COW Company Theatre to Present CINDERELLA: A HAMPDEN HAPPILY EVER AFTER at The Avenue

If Charles Perrault and John Waters collaborated they might come up with something like COW Company Theatre's Cinderella: A Hampden Happily Ever After. This exciting new version for the young (and young at heart) makes its world premiere on The Avenue this holiday season.

COW Co's Artistic Director Kelly Dowling has adapted the beloved fairy tale using the fun, interactive conventions of a British Pantomime. The "Panto" is a participatory form of musical comedy designed for families and commonly performed during the Christmas and New Year season across the UK. The style is extremely theatrical with puppets, cross gender casting, and audience interaction. Cinderella is the most popular story line in the world of Panto.

"We've definitely turned the traditional Cinderella plot on its head a bit." says Dowling. "Our Cinderella, who lives in 1956 Hampden, is goal oriented and has dreams for her future that don't include a boy friend. She wants to get to the Mayors Holiday Ball, but not to snag a 'prince'. She's chasing a very different dream. I have a young daughter and two sons myself. Even though we love classic fairy tales, I think it's important to tell stories where the characters aren't motivated ONLY by love. Of course, it's theatre, so a few happy endings do involve romance -just as a secondary plot line." The show is designed to entertain kids AND offer up some more sophisticated humor for adults.

The production features original music composed by students at The Baltimore School of Rock. 30-50% of Cinderella's net ticket proceeds will be donated to the Mayor's Annual Christmas Parade, celebrating its 41st year in Hampden.

Audiences for Cinderella are encouraged to make their trip to the show into a day of activities in Hampden. The production's venue (St. Luke's Lutheran Church) is within walking distance to a variety of shops and restaurants on the Avenue and the famous Miracle on 34th Street light display. Information about the neighborhood, and tips for parking is available on COW Co's website http://cowcotheatre.org/cind

The ensemble of "Cinderella: A Hampden Happily Ever After" includes: Diane Appel, Lauren Appel, Rebekah Carmichael, Kelly Dowling , Walt Dowling, Amanda Haddock-Duchemin, Sean James, Johnna Leary, Brett Messiora, Jessica Marie Rivera, & Alex Ward.