Destiny Diamond Stars in Raleigh Little Theatre's CINDERELLA, Beginning Tonight

The annual tradition of CINDERELLA, now in its 32nd year, returns to Raleigh Little Theatre this December. Directed by Rod and Nancy Rich, RLT's production is adapted from the Prince Street Players version, which blends elements of a traditional British pantomime with dazzling special effects, lavish costumes and comedy for all ages.

Among the new actors in this year's production are Destiny Diamond, who will play the role of Cinderella for the first time, and Forrest Wilson, who will play the Prince. Forrest plays the Prince after two years in the ensemble of Cinderella and several productions with the Clayton Youth Theatre. Destiny appears in her second production at RLT after a role in the ensemble of Hairspray in 2014.

"I feel extremely humbled and blessed to be RLT's first African American Cinderella. Cindy presents a challenge for me to make new discoveries in a classic fairytale. I can't wait for folks to come out and see what new things are in store in this year's production. Every night I'm on that stage, this overwhelming feeling of excitement and disbelief hits me as if I am dreaming," said McNeill.

As part of RLT's increased dedication to accessibility there will be two special performances during CINDERELLA. The showing on Sunday, December 6th at 1pm will be American Sign Language interpreted, and the Sunday, December 13th at 5pm show will be audio described by Arts Access. Additionally, all performances in the Sutton Theatre are now able to be enjoyed by people with hearing loss through the hearing loop system. Patrons may use the t-coil in their hearing aid or cochlear implant to tune in to a signal from the stage, or check out a listening device from house management.

RLT's partnership with WRAL's Coats for the Children continues for a third year. On Thursday, December 10th $10 of each ticket will go to provide children in need with warm winter coats through the Salvation Army of Wake County.

CINDERELLA runs tonight, December 4-20 in the Cantey V. Sutton Theatre. Tickets for all events at RLT can be purchased by calling the box office (919)-821-3111, Monday through Friday, noon to 5:00 p.m., or by visiting the theatre's website at www.raleighlittletheatre.org.

Founded in 1936, Raleigh Little Theatre (RLT) is one of the oldest, continuously operating, community theatres in the United States. RLT offers entertainment, education, and community programs year-round, reaching 40,000 people. As a community theatre, RLT engages hundreds of volunteers, under the guidance of professional staff, to achieve its mission and to bring quality live theatre to the Triangle area. Visit www.raleighlittletheatre.org for more information. Raleigh Little Theatre is located at 301 Pogue St., Raleigh, N.C. 27607, adjacent to the Raleigh Rose Garden Follow Raleigh Little Theatre on Twitter @RLT1936 or twitter.com/RLT1936, on Facebook at facebook.com/RaleighLittleTheatre and on Instagram at instagram.com/raleigh_little_theatre.

Pictured: Destiny Diamond as Cinderella. Photo by Curtis Brown.

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