Despite confusion, Cinderella play provides happy ending

The Waseca Community Education Children’s Summer Theater, in conjunction with the Waseca Drama Department presented Waseca’s Little Rascals in “Cinderella and the Substitute Fairy Godmother” on Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27. This play was directed by teacher/advisor Karen Pfarr Anderson.

 

In this twist on the classic fairy-godmother-transforms-mistreated-girl-to-princess Cinderella story, a frazzled substitute fairy godmother, played by Mya Marlin, is called in at the last minute when the official one comes down with food poisoning after a company picnic. Instead of transforming a pumpkin into a sparkling carriage and conjuring a dazzling gown and glass slippers, she gives Cinderella, played by Olive Scheffert, a frumpy dress stitched together from old curtains and the shoes off her own fairy feet. With no enchanted ride available, Cinderella has to take an Uber to the ball.

 

Filled with story book characters like the three little pigs, the big bad wolf, Pinocchio and Rumpelstiltskin, the changed story includes countless mishaps. Frustrated and a bit embittered, Cinderella makes her way to the ball eager to get it over with. To everyone’s surprise, especially her substitute fairy godmother’s, the prince, played by Alex Henry, falls head over heels in love, proving that charm has nothing to do with fancy dresses or magical shoes. Cinderella and the prince live happily ever after.

 

Children of all ages came together to bring this story to life through 14 days of rehearsals and practice. From the youngest performer to the oldest, each cast member created two unforgettable nights filled with laughter, imagination and beloved storybook characters. Their hard work, dedication and courage transformed a fun retelling of Cinderella into a truly memorable adventure that delighted audiences and proved that a little teamwork and a lot of courage can create something extraordinary.