In just a few months, senior Chloe Palmer, an actress, singer, dancer and poet, will star in the lead role of the Poly Performing Arts production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”
Palmer has always loved performing. Since she was in kindergarten, music has been her favorite class. Throughout middle and high school, she has blossomed into a skilled performer, her love for the art only growing.
An active member of Poly’s performing arts community, Palmer has participated in the musical every year of her high school career, including as part of the ensemble for last year’s “Zombie Prom.” Over the past two years, Palmer has also sung with Poly’s Vocal Ensemble. She named performing Stevie Wonder’s “Someday at Christmas” for the 2023 Holiday Vocal Concert as her favorite moment with the ensemble.
Upper School 10th Grade Dean and Performing Arts Instructor Cynthia Crass said, “She was in all four musicals and I’ve been watching her grow as a human and as an artist, becoming more open to share more of herself and let herself be willing to be vulnerable in front of others.”
Palmer showcased the breadth of her artistic ability when she recited an original poem at Poly’s Black Student Union assembly on Wednesday, Feb. 28. Her poignant piece explored her complex relationship with her biracial family.
Palmer pulls inspiration from women of color in performing arts spaces. While researching for her role of Cinderella, Palmer came across Keke Palmer’s Broadway rendition. (Palmer has no relation to the actress.) “That really inspired me, just seeing a woman of color, someone who looked like me, doing a Cinderella role on Broadway,” Palmer said. Palmer is especially excited to represent women of color in Poly’s spring musical.
Palmer faced new challenges on her journey to become Cinderella. While she prefers to perform R&B pieces, the music in “Cinderella” uses a more traditional musical style, requiring her to step out of her comfort zone. She said, “I think that it’s great, and it also opens my eyes to some traditional musical styles that I never would consider liking.”
Palmer’s castmates have noticed her work ethic and overall energy. Senior Malcolm Villaverde, who will play Prince Topher in “Cinderella,” noted, “She’s very expressive in her work. She lets people know who she is and it’s very powerful.”
Double casted as Cinderella, sophomore Anastasia Arrieta said she was honored to be sharing the role with Palmer. “Chloe is one of the best people I’ve ever worked with. She’s extremely kind, funny, really talented and never shies away from speaking her truth and just being herself,” Arrieta said.
Although she loves the stage, Palmer hopes to become a sports medicine doctor in the future. While she may not pursue acting or singing as a career, Palmer would like to continue at least one passion as a hobby; she hopes to join an acapella group or choir in college.
“Cinderella” will be performed the weekends of April 26-28 and May 3-5. Palmer encourages all students to watch the production, which features twists and reimagined elements.
“Everyone can feel a little bit of magic in their life, and I think that Cinderella can do that to them. Whoever you may be,” Palmer said.