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February 21, 2010

COMING UP NEXT: Kids can have a ball seeing new 'Cinderella'

WENDY ALMEIDA

Everyone's familiar with the story of Cinderella. But maybe not this version.

Local playwright Michele Livermore Wigton wrote an adaptation of the classic tale for young actors, ages 9 to 14, who will perform the show this week at the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine.

''I like our version of 'Cinderella,' because it's a little bit more down to earth than others, but there's lots of glitter and magic in the show, too,'' said director Claire Guyer.

The role of Cinderella is played by Waynflete student Christian Rowe of South Portland. Gabe Walker, a student at Lincoln Middle School, is Prince Louis. Other cast members include Bridget Fehr (Riverton Elementary) as the fairy godmother, Lilly Walker (Longfellow Elementary) as wicked stepsister Claudette, and Elias Grimm (a homeschooler from Portland) as the king. Alexandra Neudek, Sebastian Grimm, Julia Swett and Michael Rivard round out the cast.

Families attending the show will likely appreciate this adaptation's glass slipper, even though it is neither glass, nor a slipper. Guyer believes the show will hold a lot of appeal for today's kids.

''It is going to be really funny and fast-paced,'' she said.

''Cinderella'' will be performed at 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, with an additional early matinee at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

But the show is not the only thing happening at the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine.

At 2:30 p.m. Friday, there will be a special Cinderella Around the World story time featuring the African folk tale ''Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters.''

A paper-doll play workshop at 2 p.m. Sunday will feature Cinderella illustrations by artist Jamie Andrew of Portland that children can color.

When Andrew designed the posters for the production, she also created paper dolls and clothes for children to color and cut out to complement the show.

Another of the special activities included in the museum's admission fee is a winter Olympics for children at 10:30 a.m. Friday, featuring wax-paper ice skating, long jumps and medals for all who participate.

On Saturday morning, a program teaching kids how to shop and manage their money while planning a birthday party is sure to please children and parents alike.

The many interactive exhibits at the museum are also available for exploration before and after all the theatre performances with a combo admission ticket.

There's plenty at the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine to keep the upcoming weekend magical for everyone in the family.

Staff writer Wendy Almeida can be reached at 822-4079 or at:

wea@mainetoday.com

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