While the author J.M. Barrie is widely known for “Peter Pan,” he also wrote a charming Cinderella comedy, which Theatre Rocks! is proud to present April 28-May 13.
“A Kiss for Cinderella” is set in World War I London, where an artist (Mr. Bodie, played by Adrian Arteaga of Ennis) dubs his cleaning girl “Cinderella” (Annie Jane Adams of Ennis). She becomes enthralled with the story and finds the fairytale meshing with her real life. She is convinced that her “exquisite and perfect” feet make her the ideal candidate as a match for the prince.
This Cinderella is also bound and determined to do something for her country during wartime, but some of her strange actions stir the suspicions of a local policeman (Gideon Binder of Ennis). As he tracks the poor girl, he finds her scraping out a living by doing a host of odd jobs at a penny apiece – jobs that she may or may not have any qualifications whatsoever for attempting. Her clients include Mrs. Maloney (Sarah Ramsey of Corsicana) seeking medical advice, Mr. Jennings (Silas Ramsey of Corsicana) attempting alterations, Marion (Koryahna Kibor of Waxahachie) needing solace, and William (Noah Ramsey of Corsicana) picking up some laundry. A gang of chimney sweeps (Aaron Brazell of Ennis, Ezra Brazell of Ennis, Elijah Ramsey of Corsicana, and Jonas Ramsey of Corsicana) also rush to Cinderella for ghostly advice.
Cinderella is in poor health and becoming increasingly confused, but she is determined to attend a ball and find her prince. She’s a little troubled about her lack of stepsisters (Abby Brazell of Ennis and Kibor), but is sure they will appear at this ball. Rounding out the multigenerational cast is Kelly Kovar as the godmother, queen, and Dr. Bodie; Austin Lytle of Ennis as the king and Danny Duggan; Teagan Vestal of Palmer as Gladys; Maribelle Ramsey of Corsicana as Marie-Therese; Analisa Vega of Ennis as Gretchen; Belle Allen of Ennis as Lady Emma and Ellen, a hospital maid; Katherine Clark of Ennis as a flower seller and Lady Matilda; and Resa Vailolo of Lancaster as a flower seller and Lady Alice.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, April 28 and 29 and May 5, 6, 12, and 13 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 7, and Saturday, May 13, at Theatre Rocks!, 505 NW Main St., Ennis. Tickets are $15 for students and seniors, $18 for general adult admission. Visit theatrerocks.com to purchase tickets, or call 972-878-5126 for reservations or more information.