After participating in theater for eight years, senior Olivia Garofalo will appear in the auditorium spotlights one last time when she takes on the stage as Cinderella this week. 

With graduation on the horizon, Garofalo had high hopes to secure the lead in Baldwin’s production of Cinderella, and she is enthralled with the results, she said. 

“Having to have all my songs and all of my scenes with everybody is just amazing,” Garofalo said. 

In her years of performing, Garofalo has been cast as a lead several times, including Cady in Mean Girls, and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Clearly, Garofalo’s considerable talent stands out. 

“Olivia is a top-notch vocalist who has remarkable intonation and style. I can’t recall a single time I’ve heard her miss a note,” choir teacher Kristen Tranter said. 

Theater teacher Cassidy Cooper said Garofalo has greatly developed as a person throughout her time in theater as well.

“Olivia has put in a lot of work to grow, as an actress, a person, and a performer,” Cooper said. 

Cooper has worked with Garofalo ever since her performance in Baldwin’s rendition of the play Almost, Maine, which Garofalo starred in during her sophomore year. Garofalo has since been able to stand out with her beautiful singing voice, strong work ethic, and ability to delve into her characters, Cooper said. 

Garofalo’s passion for theater began with her involvement in Baldwin alumni Mikayla Davic’s original musicals, which featured performers who ranged from kindergartners through high school students, and which raised money for Make-A-Wish. She performed in four out of Davic’s five shows, starting when she was in fourth grade. 

“I found my calling through it. I realized, ‘Oh my god, performing is so much fun.’ … It was a great way to start it off,” Garofalo said. 

Garofalo also puts her singing talents to good use in a variety of ways outside of theater.

“Olivia shows her deep love for singing by volunteering to share her voice at many of our school and community events, such as Gifts of Dance, at sporting events, and our annual fundraiser, Baldwin Idol,” Tranter said. 

Garofalo also has used her talents and leadership skills to strengthen the Baldwin community in other ways. Junior Julia Johnson, who has been her teammate on the Baldwin tennis team for over two years, said Garofalo’s personality stands out.

“She’s become more of a role model to her peers, especially on the tennis team. She sets a good example by radiating positivity and keeping the team spirits high,” Johnson said. 

Garofalo also works at the Chocolate Boutique. After high school, she plans to study business at Robert Morris University. 

But this week is all about Cinderella. The show opens tonight and will continue through Saturday. All performances start at 7 p.m.

Despite the many long nights Garofalo has had to dedicate to theater, it has all been worth it, she said. Some of her fondest memories involve the rehearsal processes and getting to spend time with her friends and co-stars. 

“This is my last show, so we’re all making memories every time we have rehearsal,” she said. “Getting to spend my last show with all of my friends and people that I’ve done shows with for a really long time is really special to me.”