer, but he is also quite lost and doesn’t know how to run a kingdom. He has that extra dimension of not quite knowing how to live the life he is supposed to be living. It’s really a journey of self-discovery for this character,” he said.
It’s very exciting to be back and taking on this lead role.
Gabriel Tiller
Topher
Director Tim Hill, along with Musical Director Craig Renshaw, Choreographer Tess Hill and Scenic Designer Frances Story will commence rehearsals in early January, working to create a magical fairytale journey for the audience, complete with beautiful songs and mesmerising dances set against a stunning design with some theatrical magic.
For more information or to book tickets, please contact The Empire on 1300 655 299 or visit empiretheatre.com.au
#What’s New
After four sold-out shows in September of this year, Theatre of Magic is returning by popular demand to The Empire for a six-month series of performances.
The Empire Foundation has continued their commitment to supporting and nurturing the young performers of the region with the presentation of the 2024 Empire Youth Bursaries.
The Southern Queensland Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) will shine a light on talented artists across Southern Queensland with the creation of a high-quality publication aimed at celebrating the spirit and stories of Southern Queensland art and culture.
A remarkable true story of unity, humanity and hope lands on The Empire stage when Tony and Olivier Award-winning hit Broadway musical Come From Away performs from 14 – 23 March 2025.
The Empire’s popular family festival Thrive on Arts will return from September 26-29, celebrating all things nature and the environment.
In the lead-up to 2024 NAIDOC Week celebrations, The Empire launched their Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in support of their ongoing commitment to fostering reconciliation in Australia.
