The St. Louis Community College-Meramec Theatre presents its summer children’s production “Cinderella or the Story of Bigfoot” by Elizabeth Ely Moreno July 8, 9 and 10 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and July 9 at 7 p.m.
It is produced by special arrangements with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc.
“Cinderella or the Story of Bigfoot” is a goofy retelling of the traditional Cinderella story. Ella Le Grand is an orphan living in her father’s house, now run by her cruel and selfish stepmother. Unlike most fairy-tale maidens, Ella does not have dainty feet. When she and her stepfamily are invited to the King’s ball, Ella is assisted by Dweezil Twistup, Fairy God-Dude Extraordinaire, his sidekick Junior, and a pair of size 23 extra wide Nike Shoebox. When she finally meets Prince Alfonse XIII in his leather jacket and white T-shirt, she finds out that he’s the coolest cat in the kingdom.
Full of unexpected twists, the play shows that true beauty comes from within and that it’s not just okay to be yourself, but that it is the only way to be.
The message is what drew director Michelle Rebollo to this story.
“I really like choosing children's plays that will be fun for the actors to work on and for young audiences to experience,” she said. “Cinderella is a classic story, but I was more interested in the messages conveyed in 'Cinderella and the Story of Bigfoot,' a fractured fairy tale that emphasizes that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
Rebollo said that producing a children’s play is different than producing a play aimed at older audiences.
“The biggest challenge in producing a children's show is the amount of action in this type of theatre. Even though the production is only 30 minutes in length, the amount of action given the genre takes much more energy and imagination from the actors than in a straight play.”
Rebollo added, “It's been so fun working with the actors this summer, and their ideas have really given the production a lively and contemporary vibe which has been great. There are also several Theatre Practicum students involved in the production who are also contributing by assisting with props, costumes, and sound. One of our students is also designing the makeup for the production. The cast has really made this production 'their' show.”
Admission is free and open to the public. Reservations are necessary for the 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. performances only. Call the Box office at 314- 984-7562. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance.
Established in 1962, St. Louis Community College is the largest community college district in Missouri and one of the largest in the United States. STLCC has four campuses – Florissant Valley, Forest Park, Meramec and Wildwood – that annually serve more than 81,000 students through credit courses, continuing education and workforce development programs. For more information about STLCC, visit www.stlcc.edu.