Maire Drama Club presents "Cinderfella and the Dancing Shoes" May 9 & 10

Maire Drama Club's 6th season features an original play "Cinderfella and the Dancing Shoes", May 9 & 10 - 7:00 p.m. at Maire School - 743 Cadieux Rd. 

In a modern-day twist on the Cinderella story, ten-year-old New Yorker Michael Russo is tired of being ordered around by his lazy and unmotivated step-siblings.  While mom is away working, Dominic, Nella and Joseph lie around the house while step-brother Michael slaves to keep things clean for his hard-working mother.  The only family members who support Michael are his younger sister Gina, and their cat, Bella.

When Michael hears of an upcoming dance contest with a cash prize, he enters, hoping to win and give the prize money to his mom.  When his step-siblings find out, they chide him, promising to enter the contest themselves as a trio.

Fortunately, Michael is surprised to discover that he has a Fairy Godfather (aka Godfadda) – who flies in from Brooklyn with his Con-Silly-Faires, Luigi & Guido, and his sister Rosie.  Together, they manage to convince Michael that, with their guidance and a pair of magic dancing shoes, he CAN win the contest. 

Assisted by choruses of rapping Paisans, Motivational Speakers, and dancing Gambinis, Godfadda and his Con-Silly-Fairies are able to raise Michael’s self-esteem, and ultimately bring the family together.  The story is guided along by narrators Cinderella, her stepsisters and stepmother, who don’t hesitate to provide their own, often caustic, opinions on the storyline and characters as they help move the show along.  

Cinderfella was written by Sara Fischer Hodges, who also designed the costumes for this year’s play - with the help of seamstress Johnna Muldoon.  Sara is assisted by Julie Schuetze, who coordinated all backstage movement and volunteers.  8th grader Abbey Schuetze is the assistant director and her dad,  Matt Schuetze,  designed and made large props and stage scenery.  The music was once again written and performed by Grammy Award-winning producer Steve “Dr. Ching” King, in collaboration with Sara Hodges.  Maire School music teacher Glen Hipple choreographed the dance numbers for this year’s show.  This year's tage crew consists of Pierce students, Owen Clexton, Evelyn Pacifici and Leo Smith; and Maire students Bella Cameron and Sofia Bachert. 

Admission is free - however donations will be accepted to benefit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Michigan - Team Helena.