“Cinderella” returns to South Suburban College

Back by popular demand, the Children's Theatre Company of South Suburban College is repeating its successful production of Cinderella, which played to sold out performances in January.

The classic fairy tale will take place in the Kindig Performing Arts Center on the college’s Main Campus on Thursday and Friday, July 7-8, at 9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., and on Saturday, July 9, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Humor and romance are beautifully woven together with a generous touch of magic in this lively version of the timeless favorite and always beloved French tale. The play is written by two time Shubert Fellowship award winner Michele L. Vacca of Chicago.

The show features Betty S. Owens, of Glenwood, as the Fairy Godmother. Owens recently appeared in Century Tile's "Hello Bubbles" commercial, which has been played in the south suburban market.

Cinderella (Catherine Hundt, of Thornton) is a sweet and pretty young woman who has been given a poor hand by fate. Her stepmother (Laura Tiemens, of South Holland, as Binaca Listerine) treats her cruelly, and while her graceless sisters (Angela Martin, of Midlothian, as Murine Listerine and Kim Nevins, of Chicago, as Visine Listerine) are invited to a royal ball, Cinderella is not allowed to attend.

But her Fairy Godmother has other plans. Cinderella does attend the ball, where she makes a tremendous impression upon Prince Philip (Mike Novakovich, of Dyer, Ind.). But her Godmother's magic only works until midnight, and Cinderella is forced to leave the festivities. Will she ever see the Prince again? And how will he ever find her?

Rounding out the cast are Heather Young, of Chicago, as the Fairy Godmother's gal Friday, Pat Nevins, of Homewood, as Count Pythagoras de Monet, Dean Scalzitti, of Lansing, as Baron Pettigrew Pickford and Jamel Williams, of Chicago Heights, as Philip's cousin, Sir Duncan of Doughnut.

The play is directed by the Children's Theatre Company founder Ellie Shunko, of Lansing. Anne Begora, of Chicago, is the set designer. Lydia Bellamy-Palma is the lighting designer and Joanna Tassin is the costume designer. Both are from Park Forest. The choreographer is Michael Begora, of Chicago.

Cinderella is stage managed by William Graham, of Lansing. Dan Galbraith and Jennifer Zurawicz, both from Lansing, are the sound and lighting operators.

Tickets are $5.

For information or to reserve tickets, call the box office voicemail line at 708-210-5741. You may also reserve tickets by e-mail at boxoffice@ssc.edu. Reservations for weekday performances are required.