Onstage Performance Group takes on the classic story of Cinderella, puts a little spin on it and calls it a romantic comedy.

The play, featuring a cast of 30, will take centre stage at South Simcoe Theatre in Cookstown, Dec. 12 to 16. Michelle Devlin, director for Cinderella is delighted to be presenting a show using a pantomime script.

Devlin, who spent some time in England in her youth, recalled how attending a pantomime at Christmas time was a great tradition. Historically, there is another character in the play named Buttons, Devlin noted.

“He’s a man servant and he’s the brother of the prince.” She is careful not to reveal too much so as not to spoil the element of surprise.

In the spirit of pantomime there are some women playing men, but no men in drag for the female leads. “It was also tradition to throw treats and candy into the audience, but we’ll give out candy after the show.”

Suffice to say that princes are not always what they seem, but the show will have a good message for girls as well.

“When he’s charming he’s very charming,” Devlin said, adding this version of the play was written in the 1940s.
 

Devlin decided to take on Cinderella as her own debut in the director’s chair in preparation for a future Onstage musical.

“It’s been absolutely wonderful. Totally consuming. I live and breathe this play,” Devlin said, adding that her daughter Emily is assisting her as well. Emily, who has the role of an evil step-sister, has also written some music for the show.

A number of twists keep things lively, and the audience laughing. Included in the creativity is a fairy godmother who is Harley riding, outspoken member of the Red Hat Society. Playing the prince is Rob Carleton, who recently moved to the Huronia area and is new to Onstage. He has performed in a number of U.S. based television productions and is pleased to be part of the fun.

While Cinderella is not a musical, the Devlins have taken some creative license and included some original songs they penned themselves. The song, Chain of Daisies plays in the grand ball scene, and the segment is choreographed to create a magical feel. Fancy costumes lively dialogue, humour and unexpected turn of events will have the audience enthralled.
 

 Cinderella is suitable for a family audience. There are six performances Dec. 13, 14, 15, 16 (7 p.m. evenings and 2 p.m. matinees). For tickets call 735-0697 or 431-2635.