A `CINDERELLA STORY' FOR ALL AGES

Children's theatre is back at the Southeast Missouri State University Theater, this time in the form of the classic "Cinderella."

Scheduled for performance April 7-11, three performances are open to the public April 10 and 11. Other matinees will be performed for school children.

Director Don Garner, who adapted the play based on the classic French tale of the late 18th century, said it's geared toward children but written in a way that also appeals to adults.

"After all, we were all children once," Garner said.

A one-time theater director at Font Bonne College, Garner, of St. Louis, also directed the Southeast productions of "Hansel and Gretle" and "Jack and the Beanstalk." Children's theater is produced by the university theater department semi-annually.

Garner said three clowns, Pete, Pat and Polly, talk to the audience about the play before it starts. He said his version of "Cinderella," which is non-musical, is well received by children because it contains the kind of comedy children respond well to.

"There is lots of dancing, falling down, tripping, lots of old-fashioned slapstick comedy children really adore," he said.

Garner said a "huge" turnout for auditions led to a talented and experienced cast.

Playing the lead of Cinderella is Abbie Crites, who has been cast in nearly all university theater productions this year. The wicked stepmother is Leslie Stevens and the prince is played by Jim Storck.

Other cast members are Tina Schaefer as O'Zetta, Edjron Pearson as Andrew, Angie Hotop as O'Della, Sharon Wickerham as the fairy godmother, Jennifer Cooper as Lady Sarah, Dawn Schwab as Queen Ostentatia, Patrick Rebmann as Harley, Steve Weiss as Davey, Dan Stevens as the mouse and Dan Kemper, Ann Trimberger and Tim Stroud as the audience clowns.

Performances open to the public will be April 10 at 7 p.m. and April 11 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Forrest H. Rose Theatre on campus. Tickets will be available at the door.