'Cinderella' Takes to the Stage

Apple Tree Arts’ spring show “Disney’s Cinderella Kids” will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24 at Northbridge Middle School, 171 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville.

Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and free for children four and under.  Tickets will be sold at the door.

 The show tells the timeless fairy tale about poor Cinderella’s mistreatment by her stepmother and stepsisters. This special adaptation of the animated Disney film is ideal for students in grades two to five. Actors are from Grafton, Northbridge, Shrewsbury and Millbury.

The 25 cast members have learned music, dialogue and choreography for the one hour production. Favorite musical numbers include the whimsical “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” sung by the fairy godmother, Cinderella and her mice friends.  Other popular tunes are “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and “The Work Song.”

The main characters include Cinderella played by Ashton Carlson of Grafton, the prince portrayed by Scott Puopolo of Grafton and the fairy godmother, a shared role, played by Katelyn Benbenek of Shrewsbury and Natalie Kirouac of Sutton.

The evil stepmother, a shared role, is played by Ana Cristina Rabines of Grafton and Abby Wren of Sutton. Stepsister Anastasia, a shared role, is played by Madison Luber and Anna Do Rosario of Grafton and Drizella, a stepsister, is played by Alyssa Luber of Grafton.

Valerie Caya of Northbridge plays a Town Crier, a mouse in the mice ensemble and is a guest at the ball. Emma Jendrysik of Millbury plays Herald, a villager and is a mouse.

The show is co-directed by Lisa Scarlett, theatre arts director, and Laurie Baker, theatre arts and early childhood music teacher.  They have co-directed many shows together, including “Beauty and the Beast,” “The King and I” and “Annie.”

Parents have volunteered working on the marquee, promotion and refreshments for the show. They assisted with cast T-shirts and organized star grams.

For more information, visit www.appletreearts.org.