Vernon’s 27th Street Theatre has rounded up a classic fairy tale with a country twist.
Cinderella: A Western Musical Comedy comes to the W.L. Seaton Secondary Theatre Jan. 8-12 and Jan. 15-19. But first, elementary students at Alexis Park, Harwood, Hillview and Lavington will get a sneak peak of the show Dec. 19 and 20. Thursday also includes a performance for sponsors and former Seaton grads.
“It’s so fun to take a story that everybody knows and make it a little different,” said Director Lana O’Brien of the modern western story and music in an old west town.
Cowboy boots and hats replace the tiaras and glass slippers of the Disney princess story. The castles and estates of Cinderella are also swapped for store fronts more familiar to the North Okanagan.
“It’s Armstrong, that was the inspiration,” said O’Brien, who grew up in the small city north of Vernon and continues to reside there.
Local businesses also star in the show, with sponsored jokes and scenes.
“We still need a hair salon to sponsor us for one of the jokes,” said O’Brien.
The humour continues in the characters, including the ugly step ‘sisters’ Mattie and Hattie, played by Jeffrey Demoe and Gus Hansen, complete in dresses and skirts.
“They’re not drag queens but it’s a panto classic,” said O’Brien of the British pantomime style where the dames come from.
The productions includes approximately 50 students, double cast which means each performance will be a little different.
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“We call them the sugar cast and the spice cast. They have a ball, kids love it and the audience loves it.”
Audience interaction plays a leading role with the actors, as they boo the villians and cheer on the heroes.
Those wanting to be closer to the set can also take a seat on blanket-covered straw bales on stage.
“So the kids can get up close and personal with the actors,” said O’Brien.
Cinderella: A Western Musical Comedy features the Potato Patch Kids and is choreographed by Aleya Chirkoff.
Those interested in checking out the show are urged to get their tickets before the school closes for Christmas break Friday, Dec. 21.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under, available at Seaton (2702 41st St.) or by calling 250-542-3361, ext. 2227.
Evening shows run nightly at 7 p.m. Jan. 8-12 and Jan. 15-19. There are two matinee shows at 2 p.m. Jan. 12 and 19.
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