LAKEPORT — A local performance of “Cinderella” is alternately being described as a musical comedy or British Panto. Whatever you prefer to call it, the performance is a lot of fun.
“Cinderella” is presented by Mendocino College Lake Center and the Soper-Reese Community Theater in association with Lake County Theatre Company. Performances take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 13, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Dec. 14.
The play, which was written by Kate Hawley, features all the magic and enchantment of the classic Cinderella fairytale, with a storyline that promotes looking beyond surface-level appearances to see people for who they really are. In an interesting role reversal, the Prince (Rick Macedo) is the one in disguise during an initial meeting with Cinderella (Barbara Clark) in the special forest.
This moral is entirely in keeping with the Panto tradition as explained by director Carol Dobusch: “Most of all, Pantos tell tales of old-fashioned morality in which good conquers bad.”
The story comes ably to life thanks to the combined efforts of everyone involved ? actors, musicians and production staff alike.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this play is audience participation. When you attend, you will be encouraged to interact with the characters: answering questions and even arguing about what is happening on stage.
Children ages 12 and younger are being admitted Friday for a special price of $5 per ticket. Regular prices otherwise apply for Saturday and Sunday performances.
Tickets are $20 reserved seating and $15 general admission. Reserved seating is available through the Soper-Reese box office, which is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays; call 263-0577. Information and seating chart are available at www.soperreesetheatre.com.
General-admission tickets are available at Catfish Books and Main Street Gallery in Lakeport, Wild About Books in Clearlake and Shannon Ridge Tasting Room in Clearlake Oaks.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com or call her at 263-5636, ext. 28.
