Cinderella and Pickwick and The Goblins - 1972
Cinderella
Cinderella was first presented in Bartlett Theater in Coxe Hall to 200 children and adults in early February 1972 before traveling around upstate New York.
Davis's adaptation of Cinderella differed from the traditional tale. According to Davis, Cinderella "deserves something better than a prince" and ends up marying an elf who lived behind her mantelpiece instead of the childish and immature Prince Charming.
As was intended for Children's Theater shows, Cinderella had many inexperienced actors. Under the direction of William McAdoo, they developed their skills and were highly praised by both The Herald and the Geneva Daily Times.
Pickwick and The Goblins
Pickwick and the Goblins, an original play by Russel Davis '71, was first performed in Bartlett Theater in late February 1972. Directed by Lew Lafford '71, this show was an attempt to "get away from 'kiddie' shows and appeal to adults as well." It was advertised for kids aged 4 and up and "intelligent adults".
The show follows the story of fours kids and "Pickwick" who learn to conquer their fears after meeting goblins. The Pickwick script won a first place play-writing prize from the Empire State Chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters.
Russel Davis
Cinderella and Pickwick and The Goblins were written by Russel Davis '71. Davis both performed in and helped to produce many Little Theater shows and remained active after his graduation by working on The Children's Theater in 1972. He later worked as an actor with the Traveling Playhouse's children's theater.