Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, July 28; 7 p.m. Saturday, July 28, and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 30.

This production is based on the Rogers & Hammerstein musical version of the Cinderella story. The production was originally written for television in 1957, but found success as a stage musical. A 1997 adaptation starring singers Brandy and Whitney Houston has gained a cult following.

In SSTC’s production, Cinderella is played by Priscilla Martinez; the Prince, Michael Bovee; the Stepmother, Jennifer Deutz; Mark Santelman, the King; Holly Anderson, the Queen; and Tamara Leal, the Fairy Godmother. Music is provided by two large ensembles, an adult chorus and a children’s chorus.

Play director Samarah Forster said with this production SSTC is committed to bringing magic and new talent to the stage.

Cinderella (Priscilla Martinez) meets her Fairy Godmother (Tamara Leal).

The production staff has been hard at work creating stage effects to bring the Cinderella story to life. This includes some optical illusion, stage smoke and quick changes.

One of the most impressive features of this production is Cinderella’s pumpkin coach. The pumpkin coach is a functioning prop SSTC was able to acquire from a Cinderella production in Marshall. The coach has already been sold to another Cinderella production.

A preview of the coach will appear in the Bavarian Blast Parade Sunday, July 23, accompanied by some of the cast in costume.

Despite the fancy props, Forster said the greatest asset in this production is the wealth of acting talent. There are around 40 actors from kids to seniors working on Cinderella.

Forster said this production also comes with an inclusion statement. She said the goal was to bring in new people who did not typically appear in productions.

“We wanted fresh faces who had never done theatre before,” Forster said.

The cast was able to pull in actors from Sleepy Eye and Mankato.

Forster believes it is important to be inclusive in casting; especially with Cinderella. The story is about a young woman who is excluded by her family but manages to eventually find her place and her voice.

In her director’s note, she wrote:

“I truly believe that we have stayed true to the message behind this version of Cinderella. Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. We hope everyone watching this show leaves with a little more of a smile on their faces, and a little more hope in their hearts.”

One of the new faces in this production is Tamara Leal, who plays The Fairy Godmother. Leal has a long history working on community production in Sleepy Eye. She recently provided the costuming for Sleepy Eye’s production of “Clue.”

Leal is used to making magic happen backstage, but her role as Fair Godmother will be the first time she gets to make magic on stage. Though her role this time is as a performer, Leal will still technically be providing costuming. As the Fairy Godmother it is her job to provide Cinderella’s gown.

Asked why she chose “Cinderella” for her first acting role, Leal said she saw the 1997 television version of the musical growing up.

“I loved it and I already knew all the songs before trying,” Leal said. “Landing this role was a big deal for me.”

Forster said hearing Leal sing is one of the best treats of this show.

Tickets for performances are available at Hy-Vee, New Ulm, the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce, or at the theater, 1 N. State St.

For credit card sales or questions, call 507-359-9990 or contact info@statestreetnewulm.org.

Ticket prices are $5 for children under 12; for adults, $20 in advance or $25 at the door.